At South Downs Secure we’re undeniably proud of our humidity controlled car storage environment. An optimum 50% RH (relative humidity) is maintained within our facility. Our client’s cars are safeguarded in these perfect conditions.
We’ve noticed that there is often a degree of confusion around humidity. So, in this article, we’ve enlisted the help of Simon Mills, Director at dehum to help us demystify humidity. dehum designs, supplies, installs and maintains dehumidification systems and provided the South Downs Secure custom dehumidifier system. Read on to discover why humidity controlled car storage is so important when you are selecting a professional facility.
Q: Firstly, please can you explain Relative Humidity?
A: This relates to the quantity of water vapour a given amount of air can hold, and is expressed as %RH. Assuming no other parameters change, when air is cooled, the RH rises and if it is heated, it becomes lower.
Q: So, what is an optimum RH?
A: Optimum RH for cars and motorcycles is ideally 45-50%. Below this (<40%) there is a risk of organic materials, such as wood and leather, drying out. And above 70-80% there is an increase in the risk of mould growth.
Q: Can RH be controlled using heating or cooling methods?
A: While, this is possible, it’s never an ideal method. Using heating to lower RH can lead to the ridiculous situation where the temperature in the building may have to be increased to over 300 in the summer months, just to get the RH below 50%. That just wouldn’t be practical.
Q: Why then is humidity controlled car storage important?
A: By controlling RH using a dedicated dehumidifier, the level of protection afforded can be maintained all year round, with the minimum of energy input. Unlike South Downs Secure, many facilities do not have ‘dehumidification’; they simply have ‘air conditioning’ which does not address the issue of humidity specifically.
Q: When and how does humidity become a problem for stored cars?
A: If the RH rises above 50%, there is an increased risk of corrosion. And as previously mentioned, above 70-80% mould begins to form on leather and other organic materials.
Q: How does the system installed at South Downs Secure combat these problems?
A: By circulating air around the store, South Downs Secure creates a continually shifting air stream, and the dehumidifier (operating via a humidistat) switches on and off according to the measured level of RH in the space. This system affords their clients the benefit of a controlled condition for their vehicles.
Q: How is South Downs Secure’s bespoke system maintained at optimum efficiency?
A: As you would with a car, regular servicing is essential to ensure that all components are operating at peak efficiency and to forewarn of any potential concerns. Filter replacement ensures that the level of dust is kept to a minimum, keeping the cars cleaner, longer.
Q: Finally, what do you think people should be looking for when they are selecting a professional car storage facility?
Primarily a well-sealed building, proper levels of security and a good standard of internal finishes. A dedicated humidity controlled car storage system is essential. An air conditioning system does not actively control humidity.
To find out more about humidity controlled car storage at South Downs Secure contact us.