We just moved into our new house recently and have condensation on ductwork dripping onto drywall in bulkhead in basement. We have whole house dehimidifer that keeps the humidity in basement main living area at 48% and 68 degrees. It keeps our main living space upstairs at 41% and 72 degrees. The rooms closest to outside walls in basement are about 50% same temp of 68 degrees. The bulk head in one of these rooms was dripping water and humidity inside the bulkhead was 65% and same temp of 68. Recently had condensate in fireplace (enclosed glass fireplace with vent) so I put my humidity gauge in there and the surrounding area inside the fireplace chase was 83!% and 72degrees. Contractor is saying that’s unconditioned space so it’s normal?? What do I do. I can’t imagine this makes sense. I’m in INDIANA where humidity is higher right now but with all surrounding rooms being at good humidity shouldn’t that carry over? Please help. We don’t want issues in our walls.

Moisture comes from inside the home. Look for the sources that generate the moisture. Cooking, showers all should have maximum ventilation to the outside. Also check the basement for a source of moisture since this is where your seeing the most condensation. A cheap way is to remove a basement window an put a fan the opening.

A good rule of thumbs is if it is under 60 degrees out the outside humidity levels don't matter because once the air is heated up to room temp it won't have enough moisture in it to raise the humidity in the house. If it is above 60 degrees when you open a window then you have to watch what the humidity is outside because you could be raising the humidity in the house with the outside air.