Dehumidifier Experience

[chrisbecker]

Hi All,

I just had a LB session ruined by humidity in my garage creeping up to ridiculous levels (cheapo hygrometer said it reached 86%) and me slipping/greasing off all kinds of holds, even on my warmup problems.

I'm thinking about ways to reduce humidity during periods of heavy rain (tightening some spots where water is seeping in, building a drainage system, increasing ventilation, etc.) but feel like the quick and easy way for at least some improvement might be a dehumidifier.

Do any of you have experience with using one of those and - if so - would you recommend one?

[Quan]

I use a dehumidifier in my garage which has a poured concrete foundation and floor.  My peak humidity levels are much lower than yours, but it works well to keep the place dry in humid weather.  If you are in a cold area, a kerosene heater and box fans would also work well.  Note that most dehumidifiers are not meant to be used below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.  

[tedwelser]

A small air conditioner will both dehumidify and cool the air. A dehumidifier will add heat to the room. So, if I had to chose I would go with the air conditioner which will be venting both hot air and water to an external system. A dehumidifier will make a closed space warmer.

[Chris W]

I have two dehumidifiers in my basement at home. They pull a ridiculous amount of moisture out of the air down there, so much so that I've put a drain line from each unit directly into the sump in the utility room. They'll take the humidity level down from 95% (in the middle of the summer) to 60 percent, and I run them 24/7 from about April to November.

The dehumidifiers will blow off warm, dry air. If the temps of your garage are 45 degrees, it may not matter, depending on your training temperature preference. My basement, for example, will stay around 70 degrees in the middle of the summer with the dehumidifiers blowing and without any AC. Your garage may warm up, but it may still be cooler than most commercial climbing gyms.

I don't worry too much about humidity and temperature during my limit bouldering sessions, though both obviously effect them. This is because I climb in similar conditions. I try to keep my conditions, and data, most consistent with my hangboarding, where being as objective as possible helps me track my progress (or at least that's what I tell myself).

[jetjackson]

Dehumidifier is probably the go if you are looking for straight humidity reduction. Air conditioners also work, but don't dehumidify at the same rate per kwl as a straight dehumidifier. As mentioned, they struggle below 41 degrees.

[joev9]

My dehumidifier in my basement freezes up when the temp in my basement gets down around 50 deg F. You may want to check specs to make sure it can dehumidify at lower temps...

[chrisbecker]

Thanks a lot for your input, guys - exactly what I was hoping for. I started looking around and it seems like there are dehumidifiers that will work all the way down to freezing temp (and stupidly expensive ones that will go below), so there is still hope for my garage...

[Quan]

make sure to get one that can be hooked up to a hose, if you have that much humidity it will fill its tank within a few hours.