Controlling humidity levels in garage

[IRedline]

Hello everyone. I am hoping you all could help with out with something I have been wanting to improve in the garage in my new to me house. First off a little info on the garage. It's a 2 car garage 25ft x 25ft, metal door (uninsulated) with windows in the upper section, and the walls are insulated the attic is not.

I put up a thermometer with a humidity gauge in the garage to monitor both levels, and most times it will maintain 50 degrees and the humidity anywhere from 70 to 75 percent. Lately the weather has been anywhere from the 30s to 50s for daytime highs. Since I will be storing my car in the garage, the higher humidity levels kind of concern me.

I have been running a household dehumidifier at times, but it doesn't exactly work the best in temperatures less than 60 degrees. I was able to get a good deal on a couple Owen Corning garage door insulation kits, so that is on my next thing to do list. But what else can I do to keep the garage at relatively normal humidity levels?

 

[buzz4041]

My shop is 24 x 48 and completely insulated top to bottom. I use a house hold dehumidifier and it keeps my place set at 50% which is where I have it adjusted to. It is on auto mode and has a hose run outside so no pan to empty. I think the insulation will help and ensure your tightly sealed up around the garage doors and other potential leak areas and you will see a drastic improvement in controlling it.

 

[cos]

Hi One way to control humidity levels is to keep inside temps 5-8 degrees higher than outside temps. It makes no difference what they are. The problem is finding a differential thermostat( two bulb type). I have been unable to find one at a reasonable price. This system works best at lower temps. I have never penciled it out but I suspect energy levels for running a low temp dehumidifier vs low temp heating would be about the same. In Pacfic Northwest we have cold temps (20-30 degrees) for a few days followed by wet warm (55-60 degrees) weather. Everything cold turns into a condenser. If anyone knows where to buy a 2 bulb differential themostat for less than $300 I would like to know. Thanks

 

[pop pop]

Dehumidifiers are available for low temp operation. Cost a bit more is all. I do the same as buzz4041. It will take a while for the dehum. to draw the moisture out of the floor if it is concrete.