heat and humidity

[allen_in_texas]

I live in central Texas, where it's hot and moderately humid. I also do not use AC. Is there anything I need to consider when purchasing and setting up my first audio system?

 

[afterlife2]

It's been humid here in NY as well. You can always give some space(8-12 inches) between components. Keep a fan circulating too. Another thing you can get Is a cheap laptop fan to rest on Amp/Receiver air circulating out and not in: Amazon.com: Laptop Notebook Cool Pad w/ 3 Fans: Computers & Accessories

 

[its phillip]

why the hell aren't you using a/c?!

 

[shadyJ]

A/C is for sissies.

Humidity will shorten the life of your electronic components, you have to expect that. Heat will shorten their life as well. They aren't doing your speakers any favors either, but the speakers will probably be fine for some time. A dry cool place is always the best conditions for electronics.

 

[lsiberian]

Why do you not use A/C? Do you at least use a fan with cold towels?

 

[lsiberian]

A/C is for sissies.

Humidity will shorten the life of your electronic components, you have to expect that. Heat will shorten their life as well. They aren't doing your speakers any favors either, but the speakers will probably be fine for some time. A dry cool place is always the best conditions for electronics.

And people who don't want to die from heat related illness which is serious business down here in Texas.

 

[Pyrrho]

A/C is for sissies.

Humidity will shorten the life of your electronic components, you have to expect that. Heat will shorten their life as well. They aren't doing your speakers any favors either, but the speakers will probably be fine for some time. A dry cool place is always the best conditions for electronics.

And people who don't want to die from heat related illness which is serious business down here in Texas.

That is what he said: sissies.

 

[fuzz092888]

I've had my A/C going since about April. My apartment is great in the winter, but hell in the spring and summer because it retains heat like crazy. Plus gets a lot of direct sunlight all morning through midday. Add that to the heat generated by the amplifiers and TV/projector and I'd hit 85-90 in here (with an outside temp of 80) no problem and it's not that I'm even that hot, but I know the heat and humidity from not having it on would kill my stuff. General rule of thumb for me is that whatever my desk thermometer reads, the entertainment stand amplifier shelves will be, at minimum 10 degrees higher and that's with 7-200mm fans.

 

[afterlife2]

Good deal: Get the General Electric AET05LQ 5,000-BTU Window Air Conditioner at an always low price from Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

 

[fuzz092888]

Good deal: Get the General Electric AET05LQ 5,000-BTU Window Air Conditioner at an always low price from Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

Who the OP or me?

 

[afterlife2]

OP. You said you had one already.

 

[fuzz092888]

OP. You said you had one already.

I did? I did. I need to stop multi-tasking, I'm terrible at it.

 

[Actran]

Heat index of 104 F down here today. I'll keep my A/C even if it does come with a "sissy" tag.

As for the electronics, I would actually be a little worried about running them repeatedly in a 85 to 100 F ambient environment. At the least, take the fan suggestion.

 

[allen_in_texas]

Why do you not use A/C? Do you at least use a fan with cold towels?

My electric bill last month was $8, which I split with my housemate. AC is a fine treat sometimes, but generally I hate the feeling of being trapped inside a bubble. A lot of folks I know who use AC every day seem to be afraid of going outside for a few minutes, and I hate listening to them go on and on about how hot it is outside.

Evaporative cooling works well where water readily evaporates, but it's a little too humid for that here. The heat really doesn't bother me unless I start spending too much time in AC.

 

[ImcLoud]

I can not live with out A/C, literally, thats my job so with out it I can't live,,,

 

[allen_in_texas]

Good deal: Get the General Electric AET05LQ 5,000-BTU Window Air Conditioner at an always low price from Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

Ah, but who could stand the noise? Instead of getting a hundred-dollar air conditioner from Walmart to protect my $500 stereo system, I could sell my stereo system, buy a hundred-dollar stereo from Walmart, and have a higher signal-to-noise ratio and $500 in my pocket. Not to mention the electric bills.

 

[allen_in_texas]

Yes, I figured a fan would be good. I wasn't sure if there'd be any issues with electromagnetic noise from the fan.

 

[Pyrrho]

I did? I did. I need to stop multi-tasking, I'm terrible at it.

If it makes you feel any better, studies have shown that people are generally very bad at it, yet they often imagine that they are good at it. Just do an online search for multitasking if you wish to look at the data on this subject.

 

[Pyrrho]

Yes, I figured a fan would be good. I wasn't sure if there'd be any issues with electromagnetic noise from the fan.

The biggest issue with using a fan is from hearing the fan itself. Otherwise, it is a good thing for your equipment.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I'm in Fort Worth, I keep my house at 71 degrees at all times. I am not afraid to go outside because of the heat. I cycle in the heat almost every day. 103 yesterday when I was on a road ride.

But...when I am in my house, I want to be cold, same when I'm in my car.

You never know how electronics are going to play out in heat/cold/moisture. I have a plasma outside and I planned on having to replace it every year or so. It has been going strong for over 4 years now.

My electric bill last month was $8, which I split with my housemate. AC is a fine treat sometimes, but generally I hate the feeling of being trapped inside a bubble. A lot of folks I know who use AC every day seem to be afraid of going outside for a few minutes, and I hate listening to them go on and on about how hot it is outside.

Evaporative cooling works well where water readily evaporates, but it's a little too humid for that here. The heat really doesn't bother me unless I start spending too much time in AC.