Big condensation problem in rented house

We currently rent our house, and have a big condensation issue. I realize this has been asked a lot and I searched and read through various threads. The problem is that replacing the windows is not really an option for us (and I doubt out landlord would replace them). We get condensation on all
windows, it covers the entire window, and occasionally when very cold outside get large amounts of ice on the windows. We clean the windows as often as we can, but mold/mildew grows very quickly.

I am no expert, but as far as I can tell the windows are pretty cheap, they are double pane and I believe aluminium. The house was built in 1989 and again, as far as I know they are the original windows.

Our house has a finished basement, these windows also get condensation, blinds are never down on the basement windows, and the blinds are only down on the upstairs bedroom windows over night. All other windows do not have anything covering them. The heating is kept at 72 (we have 2 small children) and use kitchen/bathroom fans.

We also have something running down one of the bedroom walls, but I am not sure if this is related, it only comes down the one bedroom wall (the wall is against the hallway, not an exterior wall) and a liquid runs down the wall (only on the bedroom side, not the hallway side).

What measures can we take to reduce the condensation? Is there any areas that I can check insulation, air exchange etc.

Thanks.

 

Humidity level in the home can be measured with a hygrometer (sold where thermometers are sold). 35-55% tends to be the common recommendation for humidity level and temperature at about 70 degrees. If you have condensation, you need to reduce humidity level.

If you have a basement, it should be dry and well ventilated. Check humidity level in basement and upstairs. Run dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and fans to improve air circulation. If you have house plants, reduce the number you have. Run kitchen vent fan unit when cooking and afterwards to exhaust humidity. Run bath vent fan unit during bathing and afterwards for at least 20 minutes to exhaust humidity. If you have a vent free fireplace, reduce use as it produces water vapor. Improve air circulation around windows. With fans and dehumidifiers, you can lower humidity. Blowing air over windows with fan will help prevent condensation and ice. Older and inefficient windows with cold glass tend to have condensation when warm, moist interior air encounters the glass.

Check attic to make sure vents do not exhaust into the attic. They should exhaust outdoors. Frost on vent pipes could be thawing and dripping down bedroom wall. These can be insulated.

 

Thanks for the reply, will be checking up on some of the things you mention and looking into some dehumidifiers.

 

[QUOTEWe also have something running down one of the bedroom walls, but I am not sure if this is related, it only comes down the one bedroom wall (the wall is against the hallway, not an exterior wall) and a liquid runs down the wall (only on the bedroom side, not the hallway side).
][/QUOTE]

Id sure and find out just what or where this is comeing from.

 

Dehumidifiers are not a winter time solution! Cause of winter time condensation is lack of ventilation. Increase outside air and your moisture problems will go away. This might take a couple of days because you have a very bad problem.

 

Also check your furnace to see if it has a humidifier on it. Could be turned up to high.