EFCO Special Purpose Windows Understanding Condensation - Manual (Page 3)

General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 5
CONDENSATION
5.b. PREVENTING CONDENSATION:
Quick tips for controlling humidity and condensation:
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 15
Source of humidity Suggested Action
Cooking and dishwashing
Vent stove range hoods to the outside, cover cooking pots
to reduce steam
Showers and baths
Vent bathroom exhaust fans to the outside and use fans
for at least 15 minutes after taking a shower
Ironing, washing and drying laundry
Properly vent appliances to the outside, use clothes
dryers instead of hanging wet clothes indoors, use
exhaust fans
Inadequate ventilation of windows
Open window coverings (shades, curtains) and make sure
interior doors are left open during the day to allow air
circulation; remove inside screens
Moisture producing areas
Close doors and windows to greenhouse areas, hot tubs
or pools, cover large aquariums
Furnace
Make sure furnace is working properly and serviced
regularly. Consider dryer heat sources such as gas or
electric furnaces
Stale, damp air
Install an Air-to-Air exchanger to vent moist air outside
and make sure its openings are not blocked. Don't cover
or deflect warm air registers, don’t close off rooms, open
windows slightly to let in cool dry air
Excessive humidifier use
Monitor humidity levels with hygrometers to keep moisture
in air at optimum levels, turn humidifiers off or down
Indoor plants Circulate air with small fans
Damp basement
Run a dehumidifier in the basement to reduce excess
moisture
New wood, plaster, cement, and other
building materials
Building materials contain a lot of moisture. The first
heating season causes this moisture to flow into the air
and settle on cool surfaces. This type of condensation
may last a few heating seasons.