just out of curiousity.....this was our first winter in this home and we
noticed that from about end of Nov to almost Feb, that the humidity in our
home displayed itself as tell-tale condensation on the lower edge of
windows. (northern ontario canada climate)

That was about 60% humidity...and we still have it. Its not uncomfortable,
in fact its quite nice in here (no static, dry lips, etc). but the moisture
I don't like in the winter. We tried running a borrowed dehumidifier, and
it did NOTHING. Pulled all of 3 drops from the air overnight.

At 60% humidity would the dehumidifier not be working overtime???? What are
my other options to controlling the humidity? I've got a new bathroom fan
installed and shower with the bathroom window open (all year). Older
furnace, no other accessories other than central air (which obviously
controls the issue in the summer). What could be going on? Is it that the
dehumidifier I borrowed didn't work??

any ideas on a more permanent solution? I know an air/air exchanger will
work wonders, but the cost is prohibitive. I heard that running a "fresh
air intake" to the intake side of the furnace works well....any ideas? just
cut a hole in the wall and run a duct to the intake???

I'm stumped!

b

60% humidity sounds wrong, what kind of humidistat do you have . Was it
calibrated, Taylor sells them up to 25% out of calibration, Menards, Ace
all had the same junk. I had to find a large display analog and
calibrate it. 60% rh at 10f or less and your exterior walls would be
literaly wet and your windows would have puddles under them. A little
condensation as you describe happens, but depending on window type may
not be a concern.
Do you have dual pane argon, what brand . What temp do you keep the
house in, farenheit. Dehumidifiers can frost some as high as 67f and
not work. What are winter temp ranges in, farenheit.
First you need a good humidistat.

I wondered....

regulated inside temp all winter = about 70 deg
average outside temp during winter = about 0 deg or less

Yes, the humidistat did move up and down some, but still stays at 60% right
now!! The dehumidifier I had
did not frost up. I agree....I'm going to have to get a good humidistat!!

The windows in the house are all wood framed, double pane glass from 1984.
Brand is unknown but the
glass is labelled as Twinsulite II. The windows were essentially sweating
somewhat, no moisture on the walls
I don't like the idea of water streaking down the window frame, sitting
there deteriorating paint/drywall and perhaps
getting in behind...

any ideas on how to lower??

b


"m Ransley" wrote in message
...
60% humidity sounds wrong, what kind of humidistat do you have . Was it
calibrated, Taylor sells them up to 25% out of calibration, Menards, Ace
all had the same junk. I had to find a large display analog and
calibrate it. 60% rh at 10f or less and your exterior walls would be
literaly wet and your windows would have puddles under them. A little
condensation as you describe happens, but depending on window type may
not be a concern.
Do you have dual pane argon, what brand . What temp do you keep the
house in, farenheit. Dehumidifiers can frost some as high as 67f and
not work. What are winter temp ranges in, farenheit.
First you need a good humidistat.

You need fresh air , a recircuator , or a way to introduce fresh
air, but im no hvac pro.
Do you have a condensing furnace , one that uses outside air for
combustion , or a real tight house , with tyvek.
Without a good humidistat you cant say how far you need to go. But
yes condensaton should not happen.

Does your humidistat read anything other than 60%, ever.

On Wed, 02 Jun 2004 01:07:18 GMT, "Hamilton Audio"
wrote:

| just out of curiousity.....this was our first winter in this home and we
| noticed that from about end of Nov to almost Feb, that the humidity in our
| home displayed itself as tell-tale condensation on the lower edge of
| windows. (northern ontario canada climate)
|
| That was about 60% humidity...and we still have it. Its not uncomfortable,
| in fact its quite nice in here (no static, dry lips, etc). but the moisture
| I don't like in the winter. We tried running a borrowed dehumidifier, and
| it did NOTHING. Pulled all of 3 drops from the air overnight.
|
| At 60% humidity would the dehumidifier not be working overtime???? What are
| my other options to controlling the humidity? I've got a new bathroom fan
| installed and shower with the bathroom window open (all year). Older
| furnace, no other accessories other than central air (which obviously
| controls the issue in the summer). What could be going on? Is it that the
| dehumidifier I borrowed didn't work??
|
| any ideas on a more permanent solution? I know an air/air exchanger will
| work wonders, but the cost is prohibitive. I heard that running a "fresh
| air intake" to the intake side of the furnace works well....any ideas? just
| cut a hole in the wall and run a duct to the intake???
|
| I'm stumped!
|
| b

Just in case, make sure the furnace is venting properly -- ie, make
sure the chimney draws correctly and is not partly blocked. This can
create a high moisture situation in a closed-up home (water is a
by-product of combustion), not to mention a dangerous carbon monoxide
hazard. It's probably not your problem, but worth a check.