One thing we did deal with though, when the temps plunged so low, is we had terrible condensation on our doors and windows, which then turned to ice or frost. We found ourselves researching proper humidity levels and came to the conclusion that this was because the humidity level was to high, often approaching 40% humidity. This moisture then condensed on the cold window panes.
The challenge for us in a log home is going to find the right balance. With a house made of logs, and wooden beams, floors, and trim, having the air to dry can cause the wood to shrink considerably in the winter. Ideally, you attempt to minimize expansion in the summer by keeping humidity from getting too high and from getting too low in winter.
In an effort to reduce the humidity, we removed the water jacket from the wood stove, which means we don't have hit water on demand any longer. Instead, we heat it up when ready in the stainless pot we use during the summer. This made a huge difference. Note that there are other things that add humidity to the air, such as bringing in firewood from outside and hanging laundry up to dry on drying racks. For now, when it is particularly cold out, we like humidity levels inside the house to be around 25-30% and and around 35% when the temperatures are above 10 degrees.
