Condensation, PIV or Dehumidifier

Sally133

Moved into a new house that was empty for about 12 months. To start with the large conservatory pours with water. We had all the Windows on trickle lock and had the heating on once a day, which seemed to make it worse. We've now turned off the radiators, shut the Windows and are running a dehumidifier, that's made it feel drier and surprisingly warmer. In the main part of the house, the Windows have condensation, so we are now running a PIV on our landing ceiling, but the house just feels damp. We can't afford to have the heating on all the time, would the house be better off, turning off the PIV and getting another dehumidifier? Just to clarify, we usually have the heating on once a day for 1hr 30mins in the afternoon and Windows are all open from the time we wake up to when the heating comes on. I'm not sure what would be the most economical solution and what would be best for the house. Thank you

Browntoa

I suspect another dehumidifier is the answer 

If it's been empty for 12 months, I suspect the damp has permeated everything to some degree, as you point out having the heating on seems to make it worse which to me seems to indicate the warmth releasing the trapped moisture.

It may take some time unless you maybe hire a heavy duty commercial dehumidifier 

Lorian

Sounds counter productive opening the windows and using piv/dehumidifier.  Where I live opening the windows wouldn't have had much if any drying effect since the 22nd December.

Get a couple of cheap electronic hygrometers (try Amazon. I like the thermpro brand) put one upstairs and one downstairs. Check the relative humidity - my target would be to keep below 60%

I would keep the internal doors to the conservatory shut untill I was on top of the issue as it will be a magnet for the damp air condensing on the windows.

What sort of double glazing does the property have (how big is the spacer)? Get a window vac and remove all condensation each morning and pour down drain. This is fast and cost effective dehumidification. Don't be like one of my family who used to wipe windows with a towel which they then put on a radiator to dry!

Why use your heating in the afternoon not the morning?

Make sure your shower /bath/kitchen extractor fans are working and always use them.

jonnydeppiwish!

I’d stop wasting time and effort with the conservatory as it’s a thankless task because they’re pants. Move the dehumidifier into the house and be prepared to just use the conservatory for 2-3 months of the year when the weather is hospitable.

Albermarle

90 minutes a day of heating would normally be insufficient to keep a house warm enough in the Winter, never mind one that has been left unheated for so long.
Gas central heating ( if that is what you have) is relatively economical, and the price has come down, despite all the stuff in the media about high energy bills.
Also once the house has warmed up, the heating will turn itself down.
Not having the heating on enough is probably a false economy.