The windows of your home are a gateway to the outdoors, a way to let light in as you appreciate the view of your garden, yard or scenery. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window covered in a film of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unsightly, they also can be a sign of a more substantial air-quality deficit throughout your home. Thankfully, there’s numerous things you can do to address the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the humid warm air throughout your home mixing with the colder surface of your windows. It’s particularly common in the winter when it’s much colder outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

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

  • Moisture on the inside of a window is created from the warm damp air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • Any moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal breaks down and moisture seeps 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 problem and can instead be resolved by changing the humidity inside your home. Many things generate humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Although you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic problem, it can be a sign your home has high humidity. If that’s the case, water might also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a slim film of water can encourage wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier running and your home’s humidity level is high, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture into your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will want to contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Additional Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including 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 elevate the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air circulating within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being caught against the windowpane.

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