How do i stop the build up of HUGE amounts of condensation on my windows?

If you have single glazing or older double-glazing it will be difficult to stop. But as others have said good ventilation will help. Most especially extract excess moisture at source, e.g. from cooking and bathrooms, using extract fans. When people sleep a lot of moisture is created also.

If the inside air is warm it can carry more moisture without condensing out. It will do so only if the moisture actually exists in the room in the first place. Rooms can be warm and dry!

The keys to avoiding condensation problems are good ventilation, good building fabric performance (well insulated) and good ventilation.

Stephen
November 2009

You are correct - warm air carries more moisture than cold air - as the warm moist air comes into contact with the cold window the touching air becomes cold and can hold less moisture the result is condensation on the window.

"Surely this shouldn't be happening?"

Well ideally it shouldn't but you can't stop physics.

Keep the rooms a bit cooler
Ventilate during the day if you can
Fit curtains and close them in the evening
Keep kitchen and bathroom doors closed and their windows open just a bit to let the steam out
Consider a dehumidifier

If condensation does form, get into a routine of wiping it up else you'll get mould forming.

Peccavi
November 2009

The secret to condensation removal is ventilation - the more of it the better. Your situation seems to be somewhat extreme and I wonder if there's some underlying issue here. Are you using the cooker extractor hood? Does the tumble dryer vent into the interior? Is there dampness coming through the walls? Etc, etc.

John
November 2009