Computer in Basement?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Erockrazor
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Erockrazor

Erockrazor

I mix in (2x) real-time
Okay I've recently got a little more equipment and my room in which I record is getting a little bit cluttered. So I have decided that I might move my good computer downstairs along with my recording equipment. It may not be the best room to record in the house but frankly , I'm allowed and its more spacious.

The problem comes in when its a little more humid down there. Would I be able to keep my computer and recording stuff down there without worrying about damage. Would a dehumidifier help that much? I would really like to expand my "studio" into my basement for more space. Thanks a lot for all replies, Eric
 
Yes, de-humidifiers can do a fine job of lowering the humidity in a basement. And yes you need to be concerned about it, both for your electronics and your instruments.

First, Get a humidity sensor and find out what the humidity (RH) is. You want the RH to be between 40% and 60%. If you are above 60% you need to dehumidify, If not for your gear then to prevent mold from growing. This is true even if you don't record down there. Satisfactory sensors can be had for $30 bucks or so. Don't get a really cheap one.

I'm assuming all or part of your basement is below grade. Be aware that it can take quite a while to draw the moisture out of your pourous walls so some patience may be required before your RH stays in the required range.

You will need to know the size of the space when you select the de-humidifier. Sizing reccommendations will likely be on the box. Don't get an undersized unit. Get one that has humidity controls and a provision to run a drain line out of your house. Drying out a basement involves a significant amount of water. You'll get tired of having to empty the reservoir very quickly.

Be advised that the unit will make some noise, so locate it where it can be conveniently switched off while you're recording.

Light has given some excellent advice about humidity. It would be worth your time to do a search for it.
 
Milnoque said:
Get one that has humidity controls and a provision to run a drain line out of your house. Drying out a basement involves a significant amount of water. You'll get tired of having to empty the reservoir very quickly.
Click to expand...

that is true, but you might want to use the resevoir initially for a few days just so you can appreciate the work that thing is doing. Gallons and gallons getting sucked from the air. Pretty incredible.

I'm guessing that you are living with your parents, maybe? (just based on your age) But, another thing to maybe consider is the source of the moisture. Do some critical assessment of how the downspouts are situated, etc. I rerouted a few downspouts, and my basement is much happier now. (although I still need a dehumidifier - but it's not working as hard) Just a thought.
 
Okay , good information. I actually put a humidity sensor down there last night. It may not be the best humidity sensor. We already have a dehumidifier in the basement but its by the washing machine and dryer and we have a fairly large basement id say. As a matter of fact , I shall go check the humidity sensor now...

The sensor actually says a little above 50% humidity. Maybe a little closer to 55% to my surprise. I was going with the assumption that it was more humid down there. Also the dehumidifier wasn't on so I'll assume that I can get it down even lower with a little time.Now the question is , do I trust the relatively cheap himidity sensor? Good information guys , Thanks.
 
Hygrometers take time to get a valid reading. Leave yours in the space for at least an hour before you read it. Get your reading somewhere away from the laundry machines. Keep checking for a week or so. Pay special attention an hour or so after the laundry's been run. If you're going to use inexpensive sensors, use two and trust them only if they agree. If they agree you're probably OK. Make a point of checking under various weather conditions. In the winter, low humidity may be your problem. The summer can be the opposite. This is especially true if the space is conditioned at all.

Remember that low humidity is just as bad as high humidity. Keep it between 40% and 60%. If you have a stable reading of 55% you're fine just like you are.
 
Excellent , thanks a lot for the quick and valuable responses. :)
 
Milnoque gives great advice.

i have my gear and computer in the basement of my home, it is a nice basement, not refinshed yet, but dry and open and not too dusty. Jsut a little to add:
* dehumidifiers do work wonders and you do want to get one set up so that it drains directly into your house drain (in my case it shares the drain with the washing machine). I got a cheapish one off ebay for about $70 and it can be set to turn on at a certian humidity and off again after it has done it's thing. Pretty nice.
* the rule it "if it is comfortable for you, it is probably fine for electronics." THat said the 60% mark is a good guideline.
* Guitars like humidity (especially if consistent, you don't want to take them from 10% -80% and back often). so that helps.
* if your masonry walls are not painted yet, stuff like drylock can really do a good job to keep humidity down. You have to put it on every surface pretty much and it can be a little spendy but it baseically plugs al the masonry pores with plastic and plastic coats the walls.
* another good basement trick is to use rigid foam insulation to insulate and seal your rim joists (these are the areas of wood between the joists, usually about 8-10 inches by 12-16 inches, or running laong the outside wall at the top of the wall along the outside wall). If you cut a square of this foam that is about the size of the recatangle that makes up the opening between joists and shove it in there with a couple inches of air or fluffy insulation behind it, then seal it with caulk, you get a good moisture barrier and it will keep bugs out, insulate in winter and keep resuce the dust level int he basement a bit.
* last if you ever get any water in the basment, make sure anything you value is on pallets or otherwise a good 6 inches off the ground.

Daav
 
I've had my studio in a basement for years with no precautions and have never had a problem.
 
The drier will throw the humidity sky high when it's on as it draws moisture from clothes & pumps it outside itself. Either rig up an exhaust vent/pipe from the drier to the outside world or move it out. Driers also generate a lot of airborn lint - bad for everything.
The washing machine - particularly when doing hot washes - will also put moisture into the air.
You'd be better off walling a space off from the washer & drier to work in & keep the dehumidifier with you.
I used a dehumidifier for quite some time before taking some remedial action outside like a paint on moisture seal, resealing the moisture barrier in the brickwork, trenching/draining runoff more effectively & THEN the big drought started so I've not had too much of a prob. for a while.
 
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