How can I tell if I can remove a dehumidifier?

[joseywales]

I'm in Southeastern, PA. 2 car garage, uninsulated, so nothing fancy. The one time I had a tool rust issue, I believe I can attribute it to a vent-free gas heater, which I'm removing. What's the best way to test for humidity, without risking more rust?

The dehumidifier I have in there now runs if it's raining outside, and I open the door. Or, if we bring a car in during rain or snow.

For heat, I'm just going to use an infrared heater when needed, so I don't think I'll be creating any real moisture issues.

No way to move air, unless I cut a hole in the garage door.

The garage is partially under grade. So, soil on one side, the back and other side but up against my climate controlled basement. The room above is my first floor family room.

I'd like to gain floor space by removing the dehumidifier.

I wonder if periodic rain is enough to create moisture in the garage to the extent it will rust tools?

 

[Matt018888]

Use a ambiant hygrometer, usually here in Michigan when we have rapid temp changes that is what causes tools to sweat especially when the shop is not climate controlled, I know propane type heaters can through out a lot of moister as well. I had a buddy that would put some charcoal in his tool box and swap it out here and there and he swears it help but I have never tried it.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks. Kitter litter (crystal form), works well too. A small cup in a drawer. Using unscented in humidors, I’ve controlled temps pretty well for cigars. Never thought about coal.

any hygrometers record reedings? It would be nice to know what humidity and for how long. Might get expensive though.

 

[Matt018888]

I have one and we only use if for wood work or before we lay floors so I have never really used it's other features. But if you can get a base line that would help, when I'm in doubt I call around and ask questions. You could reach out to a local HVAC company or even a member here who is in HVAC and the may have some ideals for you

 

[Matt018888]

Thanks. Kitter litter (crystal form), works well too. A small cup in a drawer. Using unscented in humidors, I’ve controlled temps pretty well for cigars. Never thought about coal.

any hygrometers record reedings? It would be nice to know what humidity and for how long. Might get expensive though.

Ahh a fellow cigar man, love Carlos toranos and java mints!

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I'm in Southeastern, PA. 2 car garage, uninsulated, so nothing fancy. The one time I had a tool rust issue, I believe I can attribute it to a vent-free gas heater, which I'm removing. What's the best way to test for humidity, without risking more rust?

The dehumidifier I have in there now runs if it's raining outside, and I open the door. Or, if we bring a car in during rain or snow.

For heat, I'm just going to use an infrared heater when needed, so I don't think I'll be creating any real moisture issues.

No way to move air, unless I cut a hole in the garage door.

The garage is partially under grade. So, soil on one side, the back and other side but up against my climate controlled basement. The room above is my first floor family room.

I'd like to gain floor space by removing the dehumidifier.

I wonder if periodic rain is enough to create moisture in the garage to the extent it will rust tools?

If it runs, you need it. How about putting it up on a shelf?

 

[redmondjp]

Was the heater that you removed used only occasionally or was it used to keep the inside temp above ambient exterior temp?

The reason I am asking is that humidifiers need a minimum ambient temperature in order to operate. If it gets too cold it will either not work and/or it will ice up.

 

[joseywales]

The heater was only used when I was in there. However, initially, I had it on for longer periods, which of where i think i ran into trouble. After that, i used it only to knock the chill out of the room.

Hanging the unit on the wall isn’t an option, as I’m out of wall space. In fact, the heater hangs on a wall and the humidifier sits sort of in front of it. I’m taking the heater down and hanging a bunch of hammers. I’ll then use a portable, infrared heater on a tripod.

If I could find a solution to getting my wife out of the garage, I’d have more options. Bought right house, on the wrong property, but I digress…

 

[CraigStu]

I use one of these.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/AcuRite-Comfort-Monitor/1003138314

 

[joseywales]

I use one of these.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/AcuRite-Comfort-Monitor/1003138314

Thanks. I have one, but it doesn't record like this one.

 

[Showkey]

Picture of simple thermometer/humidity……… Unheated insulated garage space 14* outside temps.
That infrared heater will add moisure……….any unvented burning fuel heater will add moisture. Usually one gallon of water to one “gallon“ of fuel burned.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Typical dehumidifiers don’t accomplish anything at ambient temperature below about 60 degrees. They can’t get the coils cold enough to cause the moisture in the air to condense.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Typical dehumidifiers don’t accomplish anything at ambient temperature below about 60 degrees. They can’t get the coils cold enough to cause the moisture in the air to condense.

my cheap crappy dehumidifier regularly fills up in the garage, even in the 40-60F range in the winter. may take a while but