We had the same thing happen after sealing up our 70s split-level. Triple pane with argon was supposed to be the magic bullet, right? Well, yeah, the drafts disappeared, but then we got foggy windows all winter. I actually doubted the window guys at first, thought maybe the seals were bad, but nope—just too much moisture hanging around. Ended up buying a cheap humidity monitor and running the bathroom fan more. Not perfect, but it helped. Funny how you fix one issue and another pops up...
Yeah, I get what you mean. We put in new windows last year and the first winter, condensation was everywhere. Did you notice it was worse on the north side? I started cracking a window in the basement just a bit, seemed to help some. Wonder if it’s just a tradeoff with these super airtight houses now.
Wonder if it’s just a tradeoff with these super airtight houses now.
Funny you mention that, because when we moved in last fall, I was all excited about the triple pane windows and the argon thing—like, “We’ll never feel a draft again!” But then that first cold snap hit and we had condensation on the bottom corners, mostly on the side facing the street (which is north for us too). I ended up running a fan in the laundry room just to get some air moving. It’s weird, you spend all that money to seal everything up and then have to crack a window anyway. Kind of feels backwards, but I guess that’s just how these new builds are?
- Definitely get what you mean. We went through something similar—spent a fortune getting everything sealed up, then ended up buying a dehumidifier because the windows kept fogging in winter.
- It’s weird, but I guess airtight means moisture’s got nowhere to go. Old houses just “breathe” more, for better or worse.
- Doesn’t feel right having to open a window after all that effort, but I guess it’s the new normal with energy efficiency. At least the heating bills are lower... sometimes I wonder if it all balances out.