Dehumidifier needs "auto defrost" to work
Joe - The problem with the non-autodefrost dehumidifiers is the coils tend to freeze up just when they reach the target 50%RH humidity. This is okay if one just wants to lower the humidity in your house on a humid day but in the case of combating mold one has to go a bit further, hence the need for auto defrost. Another helpful item is one of the electronic temperature-humidity meters so one can monitor what is happening away from the dehumidifier. The one we use is actually a digital barometer which is almost like a mini-weatherstation. We bought it at Captains in Seattle because their staff were really knowledgeable about what is a quality instrument. They do instrument repairs and testing so I trusted their advice. Of course, like everything electronic, the prices today are much lower and the quality is probably better. Ross's observations are interesting. In our location the solar vent would probably have difficulty during the winter because of the short, and dark, "days", but, during the summer when the days are long maybe that would work. Our summer days, though, usually generate between 70%RH and 85%RH inside the boat. Since this typical range is above 50%RH will the mold still grow? MoonSailer made a comment about leaks like leaky ports and that is certainly a consideration too. The boat has to be leak-free in order to keep it dry on the inside.
Joe - The problem with the non-autodefrost dehumidifiers is the coils tend to freeze up just when they reach the target 50%RH humidity. This is okay if one just wants to lower the humidity in your house on a humid day but in the case of combating mold one has to go a bit further, hence the need for auto defrost. Another helpful item is one of the electronic temperature-humidity meters so one can monitor what is happening away from the dehumidifier. The one we use is actually a digital barometer which is almost like a mini-weatherstation. We bought it at Captains in Seattle because their staff were really knowledgeable about what is a quality instrument. They do instrument repairs and testing so I trusted their advice. Of course, like everything electronic, the prices today are much lower and the quality is probably better. Ross's observations are interesting. In our location the solar vent would probably have difficulty during the winter because of the short, and dark, "days", but, during the summer when the days are long maybe that would work. Our summer days, though, usually generate between 70%RH and 85%RH inside the boat. Since this typical range is above 50%RH will the mold still grow? MoonSailer made a comment about leaks like leaky ports and that is certainly a consideration too. The boat has to be leak-free in order to keep it dry on the inside.
