Do I Need A Garage Dehumidifier?

[Rocky Rotella]

I’ve got an 850 sq/ft attached-garage that’s fully insulated, and has radiant heat, running water, and a floor drain. I routinely keep the temp between 55 and 60 degrees throughout the winter, and its not uncommon for me to wash my vehicles a few times a week.

I haven’t had any humidity-related issues yet, because in the summer the door is wide open, but in the winter, I usually crack the garage door immediately after washing to let the floor dry and humidity escape. I was wondering if you guys might suggest that a dehumidifier is a better practice for winter washing? And if so, what unit would affordably fit my needs?

Thanks!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Hey, it's another one of those darn Pontiac guys...

I'd think the humidity is going to be low enough inside the heated garage during the winter months that it's not a big deal. Even with water on the floor it's going to dry off pretty fast, particularly if you open the door for a bit. There's enough thermal mass in the floor that it will warm up again pretty quickly once the door is closed.

The one thing I wish I'd done when I built my garage was to put in hydronic heat...a friend of mine has it in his garage and in the middle of a Minnesota winter it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

 

[Rocky Rotella]

Yeah, yeah, yeah... You probably saw my garage in the last issue too!

Thanks for the input. It's pretty cool to be able to wash my cars in a warm garage no matter how cold it is outside. My friends think I'm pathetic, but what the hell do they know?!