The windows in your home open up to the outdoors, a way to draw light in when you take in the view of your garden, yard or landscape. The last thing you need to see is a sweaty window plastered in a layer of condensation.

Not only are windows plastered with condensation unattractive, they also can be a symptom of a larger air-quality problem within your home. Luckily, there’s several things you can do to address the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is created by the humid warm air inside your home hitting the colder surface of the windows. It’s especially 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 necessary to understand the contrast 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 within a window is created from the warm humid air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you see between windowpanes is produced when the window seal fails and moisture slips 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 resolved by adjusting the humidity inside your home. Many things produce humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

Though you might consider condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic concern, it could also be evidence your home has excess humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be collecting on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can help wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, fostering the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are various options for removing moisture from the air throughout your home.

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

If you don’t have a humidifier active and your home’s humidity level is excessive, consider purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture in your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

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

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are controlled by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level the same like you would pick a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level overtakes 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 .

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

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

By decreasing humidity in your home and dispersing air throughout your home, you can make the most of clear, moisture-free windows even during the winter.