The windows of your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window coated in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality deficit within your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can try to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of the windows. It’s notably commonplace around the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s necessary to understand the distinction between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison to moisture in between the windowpanes. One is an air-quality issue and the other is a window issue.

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is caused from the warm moist air inside your home condensing against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, in which case the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity across your home. Different things cause humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Although you might consider condensation inside your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be indicating your home has excess humidity. If this is in fact the case, water could also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a small film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity in Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, look into 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.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which enables you to set a humidity level just like you would select a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Additional Ways to Lower Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans near humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by extracting the warm, humid air from these rooms out of your home before it can increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air moving inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the humid air from being trapped against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.