[Laker14]

I am interested in hearing what strategies the northern migratory Villagers use to try to combat mildew and mold while up north for the summer months. I already have a humidistat, and will set thermostat for 80F, and humidistat for 60. I have had discussions with others suggesting the use of desiccants (charcoal, other products), in closets where the air might not flow well enough to otherwise keep it at bay.

Ideas? Specific products? Sources?

Thanks

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I am interested in hearing what strategies the northern migratory Villagers use to try to combat mildew and mold while up north for the summer months. I already have a humidistat, and will set thermostat for 80F, and humidistat for 60. I have had discussions with others suggesting the use of desiccants (charcoal, other products), in closets where the air might not flow well enough to otherwise keep it at bay.

Ideas? Specific products? Sources?

Thanks

Keep your air conditioning set on 83.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Keep your air conditioning set on 83.

My HVAC tech said 80-60..why do you recommend 83?

[Garywt]

We keep the AC at 80 and the humidity under 50 and all has been fine for 2 years.

[Decadeofdave]

Set thermostat on 80F, humidity we stay around 60 %
( my attic fans are controlled by measuring outside/inside humidity differential and attic temperature)

[Laker14]

This wasn't intended to be a thread about what settings to use for temp and humidity. I am asking about desiccants to augment that, and what products folks use.
Thanks again.

[asianthree]

Since 2010 kept 80/60. But every year anything plastic became brittle. Combs, brushes, hair dryer, sunglasses. First 3 not a big deal, but sunglasses cost was big $$$.
In October put in a new system, mentioned the issues. Had us set at 78/60. Installer said cost is minimum, and should help with less brittle sunglasses.
So far cost is only a few dollars difference per month more than the last 10 years.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Laker14

My HVAC tech said 80-60..why do you recommend 83?

We have lived here since 2008. The first four years we were snowbirds and were told to set the air at 83. We were gone for months at a time and had no issues. We did not have a separate dehumidifier, just air conditioning.

[Garywt]

Originally Posted by Laker14

This wasn't intended to be a thread about what settings to use for temp and humidity. I am asking about desiccants to augment that, and what products folks use.
Thanks again.

You asked what we do or use and we are telling you what we set the temp and humidity at in the thermostat as that is all we do. We do not use anything else as we do not have the need for anything else.

[Hoosierb4]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I am interested in hearing what strategies the northern migratory Villagers use to try to combat mildew and mold while up north for the summer months. I already have a humidistat, and will set thermostat for 80F, and humidistat for 60. I have had discussions with others suggesting the use of desiccants (charcoal, other products), in closets where the air might not flow well enough to otherwise keep it at bay.

Ideas? Specific products? Sources?

Thanks

We've never had any problems in our 10 years as snowbirds. Just set the thermostat at 81 degrees and leave closet doors open. But, if you want something extra, get a dehumidifier and place it in the shower or bathtub (with drain open) so there's somewhere for the water to go. The dehumidifier will take out gallons of water every day. No dessicant can remove that kind of water, unless you get a truckload.

[chenick]

6 yrs snowbird, gone June thru December. Set temp 81 all ceiling fans on low, all closet doors open. Also have home watch twice a month to check on thing and turn on water run everything, flush toilets turn water off. Never any problems.

[kidnerkim]

I also put Damp Rid hanging bags in closets & their tubs in shower bathtub & laundry tub

[La lamy]

A friend tells me he's used kitty litter in closets that don't get much air flow and this product in photo. Says it works.

[HJBeck]

Originally Posted by Laker14

I am interested in hearing what strategies the northern migratory Villagers use to try to combat mildew and mold while up north for the summer months. I already have a humidistat, and will set thermostat for 80F, and humidistat for 60. I have had discussions with others suggesting the use of desiccants (charcoal, other products), in closets where the air might not flow well enough to otherwise keep it at bay.
Ideas? Specific products? Sources?

Thanks

We set our AC at 85 degrees but run a dehumidifier set eat 40-45 percent relative humidity level. We let it self drain. Mold will not grow below this level. Our dehumidifier is a 70 pint unit. We also leave all closet doors open. We have never had any problems.

[Rwirish]

Set you AC on 80. No need for anything else.