The UK is known for its humid climate and frequent harsh weather, which can pose various challenges for buildings, especially garages. The average relative humidity ranges from 50% to 60% during warmer spring and summer. In contrast, it can rise to between 80% and 90% in the colder months of autumn and winter. This stubborn humidity, regular rainfall, and fluctuating temperatures create an environment where excess moisture can become a significant issue.
Fortunately, effective humidity control measures and equipment can help manage and mitigate these problems. Garage dehumidifiers are crucial for maintaining optimal environmental conditions and the overall health of buildings that often experience leaks, dampness, and mould.
Dehumidifiers are exclusively beneficial for garages that house motorbikes, classic cars, bicycles, and other specialised equipment that require proper care and maintenance. Remember that properly functioning dehumidifiers can extend the lifespan of these valuable items, ensuring they maintain their good working condition for an extended time. This blog help you make an informed decision and choose the perfect garage dehumidifier that suits your space requirements.
What Brings Humidity into Your Garage?
Garage humidity can arise from several sources, including poor ventilation, wet vehicles, appliance condensation, and structural problems like crashes or leakages.
- Poor Ventilation: Lack of proper air circulation traps moisture, leading to higher humidity levels.
- Wet Vehicles: Parking wet cars or bikes after rain or snow can significantly increase moisture in the garage.
- Condensation: Appliances like washers or dryers can release moisture, contributing to humidity, especially if the garage isn't properly ventilated.
- Structural Issues: Cracks in walls or foundations can allow moisture to seep in from the outside, raising the humidity level.
- Open Doors and Windows: If garage doors or windows are left open for extended times, particularly during humid weather, humid air from outside can enter and increase the humidity inside.
- Leaking Pipes or Roofs: Leaks from pipes or the roof can also contribute to moisture and humidity problems.
What Issues Does Humidity Cause in Garages?
Over 50 % of the UK residents have garages attached to the main building, detached within the property's grounds (often in the back garden), or as part of a communal garage block. Regardless of their location in the house, they commonly face similar challenges. High humidity levels in garages can lead to many problems, including the proliferation of mould and mildew, rust and corrosion of metal items, and potential damage to stored goods and the garage structure itself.
Mould and Mildew Growth
Humid environments create ideal breeding grounds for mould and mildew. These fungi can thrive on various surfaces, including furniture, cardboard, clothing, and even garage walls and floors.
Rust and Corrosion
High humidity significantly accelerates the rusting and corrosion of metal objects stored in the garage. These include vehicles, tools, and metal storage containers, all of which are exposed to damage in such conditions.
Damage to Stored Goods
Moisture can cause consequential damage to books, documents, and other stored materials. This damage can cause warping, staining, or even complete destruction of the affected items.
Damage to Garage Structure
Excessive moisture can brutally damage the garage's foundation, walls, and roof, leading to major structural problems and costly repairs. Effectively managing moisture levels is vital to avoid these potential problems.
Pest Infestations
High humidity can attract various pests to the garage, including insects and rodents. These pests can infest the stored objects and the garage structure, leading to potential damage and health risks.
Health Risks
Mould and mildew can cause noteworthy health issues, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory problems. Therefore, it is crucial to address these growths promptly to prevent adverse health effects.
Several Advantages of Garage Dehumidification
There is no ambiguity that excess moisture in the air can be uncomfortable. Moreover, excessively high humidity levels can pose threats to you and your home that extend beyond mere discomfort. Mould and mildew can develop and lead to loss of structural integrity to your property. If unaddressed, these risks could escalate significantly.
Dehumidifying a garage offers numerous benefits, including:
Mould and Mildew Prevention: High humidity in garages can lead to fungus growth, potentially damaging stored items and posing health risks. To avoid these issues, using a dehumidifier is vital as it reduces moisture levels, hindering the cultivation of fungi.
Protection of Stored Items: Excess moisture can lead to serious issues such as rust, corrosion, and substantial damage to various tools, equipment, and other stored items over time. Using a dehumidifier is a cost-effective solution to help maintain excellent dryness and ensure protection of these valuable assets.
