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

Not only are windows covered in condensation unattractive, they also can be evidence of a more serious air-quality issue inside your home. Thankfully, there’s several things you can attempt to address the problem.

What Causes Condensation along Windows

Condensation on the inner layer of windows is produced by the damp warm air in your home hitting the cold surface of the 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 crucial to know the difference 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 caused from the warm humid air throughout your home collecting on the glass.
  • The moisture you find between windowpanes is caused when the window seal fails and moisture seeps 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 situation and can instead be resolved by adjusting the humidity across your home. Many things cause humidity in a home, including showers, cooking, laundry or even breathing.

Why Condensation on Windows Can Be Trouble

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

How to Lower Humidity Throughout Your Home

Fortunately 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-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, think about installing a dehumidifier. While humidifiers adds moisture inside your home so the air doesn’t dry out, a dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air.

Small, portable dehumidifiers can remove the water from one room. However, these units require clearing water trays and generally service a small area. A whole-house dehumidifier will remove moisture throughout your entire home.

Whole-house dehumidifier systems are managed by a humidistat, which allows you to set a humidity level just like you would pick a temperature with your thermostat. The unit will run immediately when the humidity level exceeds the set level. These systems coordinate with your home’s HVAC system, so you should contact qualified professionals for whole-house dehumidifier installation .

Other Ways to Decrease Condensation on Windows

  • Exhaust fans. Putting in 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 increase the humidity level in your home.
  • Ceiling fans. Spinning ceiling fans can also keep air swirling throughout the home so humid air doesn’t get stuck in one spot.
  • Open window treatments. Throwing open the blinds or drapes can lower condensation by stopping the damp air from being stuck against the windowpane.

By reducing humidity in your home and moving air throughout your home, you can take advantage of clear, moisture-free windows even in the winter.