Hangar Dehumidifier

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Mtns2Skies

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Mtns2Skies
Well, I've moved from some of the driest terrain in CO to some of the wettest here in WI. I just got a very nice T-hangar, but all of this humidity is terrifying me that it's going to do damage to the Skywagon. Any recommendations for a dehumidifier that will be the right size for a T-hangar, or any other solutions?
 
Mtns2Skies said:
Well, I've moved from some of the driest terrain in CO to some of the wettest here in WI. I just got a very nice T-hangar, but all of this humidity is terrifying me that it's going to do damage to the Skywagon. Any recommendations for a dehumidifier that will be the right size for a T-hangar, or any other solutions?
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A bunch of desiccant bags all over the hangar floor?
Sorry no help here. Good luck.
 
Looks like dehumidifiers rated for 1,500 square feet are around $200. While that's almost a tank of avgas I guess if you are worried about it then maybe get one and try it. Of course you did buy the airplane from somewhere in Michigan I think...
 
As someone who designs dehumidification systems - trying to dehumidify a T hangar is a challenge. If the T hangar is like mine it would be like trying to dehumidify the outdoors.

What you are dealing with is vapor pressure. Any cracks or air leaks in the building will make it nearly impossible to reduce the humidity level to any degree. Likewise, the lack of a continous vapor barrier will also make this a near impossible task.

I would suggest before you spend money on a dehumidifier, you contact a knowledgeable HVAC contractor or consulting engineer in your area and have them take a look at your situation.
 
I used a window unit air conditioner to dehumidify the garage when I lived in humid Southeast Texas.
 
Make sure your dew point indoors is higher than outdoors to prevent condensation. If you can't do that? Ventilate well. Keep the air moving inside.
 
Moved from Colorado to Maine. Humidity in the hangar is not that great. Summer heat lowers humidity in hangar. Winter air is drier. I haven't had any condensation problems, if that's what you are worried about.
 
I'd work on sealing up as many of the gaps in the hangar structure as possible before I started buying a dehumidifier.
 
Do you have a drain in your hangar or can you drain outside?
 
Clark1961 said:
Of course you did buy the airplane from somewhere in Michigan I think...
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Just down the street. No problem here with condensation from the roof dripping on the aircraft and having to de-ice in the winter...

krtuF1h091rCuUa90UVI9dQ1n48eymMShoneCHB1_wTLv3B3eLLSggHiCP4IptPueVVRX_qpZoRZOGpgPJdSUlXZDSBy2o8UreqjnSSzQ25HXLWq2XyvumQZBSAaFUMTlzrP6uEg6brFWEpKPLm8xyaeFfcmvsRaS996gT3cj0vx4lV187occjCLhfx7B11hTxFbz8RO4mDh4AhAwtmaPswmi17Mig5B1wh9b7zvrUFhU50IMqZ10_TABGnnL_muWHbUoxNjxNrMlyqCAByN_i1nBg_b91fLlBn0bFQp6-fAUyUL5Q5UESdwOmuakhU_5czeUCTlhKzJVgop3LsmgTTefKdcFQpErel3eKJwtRzsv7C4qmz1u988twfjuNUX_-v5GtQNfjrJtHsst3O5UAxKtcRn7CfrpDwEr4qQvbMy8wMBDQU8FYK5LDOdXVyumJgs2TRFo6uxxNWm-X29qqKJqVQG_A8DwRUthedFdzd3DvJfifMMk8vz0BkH_Vojr7UtKqmZXrblDrDZPjkXr81M_bDBxtTFnsuLuOJwjpEwRGlHJEAVcv8wFpsXjiMSGSRvdkeP5TR8wEXedf2sG00oxgSJChE27XtKqmimmBcBqV8rSkuomZZRSnig_hnLqHqojoXGDiNkjcPRoO9bYsVwHENvFLcW=w1266-h949-no
 
In order to dehumidify a hangar you'd have to insulate it and heat and cool it.
 
Mtns2Skies said:
Well, I've moved from some of the driest terrain in CO to some of the wettest here in WI. I just got a very nice T-hangar, but all of this humidity is terrifying me that it's going to do damage to the Skywagon. Any recommendations for a dehumidifier that will be the right size for a T-hangar, or any other solutions?
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Welcome to Wisconsin! Where are you based?

Most of the state is only humid starting, oh, about yesterday through the end of August or so.

My uncle had this contraption for the Mooney to keep the interior dry, but that was in the Pacific Northwest, where they like to mix a little air in with the humidity. I did not bring it with me when I brought the plane to Wisconsin.

Of all the things you have to worry about, humidity here shouldn't be a big one, IMO. Fly the plane once a week, keep it in a good hangar, be religious about preheating in the winter, and you'll be fine.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
Welcome to Wisconsin! Where are you based?

Most of the state is only humid starting, oh, about yesterday through the end of August or so.

My uncle had this contraption for the Mooney to keep the interior dry, but that was in the Pacific Northwest, where they like to mix a little air in with the humidity. I did not bring it with me when I brought the plane to Wisconsin.

Of all the things you have to worry about, humidity here shouldn't be a big one, IMO. Fly the plane once a week, keep it in a good hangar, be religious about preheating in the winter, and you'll be fine.
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Based in RYV. Going to a fly in at brodhead this Sunday, any chance you'll be there?
 
I've had two airplanes over the past 14 years in Michigan (and we get even more humid because we get all the evaporation off Lake Michigan coming this way) and I've never had any problems with humidity causing any issues. You're overreacting a bit.
 
Mtns2Skies said:
Based in RYV. Going to a fly in at brodhead this Sunday, any chance you'll be there?
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Hmmm. Even the long runway there is a bit short for grass in the Mooney, but should be do-able and good practice for 6Y9.

I'll give it a definite maybe.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
Hmmm. Even the long runway there is a bit short for grass in the Mooney, but should be do-able and good practice for 6Y9.

I'll give it a definite maybe.
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Holy cow, looking at the sat view, I can't recall another airport with less obstructions to any of the runways.

C37 that is not 6Y9
 
EdFred said:
Holy cow, looking at the sat view, I can't recall another airport with less obstructions to any of the runways.

C37 that is not 6Y9
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Yeah, I haven't been there in a few years, never flown in there, and didn't look at the sat view.

Have you measured your trees yet? ;)
 
What time are you planning on being at C37?
 
I'm not flying in. Cowl flap cracked so the plane is inop until I get it fixed. Still might drive in.
 
Mtns2Skies said:
Well, I've moved from some of the driest terrain in CO to some of the wettest here in WI. I just got a very nice T-hangar, but all of this humidity is terrifying me that it's going to do damage to the Skywagon. Any recommendations for a dehumidifier that will be the right size for a T-hangar, or any other solutions?
Click to expand...

HUGE problem here in SW Ohio. Cold concrete, warm rainy day or two in Feb or March, and the plane and everything in the hangar - and my garage at home - is dripping. Laying heavy plastic on the floor under old carpet, and a a big window fan just moving air around seems to help
 
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