Improved Air Quality: A dehumidifier improves indoor air quality by removing excess moisture. This makes the living space healthier and reduces musty odours in damp areas. It can also help lessen allergy symptoms for people sensitive to mould and other allergens in humid environments.
Enhanced Comfort: A dehumidifier maintains a dry garage, making it comfortable and functional for storage, workshops, or recreation. Controlling moisture levels creates an inviting space for hobbies and activities, enhancing its utility beyond storage.
Effective Moisture Removal in Low Temperatures: Dehumidifiers are designed to work effectively even in low temperatures, making them perfect for unheated garages.
Energy Efficiency: Some dehumidifiers, particularly desiccant models, are designed to be energy-efficient, especially in colder environments. This design helps in reducing both energy consumption and electricity costs.
Insect Control: Moist places attract pests, which can be irritating in homes and gardens. A dehumidifier drops humidity, making the area unpleasant for pests and helping keep your space cleaner and more comfortable.
Preservation of Belongings: High humidity in the garage can damage items sensitive to moisture, such as wood furniture, electronics, and papers. A dehumidifier can protect these items from moisture damage, helping them last longer.
To sum up, using a dehumidifier in your garage is a smart way to keep it dry, clean, and usable for different activities.
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Dehumidifier for Your Garage
When selecting a dehumidifier for a garage in the UK, consider the space's size and temperature. A desiccant model is ideal for cold, unheated areas, while a refrigerant model works best in warmer environments. There are multiple factors you need to consider when choosing the right dehumidifier for your garage space, including:
1. Types of Dehumidifiers
Desiccant Dehumidifiers: Desiccant dehumidifiers are ideal for cold, unheated spaces like garages and maintain the anticipated humidity levels in several cool environments. These units work better in colder temperatures because they use a different technology that does not depend on a refrigerant cycle like compressor models. This allows them to efficiently absorb moisture from the air even when the temperature drops significantly.
Refrigerant (Compressor) Dehumidifiers: These dehumidifiers are designed to be more energy-efficient and typically perform best in warmer temperatures above 15°C. They shine in steadily warm environments and can cool the air while efficiently eliminating excess humidity. However, these models may struggle to function properly in colder temperatures, frequently resulting in reduced effectiveness.
2. Size and Capacity
Match the Capacity to the Space: Ensure the dehumidifier has sufficient capacity to handle the moisture in your garage. Remember that a larger garage will require a larger capacity dehumidifier.
Consider Moisture Levels: If your garage is predominantly soggy, you may need a dehumidifier with a higher capacity.
Refer to Manufacturer Guidelines: Use the manufacturer's guidelines or sizing charts to determine the right capacity for your garage's square footage and humidity levels.
3. Operating Temperature Range
Garages are Often Cold: Consider your garage's classic temperature range, as some dehumidifiers are intended for warmer temperatures and may not function effectively in cold conditions.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers for Cold Spaces: A desiccant dehumidifier is a better choice if your garage is cold and unheated.
4. Drainage
Continuous Drainage: Opt for a dehumidifier with uninterrupted drainage for steady dehumidification. This allows water to be pumped directly to a drain rather than collected in a tank.
Manual Drainage: If you choose a model with a water tank, ensure you can easily empty it.
5. Portability and Noise
Portability: Consider the portability of the dehumidifier, particularly if you plan to move it around your garage.
Noise Level: Choose a model that operates quietly, especially if you spend time in your garage.
6. Additional Features
Adjustable Humidity Settings: Choose a dehumidifier with adjustable humidity settings for personalised dehumidification.
Automatic Shut-off: An automatic shut-off feature can help prevent the dehumidifier from running unnecessarily.
Programmable Timers: A programmable timer can help you schedule the dehumidifier's operation.
Air Filtration: Some dehumidifiers also include air filtration, which can help eliminate dust and other particles from the air.