The windows in your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you would want to see is a sweaty window covered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more serious air-quality issue in your home. Luckily, there’s numerous things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home mixing with the cooler surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent over the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s important to recognize the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an indoor air quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture inside a window is caused from the warm damp air inside your home forming against the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal fails and moisture seeps between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by changing the humidity in your home. Different things cause humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might presume condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic problem, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity Throughout Your Home

Fortunately there are numerous options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within your home – whether it be a smaller unit or a whole-house humidifier – lower it further so the humidity inside your home goes down.

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Compact, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to establish a humidity level just like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans around humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the oven can help by drawing the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by preventing the humid air from being caught against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even in the middle of the winter.