Interior Condensation: Finding the Best Solution
- January 12, 2017
- 0 comments
- Bob Krell
- Posted in FeaturedGreen BuildingsIndoor Air Quality (IAQ)
As the weather turns colder interior condensation can be a rising problem. Even homes that have been altered to be more energy efficient, with conscientious owners have been known to experience issues. Consulting with experts in indoor air quality can help to address these issues; with years of experience and an active community to draw upon, they can help to identify sources of unwanted moisture.
Follow the Water
Finding the source of the excess moisture in your home is the first and most crucial step to battling interior condensation. Anything from inappropriate insulation to unadvisable air modifications can trigger water droplets to be found inside your home.
In a recent article published by Green Building Advisor, they state an example from the Anderson-family home in Chicago. The home discussed was a 33 year old masonry/frame, two-story home that had been upgraded to be energy efficient. Still, frost and water droplets were being found on some ceilings of the second floor since the upgrades were made. The Anderson family had been keeping the heat on the second floor between 56-58 degrees and were concerned that they’d need to raise the temperature of that floor to at least 62 degrees to prevent the problem.
Looking for Advice
The article went onto explain how the Anderson’s received conflicting advice. Some said using an attic ventilation fan in conjunction with their central humidifier on the furnace would help reduce the moisture problem, others said an energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) was required. They were becoming increasingly concerned about the potential of mold developing in their attic.
More experts started weighing in. Some suggested a thicker insulation (R-49) in their attic, in combination with closed-cell spray poly foam on the top of wall plates, wind-washing dams, and ventilation baffles, would help. Also, they suggested that unplugging the humidifier was an essential step, as well. Later the article went onto discuss ventilation and suggested that they disable the powered attic ventilator as well. The combined usage of both the humidifier and the attic ventilator could be causing damage, as well as wasting money.
Balancing the Costs
The Anderson family only expects to live in the house for another 10 years and wanted to be sure that they’d recoup the costs associated with whatever changes they chose to make. Though they seemed interested in doing more than painting over any mold that may appear, being on a fixed income, they needed to weigh their options.
In the end the family chose to disable the humidifier and the attic ventilator, as well as increase the base temperature for their second floor. In doing so, after a month’s time, the humidity was remaining at a steady 40% and the ceilings no longer showed any signs of condensation, even when the outside temperatures ranged from 4-19 degrees.
What Healthy Indoors readers can take from this?
Regardless if you’re managing a large facility or a single family unit, the challenges of managing interior moisture are ever present, especially in more humid environments. Sometimes the steps we take to improve our indoor air quality can have unanticipated outcomes when the big picture isn’t taken into account by an expert. Being energy efficient isn’t always enough but the right team can help you to see the best ways to keep your indoor humidity between 35% and 40%.
The easiest thing to do is keep reading. Get your complimentary subscription to Healthy Indoors Magazine or join our LinkedIn group to stay current. Read other publications such as those put out by Green Building Advisor. Basically, find trusted sources and they’ll help you to improve your indoor world.