Grow room too hot and humid.

[BigBlonde]

Most portable acs these days have the option to either a) set the thermostat or b) humidity % level.

I'm sure they all can set the temperature. Our portable unit only sets the temperature in five-degree increments, though. I've yet to see one that can set the RH. That probably would be a good feature to have.

Also, our portable unit only exhausts air through a single tube in the window. That slightly lowers the air pressure in the room by sucking air into the room any way it can. I understand some, especially window units, do it differently. They keep the inside air inside and the outside air outside. That's the best type for a grow space because it doesn't vent plant odors to the outside.

 

[Captspaulding]

Most portable acs these days have the option to either a) set the thermostat or b) humidity % level

I'm sure they all can set the temperature. Our portable unit only sets the temperature in five-degree increments, though. I've yet to see one that can set the RH. That probably would be a good feature to have.

Also, our portable unit only exhausts air through a single tube in the window. That slightly lowers the air pressure in the room by sucking air into the room any way it can. I understand some, especially window units, do it differently. They keep the inside air inside and the outside air outside. That's the best type for a grow space because it doesn't vent plant odors to the outside.

Agreed on the Odor part of that equation, if you don’t have filtration for that heat evac tube, then yep. Skunky town. I have my gear all ran into a dual 6inch manifold that is in my ceiling, I have a 6inch ac infinity pulling air out through a 6 inch carbon pre filter, and in my attic on the other side of the ceiling I have a 6 inch post filter, so my climate control is completely filtered. Had some issues before with this exact issue. Cost a little loot, but it’s tight and right now, had to get crazy, I live on a cul de sac. Got a little nervous so I went over and above for this.

 

[Harpua88]

When it comes to equipment like this, look around for refurbished, open box, clearance sales.......I would go with a classic air conditioner if it can be installed near your grow room. And a fan. Look for layaway plans too. Also ask around to see if someone is getting a new air conditioner and getting rid of their old one. If you're handy, maybe offer to remove it and install their new one.....

At least in flowering we get 12 hours off and can run the lights during the coolest 12 hours. Anything you can to reduce the temperature even a couple of degrees here and there.

 

[memnoch]

When it comes to equipment like this, look around for refurbished, open box, clearance sales.......I would go with a classic air conditioner if it can be installed near your grow room. And a fan. Look for layaway plans too. Also ask around to see if someone is getting a new air conditioner and getting rid of their old one. If you're handy, maybe offer to remove it and install their new one.....

At least in flowering we get 12 hours off and can run the lights during the coolest 12 hours. Anything you can to reduce the temperature even a couple of degrees here and there.

i am handy but there is no window for a reg ac, and it would stick out really bad. I would do this is if I could, it's the best option just not available to me unfortunately.

 

[Captspaulding]

i am handy but there is no window for a reg ac, and it would stick out really bad. I would do this is if I could, it's the best option just not available to me unfortunately.

Then I would have to agree harpua, I would switch your lights on at night, it’s the best natural option, but then, you best be sure you have no light leaks during the day. It’s always something…lol.

 

[memnoch]

Then I would have to agree harpua, I would switch your lights on at night, it’s the best natural option, but then, you best be sure you have no light leaks during the day. It’s always something…lol.

I have, it's taken a lot of works and gap filler and tarps to get the light leaks from showing but I did it. My plants are all autos though and I'm not sure if that would be good for them to shut the lights off for that long. Still probably better than the heat and humidity maybe.

 

[Captspaulding]

I have, it's taken a lot of works and gap filler and tarps to get the light leaks from showing but I did it. My plants are all autos though and I'm not sure if that would be good for them to shut the lights off for that long. Still probably better than the heat and humidity maybe.

Well, you could run them through till around 10 am and dodge most of the heat and still get close to the desired light, nowhere near 20 hours, but if you get in the right times, you could at least mitigate the issue.

 

[Harpua88]

i am handy but there is no window for a reg ac, and it would stick out really bad. I would do this is if I could, it's the best option just not available to me unfortunately.

Ok.....well, be as creative as you can. You can still go with the same approach with a portable a/c. And yeah those "Damp-rid" things are good for a clothes closet, or maybe a 2' x 2' tent garden if you use a few of them, but if the humidity is high, you'll have to keep changing them, keep throwing the old ones out....

I would take a good look at your grow space, see what you can do, anything to get the temp down......can you grow in a different space? A picture might help but you don't have to......if it's in a west or south facing area, near a wall......outside, if the sun beats down on that part of your house maybe you can put something to shield the sun from beating down on it. If there are windows, use shades to block sun from coming in.....

But try shopping around for refurbished, open box, or used portable a/c units......try everything you can to get one.

 

[Harpua88]

I have, it's taken a lot of works and gap filler and tarps to get the light leaks from showing but I did it. My plants are all autos though and I'm not sure if that would be good for them to shut the lights off for that long. Still probably better than the heat and humidity maybe.

Another reason to consider photoperiods. At least you get 70+ days of 12/12.

 

[Harpua88]

And I don't know if you said you have a fan? At least getting some good direct breeze going right on the plants would help, and help prevent your soil from staying too wet......mold, etc.

