The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in while you enjoy 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 coated in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more substantial air-quality deficit inside your home. Thankfully, there’s multiple things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Creates Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is created by the damp warm air in your home mixing with the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially prevalent during the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is in 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 versus 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 moist air throughout your home forming on the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is caused when the window seal breaks down and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window should be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be solved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things produce humidity throughout a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic issue, it may also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If this is the case, water could 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 Throughout Your Home

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

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

If you don’t have a humidifier going and your home’s humidity level is high, look into installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers introduces moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can eliminate the water from a single room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and usually service a fairly small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will eliminate moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which enables you to establish a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level surpasses the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these areas out of your home before it can elevate the humidity level across your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling within the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the warm air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By lowering humidity across your home and moving air throughout your home, you can enjoy clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.