The Money Mustache Community
Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: mrsggrowsveg on June 11, 2015, 08:57:30 AM
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We try to limit our air conditioning use and keep the windows open/fans on during the warmer months. Is there a certain temperature or humidity that can spoil pantry items? It got up to 88 inside on a very hot day yesterday and I was worried about some of our food going bad. Also, is humidity hard on a house? On really humid days the floor will actually be moist. Is this hard on a wood floor?
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My onions seem to go bad a bit quicker but I don't have AC and a pantry and I've never had a problem other than that.
As for the house itself if you're worried about water damage from some moisture you could purchase a dehumidifier. I'd argue some fans first though as air movement will probably help reduce that as well.
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Well, my house has wood floors from before World War I, so they've certainly been through every weather pattern imaginable here without much in the way of air conditioning. But the floor actually being moist for long periods would damage it, I'd expect.
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Our stuff in the (unfinished) basement got white fuzz on it last summer- some kind of mold I assume.
Running the dehumidifier uses practically as much electricity as running the AC on 80 degrees, which is cool enough for us. We keep going back and forth, but we definitely need something. Dehumidifying the upstairs is pointless as we have to have the windows open to cool it off.
We haven't seen any damage upstairs from heat and humidity, probably because there is plenty of air circulation.
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You could do an old style root cellar if you have the opportunity where you live. Dig a hole, line it with brick and put a covered chimney for ventilation. It will stay in the 60's year round.
Perfect for pantry veggies, and wine!
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We actually do have a cellar, that I should consider moving my home canned foods and bulk grains too. I guess the humidity is more of an issue. I do worry about mold or water damage.