One extra benefit of a dehumidifier is the air it blows out.......giving 2 benefits......dehumidification, and a fan pointing at the plants. Of course, a portable a/c unit is best.

There are places that rent out various machines too. Maybe they'll have one that can buy you a few months, especially during the summer, while you save up for one. Try all these kinds of places......true value hardware, runnings, tractor supply co........they may even have a used one they wouldn't mind getting rid of to make more inventory space.

 

[Captspaulding]

And I don't know if you said you have a fan? At least getting some good direct breeze going right on the plants would help, and help prevent your soil from staying too wet......mold, etc.

One extra benefit of a dehumidifier is the air it blows out.......giving 2 benefits......dehumidification, and a fan pointing at the plants. Of course, a portable a/c unit is best.

There are places that rent out various machines too. Maybe they'll have one that can buy you a few months, especially during the summer, while you save up for one. Try all these kinds of places......true value hardware, runnings, tractor supply co........they may even have a used one they wouldn't mind getting rid of to make more inventory space.

Don’t forget about them pawn shops, good time to go right now before the full swing of the summer, got a nice portable unit at one a few years back .

 

[Harpua88]

Don’t forget about them pawn shops, good time to go right now before the full swing of the summer, got a nice portable unit at one a few years back .

Yep. It's worth a day of driving around shaking hands.......look up every place within a number of miles and hit them all. Auto parts stores.....heck you might even find a place that has a portable a/c that they use themselves in the store or back office, and they want a new one......

 

[memnoch]

Yep. It's worth a day of driving around shaking hands.......look up every place within a number of miles and hit them all. Auto parts stores.....heck you might even find a place that has a portable a/c that they use themselves in the store or back office, and they want a new one......

neither of us can drive anymore. we are both disabled and not allowed to drive. I am really limited on what i can do. i love the ideas though just not applicable to my situation. the weather here is not supposed to be above 84 and the ac infinity exhaust is making a good difference. But it's going to hit 100+ when it really heats up and i will have some real issues then. shame about the humid bags...was hoping they would be a decent solution for that issue. i thought i could empty them out and just reuse them...guess not. i'm going to have to find some kind of cheap ac portable somehow. wish me luck before it gets to hot here and my lights pop. they can only handle 105 temp. the sun really beats down on my spot during the day and can't put it anywhere else or put something on top to shade it. just not an option, would stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[alpha.ganjaguy]

damp rid things are trash for growing, I have tried and I used the large buckets (below) they sell not the little hanger ones, if you go this route make sure to get the fragrance free version.. they didn't even move my RH.. if you go with a dehumidifier you will very likely also need an AC as it will raise the temps from running..
a portable ac is your best option imo, it will cool and help lower rh

Hi-Capacity Absorbers - Fragrance Free - 4 lb. Tub | DampRid

Attracts & traps excess moisture in large spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. Moisture-Lock™ technology prevents spills Lasts up to 6 months

damprid.com

 

[Mothman]

maybe you can put something to shield the sun from beating down on it.

Building on @Harpua88’s idea: a sheet of lattice supporting quick growing vines, with an air space between lattice and wall. Block heat gain by shielding the wall(s) facing the sun.

I’m not a fan of shifting night to day with photoperiods, but maybe it works better with autos since they’re (I assume) not sensitive to light leaks or noncompliance with strict lighting schedules.

I’ve never grown autos before, would there be any benefit to breaking up the lights-on period, allowing the room and plants to cool down periodically throughout the hottest parts of the “day?”

 

[memnoch]

Building on @Harpua88’s idea: a sheet of lattice supporting quick growing vines, with an air space between lattice and wall. Block heat gain by shielding the wall(s) facing the sun.

I’m not a fan of shifting night to day with photoperiods, but maybe it works better with autos since they’re (I assume) not sensitive to light leaks or noncompliance with strict lighting schedules.

I’ve never grown autos before, would there be any benefit to breaking up the lights-on period, allowing the room and plants to cool down periodically throughout the hottest parts of the “day?”

now this i can do and will. ty Mothman

 

[Captspaulding]

Good luck 😎

 

[Scrogger2190]

Yep. It's worth a day of driving around shaking hands.......look up every place within a number of miles and hit them all. Auto parts stores.....heck you might even find a place that has a portable a/c that they use themselves in the store or back office, and they want a new one......

Yeah this. I actually got the portable ac I used for free from a manager of an apartment complex XD

 

[Harpua88]

Building on @Harpua88’s idea: a sheet of lattice supporting quick growing vines, with an air space between lattice and wall. Block heat gain by shielding the wall(s) facing the sun.

I’m not a fan of shifting night to day with photoperiods, but maybe it works better with autos since they’re (I assume) not sensitive to light leaks or noncompliance with strict lighting schedules.

I’ve never grown autos before, would there be any benefit to breaking up the lights-on period, allowing the room and plants to cool down periodically throughout the hottest parts of the “day?”

Even Autos have a certain dark period. If you did 16 on/8 off or even 18 on/6 off, make the lights off time during the hottest part of the day. That could be like 1pm to 7pm.....

 

[elusiveshame]

You can get some shade cloth. Just find a way to prop it over your plants.

Either way, these are all just bandaid fixes. You need something to control the temperature in the room.