Another Dehumidifier post...

[Bill M]

--I am going to post this on a couple of the forums, because it could apply to any area of collecting.
--For preservation purposes I use silica gel and activated carbon to remove moisture and impurities from the air in my display cases. I also have an air purifier as well as an air conditioner (as it is summer).
--I was wondering if any of you have gone as far as to have a dehumidifier in the house? I have a Hygrometer and it is starting to average out at around 75% to 80% humidity, this is unacceptable! I am not worried as much about the medals and such as I have silica practically shovelled into the case bottoms, but I do have paper items and also things not-necessarily-militaria-related that I don't need moisture getting at.
Anybody? If so, any recommendations?

[Tom Y]

I've used a dehumidifier and it does a great job. The only drawback is that it generates a lot of heat. Rather than use a drip pan I've run a hose through an outside wall. Down here you can usually find used ones at thrift shops.

[Bill M]

Tom,
I was thinking of just getting a 25-pint dehumidifier and running it alternately (via timers) with the AC, thereby negating some of the heat (in the summer, at least).
What do you think?

[Tom Y]

It's an idea. Just monitor your humidity and adjust the time as needed. Most of them have%age settings, so you might not even need a timer. Just be sure to remember to empty the tank.