Dehumidifiers

leroyjr1

How many people run dehumidifiers in their basement? Is the humidity a component killer. I'm in wisconsin where the summers are very humid and in addition we've been having rain every day causing very bad flooding.. Luckily my basement didn't flood but over the years I have noticed surface rust on my rc trucks screw heads, and on other unpainted metal.

Will humidity (moisture) affect tv's, speakers, components . I just picked up a dehumidifier today.

My sister lives on a river and I put in about 4 hours today throwing all the wet stuff from out of her basement.Anyone else in the midwest have flooding problems from all the rain we've been getting.

Thanks

Dennis Gardner

Humidity is tough on all unprotected metals and pressed wood. Basements are really affected by water table proximity, even tight, new construction. Running a unit isn't cheap but it is less than replacing high $$$ gear. The other option is to run central air into the basement if it is available.

dylanblada

I have mine set for about 60% max. If yours doens't have a built-in auto setting, you can get a hygrometer at a hardware store. 60% is about as high as I'd go, 45-50 is ideal.

leroyjr1

Dennis Gardner wrote: »

Humidity is tough on all unprotected metals and pressed wood. Basements are really affected by water table proximity, even tight, new construction. Running a unit isn't cheap but it is less than replacing high $$$ gear. The other option is to run central air into the basement if it is available.

I have central air ran through the basement but i try to cut back because it costs so much to run. The frigidaire I bought doesn't have the % I can set it at just a dial for more or less humidity. Dylan did you have any flooding issues in kenosha, and what did you pay for you unit with thE % indicator.Did you notice your basement gets warmer from the unit.

This is the one i have

http://www.frigidaire.com/products/RoomAir/Dehumidifiers/prod_FDR30S.asp

WilliamM2

I think you are better off running the central air. Humidifiers aren't cheap to run either, and as you have noticed, they throw off some heat.

leroyjr1

I retreat to my 16x14 basement at time to get away from the heat .Today I went to the living room to get aawy from the new heated basement (dehumidifier and projector). Gets kind of warm. Does the C/A do a good job of getting moisture out.

amulford

We run one constantly. And we have to empty it daily.

Does the C/A do a good job of getting moisture out.

Yes, if you have the returns done right.

mule

In se PA it gets humid, I have my dehumidifier setup with a hose draining it directly into the drain for the washing machine and it runs constantly.

If I don't use it the toilet tanks sweats and even the tile floor in the laundry room will sweat.

dylanblada

I have central air too, but I hink its just the nature of basements to be more humid, so it doesn't always get the air dry enough without making it too cold. It might get a little warmer, but I'm also treating a much bigger room than you, but since its usually like 65-68 in the basement, it can stand a little more heat. I have been lucky to not have any flooding at my place, but the air of course has been extra wet, so its been running a lot. I couldn't find the one I have but here's one that's almost identical:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100591715

It looks like most of them have those humidity controls. I'm not sure how accurate they are, but its better than nothing.

leroyjr1

Do you guys notice a huge difference in you electric bill when running the dehumidifier

dylanblada

I wouldn't imagine it would be more than $5-$10 more for most months, (not including the recent monsoons). Its worth it for sure to protect your basement and your gear.