[Hifred]

I have a Bridgeport model home with a very small lanai. When we bought the home it was already glass enclosed with no air. It has a roof and has walls on 3 sides with windows and a door on the back. We don't use it because to me it feels cave like. Typically we leave the windows open and a fan running to keep air circulating and we close the windows when it rains and open them after it stops. We will be out of town for a month. I am not sure what to do because the high temperatures can be a breeding ground for mold. If I leave the windows cracked rain could get in and it will be humid. I know some people who leave their house sliding doors open to their glass enclosed lanai but I am not sure if some of the old furniture out there might have mold spores or may have an odor I don't want in the house. I don't have time to have a mini splint installed also it is such a small space I don't think the price is worth it. Any thoughts on what you would do????? I am thinking of buying those big containers of damp rid. I also thought of buying a dehumidifier but there is no place for the water to drain out unless I leave the door open and that doesn't seem to be good. I may find animals living in there when I come home. I appreciate any help or ideas. Thank you.

[retiredguy123]

Assuming the lanai windows have screens, I would leave them open. It's not much different from the typical screened-in lanai. You could also move the lanai furniture into the house.

[Hifred]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Assuming the lanai windows have screens, I would leave them open. It's not much different from the typical screened-in lanai. You could also move the lanai furniture into the house.

Very good point. Thanks for thinking of that. I was not sure what to do but I will follow what you have suggested as it makes sense.

[Garywt]

From October through April we leave our sliders open to the house when we are not there. From May to September we bring all cushions in and lock up all the doors. Our wicker furniture has been fine.

[Hifred]

Thank you

[TravelswithD&K]

We have a very small lanai just like yours. When we had it glassed in, I asked the salesman from Custom Windows that exact same question. He said that we should close and lock the slider to the lanai and leave the lanai windows closed and locked. He said we would not get any mold. We haven't been gone since we enclosed the lanai, so I can't tell you whether he was correct. Maybe you could call Custom Windows and see what they say: (352) 787-9797‬.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by Hifred

I have a Bridgeport model home with a very small lanai. When we bought the home it was already glass enclosed with no air. It has a roof and has walls on 3 sides with windows and a door on the back. We don't use it because to me it feels cave like. Typically we leave the windows open and a fan running to keep air circulating and we close the windows when it rains and open them after it stops. We will be out of town for a month. I am not sure what to do because the high temperatures can be a breeding ground for mold. If I leave the windows cracked rain could get in and it will be humid. I know some people who leave their house sliding doors open to their glass enclosed lanai but I am not sure if some of the old furniture out there might have mold spores or may have an odor I don't want in the house. I don't have time to have a mini splint installed also it is such a small space I don't think the price is worth it. Any thoughts on what you would do????? I am thinking of buying those big containers of damp rid. I also thought of buying a dehumidifier but there is no place for the water to drain out unless I leave the door open and that doesn't seem to be good. I may find animals living in there when I come home. I appreciate any help or ideas. Thank you.

A couple windows open and CEILING FAN ON!

[Rob&Brooke143]

I would get an over the door AC unit it's long and skinny.. put it over your sliders. See it a lot in TV.

[OhioBuckeye]

Why is there so many repeat comments.

[OhioBuckeye]

Why is there so many repeat comments.

[nancyre]

Never leave with your sliding door open. Lanai enclosers are not perimeter quality most are only good for 65-75 mph winds. They are also easy to break for theft. But the Most important point is your house slider closes the envelope of your home protecting the structure. When a storm comes through it is there to do that job.

[Hifred]

Thank you Nancyre - Never thought of it that way. I appreciate your help.

[Villages Kahuna]

There is a very effective thru-wall Mitsubishi heater/air conditioning unit that are very popular for needs like yours. They are very effective and very highly rated.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye

Why is there so many repeat comments.

Why a double post????

[bobchap]

We have had an enclosed lanai for several years now. When we leave we close all of the windows and leave furniture on the lanai. We don't have a dehumidifier. Have never had any problems with mold. I would think you would be fine just to close it up and go.