Is it normal that condensation forms on the windows of my new home?
I have a new house (self-built) on a concrete slab insulated with R22 rockwool and R3 panel insulation. The windows are double glazed wood and aluminum. I do not have an air exchanger yet, I’m wondering if that is part of the problem. Thank you in advance for your comments!
Condensation forms when humid air comes in contact with cold surfaces. So you will get more condensation with double-pane than triple pane, and more when the air in the home has a higher relative humidity (RH). To understand all about condensation on windows, and how to prevent & cure it - see here.
But to answer the question, if you don’t have an energy saving air ventilation unit yet that is likely part of the problem, as moisture you generate in the home (through washing, cooking and bathing) increases the overall level of humidity. New buildings often take a bit of time to dry out, so it would not be unusual that in the first winter there would be higher levels of humidity as building materials dry out. Installing an HRV will likely help, you could also look for a model that also provides dehumidification. To understand the difference between an ERV & HRV unit, see here.
As a minimum until an HRV or ERV unit is installed, be sure to run a bathroom fan when showering as well as stove hoods when you cook, and keep lids on pots as well, that will probably help too. For the moment though, you’d be wise to buy a hygrometer to track the humidity, they are cheap and available at most hardware stores. If you are a long way out from having your HRV installed you may want to get a dehumidifier in the mean time, and try to keep the humidity to 50%RH or lower if possible. Doing that should alleviate a bit of the problem.