I lost my little hygrometer when I moved house a few years ago, and didn’t get round to replacing it because my new house was so much nicer it didn’t occur to me that it could have as damp an atmosphere as the old one. I wanted to rule out humidity as a contributing factor to the high action suffered by my Taylor GS Mini which is on a stand in the living room, so ordered one from amazon. It’s not good news.
https://i.imgur.com/qGyCdmn.jpg
It’s the time of year when it’s probably rained in the last 24 hrs and I only have the heating on for a couple of hours once every 3 days, so I didn’t expect it to be lower than 60%. Not sure what I can do, except wait for the colder weather when the heating is on for longer.
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I think high humidity is quite common in terraced houses built at the start of the 20th century. The only real damp problem is on a wall above a disused fireplace, but that's at the far end of the house. I should open windows more often (but maybe not when it's been raining like the last couple of days).
I don't think it's possible to calibrate the hygrometer, but my choice of model was influenced by an amazon review where somebody had bought 2 and the readings were within 1% of each other. Of course that doesn't say anything about mine, but I think they are reasonably accurate.
Downstairs one goes in downstairs shower room in winter (which is a small space) and drys out washing on the Maiden. Upstairs moves from bedroom to landing when needed etc.
The house has poor ventillation. I made sure of it. stuffed the chimneys to stop the draft etc but unfortunately the french doors and windows have no vents.
Too cold to leave windows open so would rather pay for the dehumidifier than let the heat out. They do make the home feel much more pleasant in winter and as you say the little bit of warm air is welcome also.
I think you may need to be careful where musical instruments are concerned,i'm not 100% but i think a Dehumidifier may potentially dry out some wood. not sure tbh.
They really are a lifesaver in this climate when you aren't in a position fix the underlying causes (try getting a landlord to fix damp coming in through the brickwork haha)
70s are onky a problem is they are continually at that level. You should be able to get down to low 60s at this time of year bu opening windows and doors , although it has been a bit weird and high these past 2 week's.
https://i.imgur.com/Z2W5v5y.jpg
we bought a dehumidifier and started a training and education programme for my wife nd teenage daughter which involved opening windows while showering and after, and using the “window vac” on the shower tiled walls and door immediately after - it’s quite amazing how much that little thing improves things in the en-suite.
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If the dehumidifer is costing 20p an hour to run, then an hour or two of a modern tumble dryer probably won't cost any more to run than the dehumidifier. It's also a lot more convenient than draping washing everywhere.
I'm becoming more convinced now that my GS Mini may not need a neck reset (shim swap), but the high action is due to bellying of the top. I went through all this with my 310 years ago (obsessively monitoring humidity, keeping it in its case at all times with loads of silica gel packs etc). The GS Mini has been on a stand in the living room for a few years because it's a relatively inexpensive guitar with laminate back and sides. May have to rethink that.
Anyway, I found this thread to be quite informative:
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463489