Condensation inside

[nzwasp]

This winter is our first winter with a working humidifier (it was set at 25% yesterday and i turned it down to 20%) and the condensation is on almost every window, also its very hard to open the sliding door although I think this may be an issue with ice build up under the door somehow. Does anyone also suffer from this? the humidifier and fan run almost constantly.

[ExtraSlow]

Finding the optimal humidity is a little complex, changes for each house. Lowering the humidity in your house is very easy in winter. The air outdoors is dry as a bone in these temps. Turn off humidifier, open one window a crack and run one bathroom exhaust fan for a day and it'll drop.

How shitty are your windows though?

[cyra1ax]

This was the chart that my builder gave me.

[ThePenIsMightier]

The humidistat controller is usually not very accurate. You should get an actual humidistat and use that to gauge what the actual humidity is and then adjust your dial controller to click once you're where you want to be.

It's -25°C at my place with 39%RH inside and I'm definitely getting a bit of fog and ice on mine. Unless your windows were $1 Trillion and your actual RH is down to about 25%, you're going to get fog.

*Note that my wall PoS is saying 30% and it's actually 39%, so that's why I question the controller accuracy.

[ExtraSlow]

Also, some condensation isn't the end of the world. Very normal on windows that don't have much airflow or any behind closed blinds. No biggie.

[nzwasp]

The windows are garbage. Upstairs we want to get them replaced with triple pane but theres a glass shortage and its $$$. The nest gauge is saying its 38% humidity, the humidifier is set to 20% it shouldnt be going at all i would think.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Do you have an HRV? That will help to lower your humidity if it's on during extreme cold.

(Heat Recovery Ventilator)

[bjstare]

Zero chance that 20% is causing that much condensation at relatively mild outside temps like we're currently having. Turn it down until you are getting a manageable amount. You can get a more accurate means of measuring humidity, but that isn't required; it's more a matter of curiosity.

edit: 38% seems more realistic based on what you said.

[cyra1ax]

Didn't see it mentioned yet so I'll say it: humidifier isn't the only source of humidity in the home. Cooking, showers, open toilets, plants are all sources as well. Breathing also contributes marginally as well, so try not to breathe as much.

If you're really that concerned, open a window or get a dehumidifier.

[Tik-Tok]

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Zero chance that 20% is causing that much condensation at relatively mild outside temps like we're currently having.

Have you been outside the last two days? It's -23° right now. 20% will definitely give you condensation with old shitty windows.

[nzwasp]

I would note that the condensation isn't freezing on the inside of the my windows its just wet. I just went and wiped down all the windows in the downstairs as this problem was very common when I lived in New Zealand. Unsure if it helps. I turned the humidifer off for now - if its reading the nest right it shouldnt be on at all.

[lilmira]

The cheapo humidistat is highly inaccurate. 20%RH is unlikely. The lowest I had was about 25% with my humidifier off. You'll need a dehumidifier to go lower. I imagine you'll be walking around shooting out lightning bolts like Palpatine.
If your house is at 20C and your RH is about 30%, the dew point is 2C. Anywhere on your window at lower than 2C you'll have condensation. Colder than 0C you'll have frost/ice.

[suntan]

I cannot get the humidity below 32% in my house. If you have wood floors they hold a tremendous amount of moisture.

[ercchry]

Does the MIL have an indoor pond/fountain?

[suntan]

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Does the MIL have an indoor pond/fountain?

Sure, in bed.

[killramos]

Greasssssy

[ExtraSlow]

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sure, in bed.

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greasssssy

lol.

[schurchill39]

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Sure, in bed.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to suntan (and nzwasp's MIL) again

[bjstare]

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Have you been outside the last two days? It's -23° right now. 20% will definitely give you condensation with old shitty windows.

Not really actually, I had no idea it was that cold

Keep in mind, he lives in Aspen. It's not a 1950's build with original windows, they're "shitty" for a ~10 year old house.

[killramos]

In my 50’s bungalow the ice on the windows just adds insulation value and free privacy glass.