- Condensation can cause mould, damage, and higher energy bills, but there are fixes. Insulate or upgrade windows, improve ventilation, control humidity, keep room temperatures steady, prevent cold bridging, cut back moisture sources, and consider long-term building solutions. The ultimate fix is double glazing, which keeps your home dry, energy-efficient, and comfortable all year.
Condensation on windows is a familiar sight in many Australian homes. It shows up as foggy glass in the morning, tiny water droplets sliding down your panes, or even mould creeping around window frames. It might look harmless, but don’t underestimate it. When left unchecked, condensation can cause both damage to your property and even health issues.
The good news is there are simple fixes, from quick daily habits to bigger upgrades that pay off in the long-term. Here’s what you should know about how to stop window condensation:
7 Ways to Stop Condensation on Windows
1. Insulate and Upgrade Windows
Year-round: double glazing or secondary glazing reduces condensation in winter and also cuts heat gain in summer. Thermal films help both ways too.
When warm indoor air hits cold window glass, the moisture in the air turns into droplets. That damp build-up creates the ideal conditions for mould, which can damage your home even impact your health. If you’ve been wondering, “Does double glazing stop condensation on windows?” the answer is a resounding yes.
Installing double glazed windows or even triple glazing helps by keeping warmth inside and preventing the glass from getting cold in the first place. No cold glass means no condensation, no excess moisture, and no mould The result? A cosier, healthier home.
If new windows aren’t in your budget, secondary glazing is a solid retrofit option that works well without a full replacement. For a cheaper, quick fix, you can also try thermal films. But take note: they won’t perform as effectively as upgrading the glass itself.
2. Improve Ventilation
Year-round: Always helpful. In summer, it clears humid air. In winter, it balances indoor moisture without overheating.
- Open windows when you can, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where steam builds up quickly.
- Exhaust fans make a huge difference if they vent outside, not just into the roof cavity.
- Window vents or trickle vents are another option for steady airflow without creating a draft.
Just keep in mind that fresh air is what keeps moisture levels under control.
3. Control Indoor Humidity
Year-round: Dehumidifiers and air conditioning help in humid summers, while in winter they stop condensation on cold glass.
- Drying clothes indoors, cooking without lids, and hot showers all push indoor humidity levels up.
- A portable dehumidifier can be a lifesaver in small bedrooms or living areas
- Air conditioners often come with a dehumidifying mode that helps pull moisture out of the air.
The key is to keep the relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
4. Maintain Warm, Even Room Temperatures
Mostly winter: more about reducing cold glass at night. In summer, the focus flips to keeping glass cool so the air conditioner is not working against hot windows.
When rooms cool down too much overnight, condensation is more likely to occur.
- Keeping your home at a steady temperature stops the air inside from constantly hitting cold surfaces.
- Curtains with thermal lining help too, but leave a slight gap at the bottom so air can circulate rather than trapping moisture between fabric and glass.
5. Prevent Cold Bridging
Year-round: sealing gaps stops cold draughts in winter and hot leaks in summer. It also improves energy efficiency overall.
Cold bridging happens when outside air sneaks in through small gaps in window frames or walls, cooling the glass and inviting condensation. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal frames and check for cracks. Not only does this reduce condensation, but it also keeps your heating and cooling bills lower.
6. Reduce Moisture Sources
Year-round: cooking, showers, and indoor plants add moisture no matter the season. In summer, it’s more about comfort and avoiding that sticky, humid feeling.
- Shut the bathroom door when you shower and run the exhaust fan.
- Use lids when boiling food.
- Place indoor plants away from window sills if they’re making the air too damp.
Even small changes like these stop unnecessary water vapour building up in the air.
7. Long-Term Building Solutions
Year-round: insulation, ventilation systems, and HVAC with humidity control improve comfort and stop condensation in all climates.
- Adding roof, wall, or underfloor insulation helps regulate temperature so your glass does not get icy cold in winter.
- Whole-home ventilation systems and heat recovery units are popular in colder climates, though they are a bit of a pricey investment.
- In humid zones, HVAC systems with humidity control stop that muggy indoor feel while protecting your windows.
How to Stop Condensation on Windows Overnight
Condensation doesn’t just happen in winter; it can show up all year round. Here’s how to keep it under control while you sleep, season by season:
How to stop condensation on windows overnight in winter:
- Crack a bedroom window slightly to let moisture escape.
- Run a dehumidifier overnight in problem rooms.
- Keep curtains slightly open so air can circulate against the glass.
- Keep the heater at a steady setting instead of letting the room cool right down.
Summer (with air conditioning):
- Don’t set the AC too cold. A sharp difference between indoor and outdoor air makes condensation worse.
- Run a ceiling fan on low overnight to keep air moving.
Autumn:
- If the nights turn cool, leave a window slightly open while you sleep to balance indoor humidity.
- Keep heaters steady in the evenings so the room doesn’t swing hot-to-cold overnight.
Spring:
- On mild nights, leave windows cracked for gentle airflow.
- Use a dehumidifier overnight if the weather turns humid.
The Winning Move: Double Glazing
If you want a solution that tackles condensation at the source, double glazing is the clear winner. By keeping the inner pane closer to room temperature, it removes the conditions that cause condensation in the first place.
The benefits go beyond clear glass. Double glazing improves energy efficiency, cutting heating and cooling costs. It makes your home more comfortable, quieter (if you opt for soundproof windows), and healthier by removing the damp environment where mould grows. While the upfront cost is higher than other fixes, it’s definitely an investment that pays for itself over time.
If you often find yourself searching for how to stop condensation on windows in winter (and throughout the year) double glazing is one of the most effective solutions that your future self will thank you for.
Whether you prefer tilt and turn, sliding, awning, casement, or fixed windows, there’s a perfect fit for your space.
Beat Condensation Woes with Windows Tech
Foggy views are so last season. For a long-term fix, trust Windows Tech. Our double glazing, UPVC windows keep your glass clear, your home cosy, and your outlook bright. That’s why we’ve been the city’s go-to choice for 10+ years.
Contact us today to get a free quote and a 10% price beat guarantee.
Check out our other guides:
- Best Window Direction for Australian Homes
- How to Tell if Your Double Glazing Has Failed?
- How Long Does Double Glazing Last?
