The windows throughout your home open up to the outdoors, a way to allow light in when 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 coating of condensation.

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

What Produces Condensation on Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is created by the damp warm air throughout your home mixing with the colder surface of your windows. It’s especially prevalent over the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is in your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize 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 within a window is produced from the warm damp air throughout your home condensing against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you find between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, and by then the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation on the inside of the windows isn’t a window situation and can instead be fixed by fine-tuning the humidity in your home. Many things generate humidity inside a home, like showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be an Issue

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

How to Reduce Humidity Throughout Your Home

Thankfully there are several options for removing moisture from the air in your home.

If you have a humidifier active inside your home – whether it be a small-scale 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 excessive, look into purchasing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t get too dry, a dehumidifier draws excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from an entire room. However, these units require clearing 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 enables you to specify a humidity level just like you would select a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems collaborate with your home’s HVAC system, so you will receive the best results if you contact skilled professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Alternative Ways to Eliminate Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Installing exhaust fans near humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air flowing throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one area.
  • Opening your window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by preventing the damp air from being trapped against the windowpane.

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