The windows in your home are a portal to the outdoors, a way to allow light in while you enjoy the view of your garden, yard or other surroundings. The last thing you want to see is a sweaty window plastered in a coating of condensation.

Not only are windows covered in condensation unsightly, they also can be a symptom of a more substantial air-quality issue throughout your home. Fortunately, there’s several things you can attempt to resolve the problem.

What Produces Condensation in Windows

Condensation on the inside of windows is formed by the damp warm air throughout your home hitting the cooler surface of the windows. It’s particularly commonplace in the winter when it’s much chillier outside than it is inside your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When dealing with condensation, it’s important to recognize the contrast 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 moist air inside your home forming against the glass.
  • Existing moisture you notice between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture gets in between the two panes of glass, in which case the window needs to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation in the windows isn’t a window issue and can instead be fixed by adjusting the humidity in your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, taking a bath or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Though you might presume condensation in your windows is a cosmetic concern, it may also be evidence your home has higher humidity. If that’s the case, water may also be condensing on window frames, cold walls or other surfaces. Even a thin film of water can cause wood surfaces to mildew or rot over time, increasing the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Lower Humidity Inside Your Home

Not to worry, because there are various options for eliminating moisture from the air inside your home.

If you have a humidifier operating within 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 active and your home’s humidity level is higher than you prefer, look into getting a dehumidifier. While humidifiers put moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t become too dry, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, those units require emptying water trays and most often service a somewhat limited area. A whole-house dehumidifier will extract moisture across your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are regulated by a humidistat, which permits you to set a humidity level the same like you would choose a temperature on your thermostat. The unit will start instantly when the humidity level overtakes the set level. These systems work with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Additional Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans around humidity hotspots including the bathroom, laundry room or above the stove can help by drawing the warm, moist air from these spaces out of your home before it can raise the humidity level inside your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Turning on ceiling fans can also keep air circulating inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one place.
  • Opening your window treatments. Opening the blinds or drapes can reduce condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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