Dehumidfiers

One with an on/off switch which "clicks", i.e. mechanical? This will remain in the "On" position if the supply trips, and the machine will restart when the power comes back on.

I have one with what I think is an electrical/electronic switch, (I dont know the terminology). When the marina power supply trips, the dehumidifier switches off, and you need to physically press the switch to turn it back on. Leaving the boat for weeks at a time, means that the dehumidifier runs until the first power trip.

I always discover these things after the event and, whilst it's part of the learning curve, it's a PIA!!

Cheers

Richard
 
Dunno about special requirements on board but I've used Ebac in the house for the last 18 years (3 machines over the years being used every day). The second one was some other make and was not nearly as clever at 'sensing' the dampness as the Ebacs. The Ebacs have been excelent machines and, when buying them we have received good customer service (buy direct from their web site - but one arrived damaged in transit and was replaced very swiftly).
 
Re: Dehumidfiers - or a heater

Is it better to run a dehumidifier or a small electric/oil heater? I was planning to run a dehumidifier but someone suggested running a small heater on a timer would be better. Which would be best?
 
Re: Dehumidfiers - or a heater

I have had a dehumidifier from Argos (cheapest/smallest model) on our boat (which is afloat) all winter and although the boat is cold it is absolutely dry. I have slept aboard with it running and although I have awoken to a frost outside, there hasn't even been any condensation on the windows! Can't sing the dehumidifier's praises enough!
 
[ QUOTE ]
Bog standard B&Q one - 10L - drains into sink - £74.99

Keeps Guapa dry without any problem

[/ QUOTE ]

Seconded.

Mine is approaching the end of its third winter running continuously on the boat.

I also have a small 60W tube heater running continuously in the engine compartment and a 300W tube heater on a thermostatic switch that cuts in at 10 deg C.
 
The only requirement is auto-defrost, which most have nowadays, otherwise it won't work in the winter if we get one. I run mine for 12 hrs/day on a timer. It's best to seal/block vents and holes to stop more damp getting in. Dehum must be cheaper on power than a heater.
 
All current compressor type Ebacs seem to have a 'soft' on-off/mode switch, which means that after a power cut they restart only in economy (ie do damn all) mode. I have three Ebacs at home/work. Once the ambient temperature gets below 5 degrees or so they can sometimes freeze up and stop working, and when the big block of ice around the coils finally melts it can be messy. All compressor dehumidifiers work poorly in cold air, even if they don't freeze up.

I also have a B&Q dessicant type dehumidifier, which works brilliantly in cold weather. Unfortunately it doesn't have a permaent drain facility, and won't rstart on its own after a power cut, so no use for the boat.

On the boat I have a cheap B&Q compressor type, seems to work OK, although I also run a small heater tube right next to its air inlet to help it avoid freezing up, and work more effectively.
 
Yup to B&Q 'Cheapie'. I have an Amcor make which has run every winter for the last 5 years. Although it has the autu defrost function, I have it connected via an airconditioner thermostat so it is cut off from the mains when the air temperature falls below +5°C
 
[ QUOTE ]
I also have a B&Q dessicant type dehumidifier, which works brilliantly in cold weather. Unfortunately it doesn't have a permaent drain facility,

[/ QUOTE ] I could never get the B&Q jobbie to drain properly so I drilled a small hole in the front of the tank, screwed in a copper spiggot thing and attached a 1m length of pipe, I can put the thing anywhere near the sink now. I guess you could do that with the dessicant model as well, though the 'soft' on/off is a real pain!
 
I agree, the 10L B&Q type are very good.

I have tried several types and none seem to shift water at the same rate as the B&Q one......which is often available on ebay at about £45 "Buy it now"
 
Re: Dehumidfiers - or a heater

[ QUOTE ]
Is it better to run a dehumidifier or a small electric/oil heater? I was planning to run a dehumidifier but someone suggested running a small heater on a timer would be better. Which would be best?


[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on the ambient temperature. My "seat of the pants" estimate is that kilowatt for kilowatt, a heater in a slightly ventilated space is more effective at keeping the humidity down when temperatures are less than about 7 Celsius,(dehumidifiers are much less effective when operating at lower temperatures). At higher temperatures a dehumidifier is more effective. So I set the thermostat on my heater to come on at about 7 degrees, and run the dehumidifier on economy plus one or two clicks. As others have said, it is a bloody nuisance when the power trips.

Mark
 
Now that's a bloody good idea.

I can get mine to drain into the galley sink, but it generally involves a lot of messing around with jacking up one of the feet with last year's almanac.

Will adpot your solution next year, tks.
 
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