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

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

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the interior of windows is produced by the moist warm air inside your home reaching the cold surface of the windows. It’s particularly commonplace in the winter when it’s much cooler outside than it is within your home.

Inside Moisture vs. In Between Panes

When talking about condensation, it’s necessary to understand the difference between moisture on the inside of your windows in comparison 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 humid air in your home condensing on the glass.
  • The moisture you see between windowpanes is formed when the window seal stops working and moisture slips between the two panes of glass, and at that point the window has to be repaired or replaced.
  • Condensation inside the windows isn’t a window problem and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity in your home. Different things generate humidity throughout a home, like showers, cooking, bathing or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be a Problem

Even though you might think condensation on the inside of your windows is a cosmetic issue, it could also be evidence your home has high humidity. If this is the case, water could 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, promoting the growth of mildew or mold.

How to Decrease Humidity in Your Home

Not to worry, because there are several 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 decreases.

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

Smaller, portable dehumidifiers can absorb the water from an entire room. However, portable units require emptying water trays and generally service a fairly small 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 establish a humidity level the same like you would select a temperature via your thermostat. The unit will start automatically when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact experienced professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Other Ways to Reduce Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Adding exhaust fans in humidity hotspots like the bathroom, laundry room or above the kitchen range can help by pulling the warm, humid air from these spaces out of your home before it can increase the humidity level throughout your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Running ceiling fans can also keep air swirling inside the home so humid air doesn’t get caught up in one spot.
  • Opening up window treatments. Pulling open the blinds or drapes can decrease condensation by preventing the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

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