dehumidifiers

[CarlaW]

I am looking to purchase one of these for my basement area where my tanks are. What are the pros and cons of getting one. Outside venting is not an option for me. The humidity in the room where my 300 is, is at 65%. That's a little high, don't you think? Hope you guys can help me out. TIA

Charlie

 

[mfinn]

I bought a dehumidifier that pulls about 4-5 qts. of water in a 10 hr day. Be sure to run it on a circuit that can handle the power draw and be prepared to deal with some heat from it.

 

[CarlaW]

finn, how big, capacity wise, did you buy? Did you see any effects elsewhere in your home?
My basement is about 1000 sq. ft.

 

[mfinn]

The unit I got was a portable on wheels, not sure about capacity. I do know it will fill the 5qt. tank up and shut off automaticly in about 10hrs. It is the Amana 40 model. My house is only about a 1000 sq. ft.
I do have to do more fresh water top off, when I run it. I only run it in the winter, when it is raining and the house is closed up. (doors/windows).
Heat is the only issue and that is minor.

 

[CarlaW]

Hey thanx alot, that helps. I am not worried about the heat issue, as I can put it in a different area than the tanks are in. After running 6 400w MH all day, the heat has not come on at nite, yet. Of course, it has yet to get real chilly.
Thanx again for your help.

 

[wrightme43]

Charlie, I have to ask what do you all call "really chilly" in nw Montana? LOL

 

[CarlaW]

That would probably be below 0. Some people say 30 is cold, I usually try to ignore them!

 

[Oscapus]

I would second the suggestion above to really consider the amp draw on your circuits. Those can pull as much power as an air conditioner, and kill a circuit when you least want it to. With all my tank lighting, chillers, HD TV systems, subwoofer, portable air conditioner, lights, etc I had to map out every circuit in my place, and now even have a couple long heavy-gauge cords balancing out the draw from the air conditioner.

 

[fishermann]

I am running two of them at nite only, it keeps the water from condensing on the bottom edge of our vinyl windows at night, which keeps the mold from growing. I read alot in consumer re[orts and got the one at Sears mod.580.53701 which has worked really great for 2yrs now. They are rated really good for quietness and they are easy to get the water collection container out, they have automatic shutoff if full and they also are the kind that won't frost up and shut down which is important in a dehumidifier. I run one in each end of our house at nite only. I think they draw like 8amps. each on high.

 

[CarlaW]

Thanx again. I am not really worried about draw on any of my circuits. I have 8 dedicated circuits for my 300. I am sure I can find one that has something left on it for a dehumidifier. It is definitly a concern to be looked at if one doesn't have enuf circuits to go around!
I will look at the sears model also. what was the square footage on that model, fisherman?

 

[fishermann]

Maybe i'm wrong but I didn't know they were rated by sq. ftage. That Model nbr was the biggest of the two mods they had and was the one cr had high ratings on, it well take out 70 pints or a little over 8 gals in 24 hrs. I run one at both ends of our house at nite and there is no moisture on the bottom of the windows in the mornings. There is also a high and low fan setting and % of humidity settings.

 

[CarlaW]

I had looked at some at the Walmart site this AM, and they were saying that this product (X) was rated for 100 sq. feet, that's why I asked. I was looking at the exact product that you have a while ago, and that seems like it would do the job. I have the same problem you do with condensation. Looks like a trip to sears is in order! Thanx for all your help, this place is great.

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Charlie,
Kris just bought one for his 360. Let me check with him about the specs. I think he's pulling 3-4 gallons a day out from the air.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[CarlaW]

That would be good, I'd appreciate that.

 

[fishermann]

Charlie becareful how long you run them, my wife had some cactus that I was drying out by running yhe units all day, I was sucking about 7 gals aday out in each one, so now I run them just during the nite when you get the most condensation on the windows, so you do have to watch how you use these things, how long you run, what speed you run the fan?

 

[CarlaW]

After reading what you wrote previously, I was gonna adopt that plan. I think that's a good idea. I wonder if there are any other things that I should be cautious about.
I don't think this will be a year round thing. I have central air, so in the summertime, I should be able to utilize that to remove the humidity, should I not?

 

[szidls]

Hey Charlie,
We are currently using 2 Maytag 45 pint capacity dehumidifiers. One upstairs and one downstairs. The house is approx 2400 sq ft. They are portable with 2-speed fan and humidity control. Bought at Home Depot about a year ago. I'm running them 24/7@ 60% humidity.
They definately run more often in the winter with the house closed up tight. Some times they will fill the container in 24 hrs, but usually about 3-days (winter). We are also running the furnace fan on a timer for added fresh air intake to the whole house. This helps keep the attic space from condencing water on the underside of the roof. I bought an attick ventilater fan with a temp and humidistat control but havn't installed it yet. This should be a must for those with very "air tight" houses. I think the central air will help in the summer.
Also if it's possible you might add an exhaust fan near the tank.
Hope it helps,
Scott

 

[CarlaW]

I called my local Home Depot yesterday, and they don't carry dehumidifiers!! Yes, I was looking at those Maytags I looked at things a little closer, and I do have an option of putting an exhaust fan in, right behind the tank. I'd have to figure out a way to seal off the window, but my renter is a carpenter. Where there is a will, there is a way. Thanx, for the suggestions everybody!!

 

[RedEyeReef]

Hey Charlie,

I just got the Kenmore at Sears last week (4 pints I think) bercause of my 360 and it works great. I could notice a difference down stairs the next day. I dump the bucket every other day. I run the fan on low and set the humity at 50%. It does the rest and no more condensation on the windows.