The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to let light in as 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 film of condensation.

Not only are windows coated in condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality issue throughout your home. Luckily, there’s multiple things you can do to address the problem.

What Produces Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the moist warm air in your home reaching the cooler surface of your windows. It’s notably common during the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When discussing condensation, it’s crucial to know the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows compared 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 damp air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be solved by fine-tuning the humidity in your home. Different things cause humidity in a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Although you might presume condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it can be indicating your home has higher humidity. If this is in fact the case, water may also be accumulating on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

The good news is there are numerous options for extracting moisture from the air in 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 running and your home’s humidity level is high, think about getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, portable units require clearing water trays and most often service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled 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 automatically when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems coordinate 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 in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get trapped in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and circulating air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.