Condensation

[pattiw1950]

Point taken.

 

[Nemesis]

May be of interest:

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/diyelem/roof/roof.htm

 

[NT]

I'm not sure we should be too hasty in ruling out heat recovery/air circulation/dehumidifier technology

I think this is the future, unless energy prices start to fall. Most houses now have uncontrolled ventilation, which means too much on some days, not enough on others. And total loss of ventilated warm air.

Controlling this ventilation properly means a more consistent and controllable level of ventilation, plus a crossflow heat exchanger recovers much of the heat now lost, plus the filtration of incoming air significantly reduces the need for housework.

(although I think taking the air from the loft rather than outside is a bit daft!).

Loft air is warmer than outdoor air in winter, so nowt daft about it. Sun heats the roof plus theres heat leakage from the living quarters. Dust content is not a problem as there is already filtration.

Chimney fumes are an avoidable issue, plus the unit can have air quality monitoring if desired.

Taking air from a lean-to greenhouse is also an option.


NT

 

[Demelza]

That's interesting. Now I'm beginning to feel that it hasn't been a waste of time or money and is fairly green. Thank you.

 

[Nemesis]

Seems to me though that this sort of unit isn't removing moisture from the air - it's simply moving it around a bit. Maybe there could be other ways of controlling or removing moisture if it really is so bad - I find leaving the bathroom window slightly open at the sash gives enough air to prevent or very quickly remove condensation on windows, for example, without draughts. It's what they are designed to do, which many don't seem to realise.

And this device seems to be causing draughts of course - which means it needs to be switched off, which possibly negates the point of it.

Another cause of draughts which many don't consider is a fire or stove, which has to draw in air from somewhere. A vent placed near to the fire is one method of stopping draughts.

 

[Penners]

I find leaving the bathroom window slightly open at the sash gives enough air to prevent or very quickly remove condensation

Our windows will do that without being left open!

 

[Lime]

Seems to me though that this sort of unit isn't removing moisture from the air - it's simply moving it around a bit. Maybe there could be other ways of controlling or removing moisture if it really is so bad - I find leaving the bathroom window slightly open at the sash gives enough air to prevent or very quickly remove condensation on windows, for example, without draughts. It's what they are designed to do, which many don't seem to realise.

And this device seems to be causing draughts of course - which means it needs to be switched off, which possibly negates the point of it.

Another cause of draughts which many don't consider is a fire or stove, which has to draw in air from somewhere. A vent placed near to the fire is one method of stopping draughts.

I agree with all of that.
I particularly wish to emphasise the point about sash windows being designed to "trickle vent" air in to remove condensation and produce ventilation without draught. They do the job well. They are also designed to allow the condensation to run off outside the widow rather than down the wall or over the inside window sill.
On some of mine in the old kitchen the bottom beading on the frame (that keeps the lower sash from coming into the room) is replaced with a 2" board (suitable decorated to match) that enables the lower sash to be raised even further without a direct draught entering the room allowing even more air to come in through the overlapping sashes.

Properly fitted, sash windows are the best IMO.

 

[pattiw1950]

I hadn't thought about the draft caused by the stove. Actually beginning to think the draft isn't that bad. I've been cooking a lot today and creating lots of moisture but we seem to be dispersing it. Thanks.

 

[pattiw1950]

Sorry can't resist this. Who is that widow? Probably somebody hanging around with a bit of paper in her hand! (my spelling error 'draft')

 

[Penners]

Yup - it's always a good idea to wipe the condensation off your widow.

 

[pattiw1950]

Keeps the weed away!

 

[Penners]

That wasn't the way my mind was working, but I follow your thinking. :wink:

 

[pattiw1950]

Widows weeds.................. huh

 

[wyseass]

i was going to ask about "heat exchange ventilation systems" as an answer to condensation problems. What is meant to happen is that it sucks up air and takes the moisture out while also releasing warm air back into the house just like a massive de-humidifier, the whole concept fasinates me as we have a condensation problem. With mould appearing in the corners of the living room. I am hoping that this is caused by the cement render inside keeping the walls really cold, therefore allowing moisture to be released from the warmer air. I do know that in the sitting room where the cement has been removed we don't have the problem any more.

 

[Lime]

i was going to ask about "heat exchange ventilation systems" as an answer to condensation problems. What is meant to happen is that it sucks up air and takes the moisture out while also releasing warm air back into the house just like a massive de-humidifier, the whole concept fasinates me as we have a condensation problem. With mould appearing in the corners of the living room. I am hoping that this is caused by the cement render inside keeping the walls really cold, therefore allowing moisture to be released from the warmer air. I do know that in the sitting room where the cement has been removed we don't have the problem any more.

You have found the solution to condensation in your sitting room and I have no doubt that it is the solution for your other rooms too.

 

[wyseass]

The sitting room is never sat in and there is a dehumidifier on the go in there 24/7 taking in approx. 7 litres every 2 days! The living room is connected to the kitchen and is heated by a stove, so it is much warmer and would have to deal with a lot more moisture in the air.