Weeping Windows

[Taurean]

We have a two bedroom unit in Te Atatu Nth. Problem is the bedroom that doesn't get the sun gets condensation on the windows and isn't a great environment for the child whose room it is. The ceiling was insulated about 5 years ago under one of the govt run programs, (built before, tenant had community card etc), but not the underfloor as there is no room to get under and do the job.

Any ideas how we can overcome this problem. I thought a heat pump but that would probably add to the weeping windows as it will generate more moisture. Only thing I can think of is a dehumidifier which will probably be a hassle to the tenant. This is a different tenant and we would like to keep them.

[jimO]

they could open the windows and get a bit of ventilation

[Wayne]

HRV, Smartvent or similar positive pressure system would probably solve this.
Opening windows would be good too - and cheaper!

[Viking]

Some info for you.

http://curtaincleaners.co.nz/whys-and-all-about-curtains/about-mouldy-rooms-and-mould/

http://curtaincleaners.co.nz/2016/03/15/curtains-as-insulation-keep-your-rooms-warm-this-winter/

[Perry]

I strongly recommend a de-humidifier. But that does depend on the tenant.
They are not expensive to run and also take the chill off the room in winter.
Be aware that not all are created equal. For NZ conditions, look for a model
that has a good extraction rate at lower temperatures. Too many of the
readily available dehumidifiers are really made for the tropics.

A heat pump should not generate more moisture - it actually removes some,
a little like a dehumidifier. Even with a heat pump and a warmer house, you're
still battling the dew point problem with condensation.

[Taurean]

Thanks everyone. The tenants do open the windows so there is no mould but I'm thinking its a bit of an ask in the winter especially when this is the young infants room. Don't want her catching anything so I'll look closer at dehumidfier and heat pump.

[DazRaz]

A heat pump should not generate more moisture - it actually removes some,
a little like a dehumidifier. Even with a heat pump and a warmer house, you're
still battling the dew point problem with condensation.

Heat pumps will remove moisture when set to cooling, not when heating.

[Viking]

Another good suggestion Shower dome. Just put 4 in. Keeps most of the moisture in the shower and not in the bathroom.
Helps keep the humidity down and as Perry says a dehumidifier.

We have a naturally high humidity climate and the warmer we make houses the greater the problem.
Old houses with air leaks all round may have been cool but they rarely went mouldy.

[Rentex]

Second Wayne's suggestion of installing a ventilation system wherever possible. Results are great.

[donnyboy]

I would install a ventilation system, works wonders in most cases and does the whole home at once, no bother of moving dehumidifiers around and emptying them

shower domes address the moisture from the shower only and not from bedrooms where people sleep with doors closed, they have their place thou

opening windows have their limiting factors, security, noise and bad weather etc

[sidinz]

I just read something that suggested that HRVs pump chemicals from heated pink batts into houses and that this is bad and banned in Europe. Does anyone know if there's any basis to that?

[Aston]

I just read something that suggested that HRVs pump chemicals from heated pink batts into houses and that this is bad and banned in Europe. Does anyone know if there's any basis to that?

Can you post a link to that please.

[sidinz]

Can you post a link to that please.

It wasn't a website. Hence the question.

[PTILoveYou]

Also it's s fire risk hence that type of ventilation system is banned in some countries overseas

[Wayne]

Also it's s fire risk hence that type of ventilation system is banned in some countries overseas

Is it and are they?
Got any examples?