Are you a gun collector interested in caring for your guns and ammo? A dehumidifier may be exactly what you need. This article will give you everything you need to know about these handy little devices and how they can help you properly care for your guns and ammo.
What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need for My Gun Safe?
Dimensions are determined by using length, width, and height. A rough estimate of how much moisture you want to be extracted from the air will also help.
You need to consider a lot to keep your firearms in good condition. Since the weapons are steel and contain various metals, moisture may likely build up in the lock and rust the hinges, leading to a lack of functionality. There are electric dehumidifiers designed to keep this from happening. (1)
If the user manual is available, it is possible to find the correct, safe dimensions. If not, you must multiply the safe’s length, width, and height to determine the correct dimensions.
Safe size is an important factor to consider. For example, a safe that is 8 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 5 feet high can cover 315 cubic feet.
What Type of Dehumidifier Do I Need for My Gun Safe?
Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air. There are two types – electric or desiccant. (2)
Desiccant dehumidifiers include a silica gel canister that pulls the moisture out of the dry air inside your safe. It uses natural physical processes to do this and doesn’t require electricity, making it an inexpensive dehumidifier.
Despite these drawbacks, desiccant dehumidifiers will provide adequate air filtering and drastically improve the foundation’s air quality. The material of the safe absorbs water. It can “sweat” out the extra water that is trapped inside. Naturally, dehumidifiers are enclosed to keep bacteria and other pests from entering the safe long with any moisture.
Even with the best dehumidifiers on the market, removing all moisture and humidity from inside a safe is impossible. If there is any moisture left in the safe, it could give off a musty odor or rust your gun collection.
Electric dehumidifiers preserve the air quality inside your safe by pulling moisture from the chamber during excessive humidity and then releasing it outside.
This option requires more upkeep, but it removes excess moisture from the air inside the safe. This option’s cost is not too bad if you consider the long life of the batteries and their long-lasting lifespan.
Wrapping Up
A full-size safe will need a 24-inch dehumidifier to control the humidity. A 12-inch dehumidifier can service a small safe.
References
(1) weapons – https://fas.org/asmp/campaigns/smallarms/explanations.html
(2) desiccant – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/desiccants
