We are building a new garage with apt above and storage room at the back in Houston TX. It's replacing a small garage with back storage room which was very poorly constructed and had major moisture issues.
Trying to figure the best way to keep the new storage room dry. Initially thought of using a humidity sensing exhaust vent on the exterior wall but then realized it would just end up sucking in outside makeup air which might be even more humid than the exhausted air.
Can think of three possible solutions but looking for guidance/opinions.
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Use a dehumidifier. Possible cons:
- Would have to drain thru the wall since we would not be in the room every day.
- Might not work during the couple of months that temps are in the 30-40s.
- Takes up storage space.
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Use thru wall AC unit. Possible cons:
- More expensive.
- Cooling vacant room.
- Still have trouble during cooler months.
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Run a AC duct down thru bedroom closet and thru garage ceiling to storage room.
- Long duct run just for storage.
- Additional cost and possible issues with general contractor due to changing plans.
- Would need it's own return also wouldn't it?
Any other solutions? Is this even necessary? We're a bit paranoid as the previous storage had {and our house as well actually has} moisture issues.
We could just do nothing and see what the RH level is but then we'd be responsible for the whole install cost. If we decide before I can probably get at least some of it covered in the original construction contract.
Thanks!
Best Answer
I think a small dehumidifier in the storage room would be the best choice. If the temp is two low for a dehumidifier to work I would think maybe putting DriZair pots like the link shows would work. We use Drizair in our motor home when we are not using it and we only have problems if we forget to put the crystals in every month or so.