Many classic car owners put their vehicle into hibernation over the winter months. However, even a car stored in a garage can degrade in damp, winter air. That’s where using a dehumidifier comes in.
Used correctly, a dehumidifier will minimise the effects of rust on body panels, stop mildew growing on the seats and prevent carpets and other trim from getting soggy.
A dehumidifier is equally beneficial if you are storing a motorcycle, machinery or tools in a garage. So how do you choose the right one? Read on for our quick guide.
Which type of dehumidifier to buy
Winter takes its toll on classic cars – even those that are safely locked away until the spring. But a dehumidifier can help. It could save you money in the long run, too.
For unheated garages, a desiccant system is preferable to a compressor unit, as they operate at lower temperatures. They also tend to be lighter, which could be a factor if you intend to move the dehumidifier.
Crucially, from a classic car perspective, desiccant dehumidifiers have the ability to reduce the relative humidity to 40 percent or lower – below the rusting point of metal.
A basic compressor unit will be ineffective at temperatures below 15ºC, so isn’t well suited to winter use in the UK.Â
Choosing a unit with an automatic restart function means the dehumidifier will kick back in after a power outage, rather than going into standby mode. Meanwhile, a unit with continuous drain-off means you have the option to feed a hose into a sink, drain point or separate holding tank.
How to get the best from a dehumidifier
Dehumidifier manufacturer Meaco has the following advice for motorists storing a car in a garage:
- Place the dehumidifier on a level surface
- Drain the water using a hose, preferably into a sink, to avoid the unit going into standby mode when the tank is full
- Use as little hose as possible, as too much will create negative air pressure
- Don’t use a plug-in timer, as desiccant dehumidifiers have a cool-down facility to prolong the life of the unit
- Seal the garage the best you can to prevent external air from getting in
- Leave the doors of the vehicle open, so that damp air can migrate to the dehumidifier
- Cleaning the filter will increase the lifespan of the dehumidifier and maintain efficiency
Desiccant dehumidifiers are available from around £150. Needless to say, that’s a significantly cheaper option than repairing a rusty vehicle or replacing a set of damp carpets in the spring…
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