These are the best low-priced systems and accessories I'm aware of for
controlling the humidity in one room, such as a music studio, instrument making
studio, instrument storage room, practice room or hotel room.
Why do you need this, and
what's special about these systems?
(http://www.burgessviolins.com/humidity.html)
Hygrometer/Thermometer
I sell this because I've tested so many hygrometers which turned out to be junk, which were nowhere near their claimed accuracy.....as much as 40% off! Each unit individually recalibrated after we receive them, and guaranteed to be within 1% of a quality, properly used sling psychrometer within your target range of 40 and 60%. Oddly enough, after recalbration, these cheap looking things are much more accurate than any of the "certified", lab-grade hygrometers I have tested. They are 2.75x2 inches, and will fit in almost any instrument case. Measuring range is 20 to 80%. Unlike most hygrometers, these can be easily recalibrated as they drift over time, as all hygrometers do. A hygrometer that isn't accurate is worse than useless; it's a hazard to your instrument!
$30.00 plus shipping. U.S. orders only
New Product
Simply the best combination of price and performance I've
seen!
Turns humidifiers and dehumdifiers on and off with greater
accuracy than the built in controls; saves power; allows the use of less
expensive appliances without built in controls. Specially recalibrated for
accuracy.
This is really cool! This system allows the sensor to be placed at the ideal location in the room, and it controls your humidifier or dehumidifier remotely by sending signals through the household wiring. You could even put your dehumidifer in a different room so you won't be bothered by the noise if you wish, as long as there's good air circulation between the rooms.
Will control up to three of the recommended vaporizers, many other
humidifiers and vaporizers with non-electronic controls, as well as
dehumidifiers up to 15 amps. Much more accurate than most built-in controls on
humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Allows the use of inexpensive, quiet, bacteria
and mold free steam vaporizers such as the one below.
Note: Will not work
with appliances which have electronic, digital controls which need to be reset
if they have been unplugged.
Details: Most controls come up short in several areas: They are either built into or too close to the output of the appliance, so their accuracy is affected by the heat produced by the appliance, or they sense the moisture in the treated air coming out of the appliance instead of the average moisture in the room. With others, the moisture sensing element is enclosed with other electrical components which produce heat, which also throws off the accuracy. This system has tested, proven, recalibrated sensors remotely located from the power switching components, and the parts communicate by sending signals through your normal household wiring. The system consists of a dial humidistat (top of picture) which can be hung on a wall or placed on a table. This is connected with low-voltage wire to a module which plugs into an ordinary electrical outlet (lower right in picture). This module "talks" to a second module which is plugged into another electrical outlet (lower left in picture), and this module switches the appliance plugged into it on and off.
Power saving features:
The spread between "on" and "off" is about 4% to
prevent electricity wasting frequent cyclying of the appliance, and the accuracy
is superior so the appliance will run no more than necessary. This setup should
pay for itself with reduced power consumption, and by allowing the use of
cheaper humidifiers/dehumidifiers.
Control system for humidifiers only: $100.00 plus shipping, #H100 U.S. orders only
Control system for dehumidifiers only: $100.00 plus shipping, #D100 U.S. orders only
Controls for both humidifiers and dehumidifiers: $140.00 plus shipping,
#HD200
(Note: This includes two separate humidistats. One is unplugged and
the other plugged in when switching functions) U.S. orders only
Control unit, specially recalibrated.
The old workhorse: Controls BOTH humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Not as
accurate or convenient as the one above, but there have been no reported
failures in the years I've been selling them. Particularly recommended where
equipment will be left unattended for a long time, like vacation homes. Will
sometimes produce some temporary interference on radios, cordless phones and TVs. 15 amp capacity. Recalibrated to improve accuracy.
Note: Will not work with appliances which have electronic, digital controls which need to be reset
if they have been unplugged.
$135.00 plus shipping, #HD300 U.S. orders only
Oregon Scientific (EM913R) Hygrometer/Thermometer
I have six of these left, and all of them read between 5 and 7% low, far enough out of spec that I wouldn't sell them individually, but still better than most of what's on the market. Those that were worse were already thrown away. Oversize digits, one-touch memory recall of minimum and maximum readings. Detachable weather-resistant outdoor temperature probe. 4x.75x4.5 inches, will fit in most instrument cases.
Will sell the lot for $100.00 plus shipping. Phone order only.
Sunbeam Vaporizer, 1.2 gallon capacity.
Emits bacteria free, mold free, mineral free distilled steam. Has no wicks or
filters that support bacteria or mold and need to be replaced periodically (and
it's cheaper than anything else!). If it gets mineral buildup after a couple of
years, just throw it away and buy a new one. Plug into control units above for
automatic operation.
I don't carry these, but wanted you to have a picture
of what you'd be looking for at K-Mart, Meijers, or similar places. Usually
under $15 in the health products department.
A similar steam vaporizer from
Vicks is available at WalMart.
Need to humidify, but it's already hot and you don't want to add any heat? Try the Hunter model 33201, an evaporative style which doesn't need replacement filters. The downside is that it is much more expensive than the steam vaporizers, and has an internal fan, making it noisier than the steam type. Available at WalMart.
"Gold Star" brand 30 pint per day dehumidifier, model DH305, about $140 at Wal-Mart. or from walmart.com.
We don't carry this because of the expense in shipping, but it's rather quiet, was highly rated by a consumer magazine for energy efficiency and is one of the least expensive. It's down side? As with many dehumidifiers, the built-in controller wasn't very accurate. No problem. Plug it into one of the humidity control units at the top.