ᐅ Windows Fogging Up Despite Ventilation System

Created on: 21 Jan 2019 16:02
B
baschdieh
Hello dear forum,

We are using a Zehnder ComfoAir Q350. Unfortunately, it has had some issues with the "installation" from the start. First, the wrong settings were applied, and then the interior doors were too airtight. After the ventilation technician visited about five times since summer, it is now running reasonably well. Although the air quality in the bedroom still feels as if we have no ventilation, according to the technician everything is set up correctly.

Now that the weather has turned quite cold recently, we have noticed significant condensation on the windows in some areas. Especially in the bedroom and also in the open living-dining area. The technician said this is normal in a new building – however, due to the ventilation system and underfloor heating, we only have about 25% humidity. With an additional humidifier (Venta), we manage to reach almost 40%.

Question: Shouldn’t a ventilation system automatically remove moisture inside the house and prevent the windows from fogging? Is it possible that the ventilation system is still not correctly adjusted? How can something like this be tested?

Information about the picture:
- Bedroom (16 m² (172 sq ft))
- Room temperature approx. 18-19°C (64-66°F)
- Two adults and occasionally a toddler (2.5 years)
- 1x supply air (Zehnder)

Thank you very much!
Bastian

Blick von innen durch ein Fenster mit heller Rollladen-Jalousie auf verschneite Außenfläche
B
baschdieh
22 Jan 2019 11:50
Lumpi_LE schrieb:
Regardless of how well or poorly the ventilation system works, the windows should not be fogging up like this. The windows are soaking wet, with an average indoor humidity of 30% and temperatures of 18-19°C (64-66°F).. this is unacceptable.

Okay – what can I do? Should I have the windows inspected again?
L
Lumpi_LE
22 Jan 2019 12:10
Measure the surface temperature of the glass using a suitable thermometer.

In theory, with 35% relative humidity and 19°C (66°F), dew point should occur around 4–5°C (39–41°F). However, the windows should have a temperature closer to 15–16°C (59–61°F).

Your issue can basically only occur with intact double-glazed windows and around 65% relative humidity.
H
halmi
22 Jan 2019 13:07
Looking at the values, I cannot imagine that the ventilation system is working properly. In the end, there is no real improvement in indoor air quality; it only becomes acceptable when the windows are opened. I would focus on this instead.

Is it double glazing?
B
baschdieh
22 Jan 2019 13:17
halmi schrieb:
Looking at the values, I can't imagine the ventilation system is operating correctly. Ultimately, there is no improvement in indoor air quality; it only becomes acceptable when the windows are opened. I would focus on that issue first.

Is it double glazing?

Thank you for your message. Yes, the panes are double glazed.
L
Lumpi_LE
22 Jan 2019 13:32
halmi schrieb:
Looking at the values, I can’t imagine the ventilation system is working properly.

You can’t really conclude that from the values.
The development of the CO2 concentration is quite normal for a properly designed mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery for a single-family house. I would also consider it a bit high, but it is unrelated to the issues.
H
halmi
22 Jan 2019 13:34
The system should have ventilated much earlier here, especially in auto mode. The values rather suggest that no ventilation system is in use at all, don’t they?