Garage heaters

[Pica-Pica]

renmure said:

v8250 said:

Tony, I run one of these, it works superbly keeping everything, including tools and car upholstery, super dry throughout the winter months

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ebac-powerdri-18ltr-deh...

I use the same and have done for a few years.
Another benefit is that the air coming out of it is certainly warmer than the air going in, so certainly not a heater but definitely helping.

I have used an Ebac for damp houses, work great. I have not tried in a garage, but it would mean you could still easily access the cars if needed. Worth a try, and can be used elsewhere or sold on easily, if it is found not the best solution.

[lowdrag]

As an update, I took the consensus advice and bought a dehumidifier, a Trotec 65 which was good for up to 40 sq metres, drilled a hole in the wall for the pipe and plugged it in. The results have been amazing and the humidity level dropped to 70% in a few days and the machine works automatically when needed. Personally, I think I could have got away with a smaller machine but at £150 I am well satisfied. Thanks all for the your help.

[Norfolkandchance]

I'm glad it's worked for you.
Any one know the best way to dry a garage that is opened at least twice a day? We have a triple garage with the end door opened every morning and evening. The other cars, not used everyday, get condensation on them from time to time, but I wouldn't described the garage as "damp". I don't want a carcoon / airchamber as I, and especially my wife, can't be doing with the whole unzipping thing. Would it be very expensive to run an dehumidifier? Thanks

[The Dangerous Elk]

Norfolkandchance said:

I'm glad it's worked for you.
Any one know the best way to dry a garage that is opened at least twice a day? We have a triple garage with the end door opened every morning and evening. The other cars, not used everyday, get condensation on them from time to time, but I wouldn't described the garage as "damp". I don't want a carcoon / airchamber as I, and especially my wife, can't be doing with the whole unzipping thing. Would it be very expensive to run an dehumidifier? Thanks

Roll down/up curtain to seperate ?

[lowdrag]

Norfolkandchance said:

I'm glad it's worked for you.
Would it be very expensive to run an dehumidifier? Thanks

Not at all. I've put it on a timer so it works on off peak electricity. I know it is cold and dry now but the humidity level has hit 60% today. Strange though, since that must be down to the air itself since the machine is set at 70%. They turn themselves off when they hit the desired level. But you must buy a machine with an outlet and not just a reservoir otherwise you are having to check every day that it hasn't cut out because the reservoir is full. Peace of mind and all that.

[Norfolkandchance]

lowdrag said:

Norfolkandchance said:

I'm glad it's worked for you.
Would it be very expensive to run an dehumidifier? Thanks

Not at all. I've put it on a timer so it works on off peak electricity. I know it is cold and dry now but the humidity level has hit 60% today. Strange though, since that must be down to the air itself since the machine is set at 70%. They turn themselves off when they hit the desired level. But you must buy a machine with an outlet and not just a reservoir otherwise you are having to check every day that it hasn't cut out because the reservoir is full. Peace of mind and all that.

Thanks - I just wondered if it would be expensive if every day all the wet from outside is let in again, both when the door is opened and when the wet car is put inside.

[crankedup]

Indoor carcoon is the answer unless you use the car frequently during the winter period, then it could get to be a pain. Expensive bit of kit but will last for years and pay dividends in keeping the car perfectly onside and out.

[Vintage Racer]

70% humidity is still quite high!

My cars are both in carcoons and in a dehumidified garage (set at 55%)

I use a Meaco DD8L, which can also be programmed to desired humidity and evacuated either directly outside, or into a sump.

A by-product of this unit, is that it also gives off a small amount of heat during operation.

After 4 years use, I have never experienced any issues with this unit and the entire contents of my garage (which also houses a large collection of books and magazines, as well as tools) are all still in perfect condition.

Temperature is one thing, but humidity is your real enemy!

[lowdrag]

I agree, but we are now down to 60% and still dropping. I'll keep an eye on things from time to time.

[mph]

Some time ago I looked into the subject of garage ventilation.

My own garage is a glorified damp barn, a de-humidifier would be totally ineffective and I currently use a carcoon which works well.

I seem recall a product that could be easily retro-fitted to a building, perhaps designed for keeping vacant properties dry and ventilated. It was self-contained and consisted of a solar powered fan/heater element.

[Vintage Racer]

lowdrag said:

I agree, but we are now down to 60% and still dropping. I'll keep an eye on things from time to time.

Not sure about your area Tony, but in my part of France (Dordogne) today, this current cold wind is so dry, that outside humidity today is just 42%

I can open all the garage doors and reduce humidity at the same time!!