How much condensation is normal, how much is too much?

fairy_lights

Could you leave the windows in the rooms you sleep in open slightly at night? I used to live in a flat with single glazing and during cold weather the windows would get so condensed up that the curtains would be stuck to the windows and soaking wet in the morning. We tried everything we could think of and what worked for us in the end was leaving the bedroom window open during the night. Even leaving bedroom doors open might help because it will at least allow air to circulate.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

I keep my bedroom window open a crack all night throughout the year. All the upstairs windows are open all the time actually.

The village doctor where I grew up refused to install central heating in his bedrooms as he believed it was healthier to be wrapped up warm in bed breathing fresh cool air.

lovinituk

What window coverings do you have? When we removed all net curtains it improved the amount of condensation by a great deal. If you have blinds, make sure they are not attached close to the window. Mount them on the outside of the window recess. Also don't pull them all the way down at night, leave a gap at the bottom to help with the circulation.

Making these changes ourselves really improved things.

anotheruser

We have two single glazed windows. One seems to have a set amount of wet all the time, the other pools a couple of table spoons overnight or so on average.

The trouble window is in a large open entrance hall, that leads down to the kitchen and stairs to the landing, so not exactly going to help with a dehumidifier.

I thought about leaving a couple of tealights to perhaps "evaporate" the water but that raises all sorts of safety concerns.

Another suggestion was to smear some washing up liquid on the window. The soap would "resist" the water and would leave the window dry. The excess water wouldn't bother forming at all. However that didn't work for me.... just gave me a very clean window!

I've just read about fog claiming mirrors in bathrooms. Apparently smearing shaving cream on the mirror stops it forming, I guess in the same way as above so will try this tonight. Supposedly, smear it on, then dry it off.

What we do is just mop it up with kitchen roll / blue roll and throw that away every day. It means extra cost of the tools, but then no hassle of having to try a towel.

Will report back after trying the shaving foam.

BabyBoots

Mine (on double glazing) wasn't as dramatic as yours, but I found these sort it out completely, and saved me having to wipe the windows or sills. They're very cheap and easy to use:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Dehumidifying-Dehumidifier-Moisture-Reusable/dp/B00AK9UZY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415312039&sr=8-1&keywords=egg+dehumidifier

I put one on each affected window sill - you could use two per sill if your problem is more serious.

Naf

Shame I can't really ask the LL to do anything, and don't think we can afford a proper dehumidifier until after we need it; so I'll just have to try some solutions in the meantime.
There's no problem with curtains sticking to the pane because there's plenty of space; but some of the windows do have blackout lining covers we put on at night (held up with velcro around the frames) to help keep in more warmth.
Leaving windows open isn't an option; its far too cold then, plus the storage heaters are charging, so it would waste a lot of power.
I guess it's back to my very first idea, which is to sew up multiple layers from strips of old towels to put there each evening & dry out during the day.

anselld

Try some secondary glazing film ....

http://www.diy.com/departments/stormguard-plastic-secondary-glazing-film-l402m/26866_BQ.prd

Running_On_Empty

The best advice really is to open your bedroom windows at night about an inch or two. Try it, what have you got to lose? I always have mine open and I keep warm with my duvet.
All five of you are breathing out moist air and that is causing condensation. Let it out of the window, that is a free solution to your problem. If that does not cure it, open the windows another couple of inches.

worried_jim

anselld wrote: »

Try some secondary glazing film ....

http://www.diy.com/departments/stormguard-plastic-secondary-glazing-film-l402m/26866_BQ.prd

I have the same probs as the OP and have to squeegee the windows every morning in the bedroom, however last year I used the above on my windows and hey presto + there is zero draft so a lot warmer.

A lot cheaper from ebay-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WINDOW-INSULATION-KIT-SHRINK-FIT-DOUBLE-GLAZING-FILM-DRAUGHT-EXCLUDER-FROST-COLD-/360734139072?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Decorative_Accents_LE&hash=item53fd6e22c0

Thrugelmir

Naf wrote: »

Leaving windows open isn't an option; its far too cold then,.

Blankets, winter duvet, pyjama's, bed socks. No reason to be cold in bed.