Lessen the Effects of Heat and Humidity on Home Electronics With Proper Air Conditioning Systems

For electronic equipment to work at its best, and last the longest, it needs to be kept cool and dry. That's something we usually take for granted in modern homes with the heating and air conditioning we count on to run 24/7 without significant interruption. Computers don't do well in 90% humidity, and that goes for large consumer electronics as well, such as televisions and stereos.

The first line of defense is to get your unit (or units) professionally serviced once (or twice) a year. The furnace and air conditioner each need annual servicing from somebody who knows what he's doing. If you have a heat pump, it needs attention twice a year - once for the cooling equipment and once for the heating part. And, of course, a regular schedule of filter changing is critical, especially for heat pumps. Filters affect the air quality, which is the lifeblood of any heating and/or cooling system.

What happens when the air conditioner (and maybe all the power) fails during hurricane season? For residents of the Gulf Coast, three hurricanes in a row wreaked havoc with the power grid in a recent year. Residents - and home electronics - suffered through days, and in some cases, weeks and months of sweltering heat and humidity.

Since humans are a resilient and resourceful lot, they figured out how to survive using rudimentary cooking methods and bathing in swimming pools. They read by candlelight and played table games with the kids. But what happened to the expensive electronic equipment such as computers and hi-definition televisions? Many of them suffered damaged circuitry following prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.

At least one electronics troubleshooter took steps that saved all of his valuable equipment from damage. Long before the terrible trio of hurricanes bore down on central Florida, he stockpiled some simple dehumidifiers that didn't depend on electricity. He also invested in a couple of rolls of clear plastic and some sturdy tape from the local home supply store.

After boarding up the windows he got busy making protective tents for computers and expensive televisions using the plastic and tape. Just before weighing or taping down the edges of each mini tent, he tucked in one of the desiccants. The result: NO moisture damage!

You may have noticed that many newly purchased items have little packets of silica gel sealed inside. That's because they prevent moisture from doing any damage in the sealed container. Both government and industry have been choosing silica gel as the top desiccant since World War II. It costs so little yet works so well. Some types of moisture absorbent silica gel dehumidifiers can be reactivated heating in a conventional oven.

Absent a natural disaster, when things are running smooth, be sure to leave your thermostat set at a reasonable level if you will be away from home for an extended period of time. Resist the temptation to shut your air conditioning system off completely, or your home electronics could pay the price, especially in the hot and humid southern states.