Crank up those dehumidifiers

[SHowald72]

If you have a large amount of evaporation, I would suggest turning them up. I currently have two running and am going to get a bigger third one. You are probably wondering why am I telling you this. I was just installing some extra outlets in my basement tonight. When I pulled back some insulation and I noticed the plywood behind it was soaked. I proceeded to check all around my basement and I found the same results everywhere behind the insulation. I should be OK since I just moved in last May and I should be able to dry everything out before any rotting occurs, damage from wood expanding or any other permanent damage happens. Too much moisture and wood can be a serious problem. Also, the extra moisture can promote unhealthy mold growth. Be careful everyone, Shawn.

 

[RobTop]

And we were just talking about this Saturday with Mr.4000
I'm planning on installing a vent system this weekend. I just got another one of those stock tanks up and once I am done there will be close to 1000 gallons. That could get ugly quick. Gklad you cought it in time! If you need some fans to help move air around and speed up the dry time I have a few you can barrow.

 

[kdogc10]

My house stays so dry in the winter I dont think it will make a differance.

 

[SHowald72]

I thought the air in my house was dry for the most part also. The cold exterior walls attract the moisture and then the wood absorbs it. The walls are like a cold pop can during the summer. We have all seen the drops of dew on a pop can.

 

[kdogc10]

good point.

 

[auto_loader]

Shawn
Do you have an idea of what the humidity of your fishroom runs in the summer and in the winter?

Mike.

 

[SHowald72]

I haven't checked it with a meter and this is my first year in this house, so I don't know for sure. What I do know, is that it is not nearly as humid in my basement here as it was in Freeport or other houses I have been in. Keep in mind that my house is new and I haven't finished the basement at all yet. It is all open and the moisture isn't confined to a small area. I am going to treat the problem with more air movement and more dehumidifying.

 

[Meisen]

A little scary to hear stories like this. We only have a 120 in the house but use evaporative cooling on it to keep the temp in check so there is quite a bit of moisture in the house. Our windows sometimes look like they have been sprayed with water! The crazy thing is that we have forced air heat and we need a dehumidifier in our daughter's room. I suggested a small reef tank in there but for some reason the wife shot that one down.

 

[SHowald72]

I have forced air also and I am running three dehumidifiers in my basement. If I shut them down, my windows get covered with condensation over night. Set the humidity control on them and leave them on. It is cheaper to pay Com Ed than to repair the damage that could be caused.