Adding CPU fan to reduce condensation help

[newtonfb]

I just finished building my keezer. Just waiting on the drip tray and then I will add photos. Its been going for a day and I already have condensation in there. Its enough to where Im getting water on teh floor. Its leaking right out of the drain plug in the front of the freezer. Im reading that adding a fan will help. I have an STC1000 and was curious on how I would wire that up. Should I keep it on all the time or only when the compressor comes on? Thanks for the help

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

Bump:
good point I get condensation and beer on my keezer floor, I know the beer is from the changing ball lock disconnects on a full keg leading to beer stink but I have to wipe the condensation as well

 

[popgunandy]

I've gotten away with sticking a towel in my keeper and changing it out every couple weeks.

 

[imasickboy]

Use these: Eva-Dry dehumidifiers
Your fan can be wired either way. Personally, I go with always-on. Just realize if you're using a pc fan, it is likely 12V DC, and cannot be wired directly into the temp controller. You'll need a plug to match. Voltage must match, and current, (amps), must meet or exceed the requirements of the fan.

But to really keep condensation down, stop opening the lid.

 

[EcuPirate07]

I have my fan coming in the mail. Another thing you might want to think about that I have coming is a dehumidifier to help keep moister down. I got this bad on Amazon. Last 10 yrs and is rechargeable. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H0XFD2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[EcuPirate07]

Use these: Eva-Dry dehumidifiers
Your fan can be wired either way. Personally, I go with always-on. Just realize if you're using a pc fan, it is likely 12V DC, and cannot be wired directly into the temp controller. You'll need a plug to match. Voltage must match, and current, (amps), must meet or exceed the requirements of the fan.

But to really keep condensation down, stop opening the lid.

You beat me to it

 

[LBussy]

I'm not sure how a fan would help condensation.

Take it apart (mentally) and think about it. When moist warm air touches a cooler surface, water condenses. It does so to reach equilibrium. At some point the relative humidity will drop in a sealed space because you have made a nifty little dehumidifier. The condensation will stop. If it doesn't stop, it stands to reason you have an air leak that is allowing warm moist air in there. If the air leak is you opening and closing the lid, that's the easiest one to fix.

ETA: Man, same advice three times in a matter of minutes!

 

[d_rock]

I have a fan in my keezer and it doesn't seem to help the condensation. Be sure your seams and seals are all as air tight as possible, and avoid opening your keezer as much as possible. The condensation comes from humidity making it's way into the keezer. I don't have a link handy but many successfully use a small battery powered dehumidifier to control the issue, that will likely be my solution.

ETA: Just a repeat answer to what others have said, I should read the replies first before replying

 

[newtonfb]

Use these: Eva-Dry dehumidifiers
Your fan can be wired either way. Personally, I go with always-on. Just realize if you're using a pc fan, it is likely 12V DC, and cannot be wired directly into the temp controller. You'll need a plug to match. Voltage must match, and current, (amps), must meet or exceed the requirements of the fan.

But to really keep condensation down, stop opening the lid.

I have my fan coming in the mail. Another thing you might want to think about that I have coming is a dehumidifier to help keep moister down. I got this bad on Amazon. Last 10 yrs and is rechargeable. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H0XFD2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Just purchased, thanks guys

 

[LBussy]

For a down and dirty humidifier (I like the linked one!) you can use cat litter. Get the regular old clay kind, not the scoopable stuff. You can put it in the oven at 350 or so for a few hours if you question if the bag was sealed. Tie it up in something porous like an old t-shirt and you have a large, very inexpensive desiccant.

I bought some in a plastic tub similar to the scoopable brand. I just opened it and left it sitting in a freezer I had while I was not using it as a desiccant. When I opened it years later it was nice and fresh smelling - no mold or mildew. You can "recharge" the cat litter again in the oven. Best to use new cat litter for this.

 

[mongoose33]

Do you have an air leak? Do you keep looking inside to see if you're getting condensation and in doing so introducing moist air which then condenses.....?

If you aren't keeping your keezer sealed so no moist air can enter, you're going to get condensation.

A fan may help.

Another thing that will help is filling the empty space in the keezer with empty sealed containers similar to keeping a freezer full. Empty kegs, buckets with lids on, anything that reduces the free air inside. The less free moisture-laden air inside, the less moisture there is to condense out.

 

[k1ngl1ves]

As others have said, the fan won't really cut down on moisture. By moving the cold air constantly, it should keep your compressor running time down... which is the biggest bonus. That, and the air by your beer lines will be cold, keeping any foaming situations at bay.

Check your keezer for openings. Maybe the lid seal isn't closing properly, or you're just opening it too much. Any warm air will cause issues, and limit the life of the freezer. Insulate your collar if you haven't already. Seal everything.

 

[bendog15]

The fan is for keeping the air circulating... Top of the keezer will be warmer than the bottom. My fan is pointed at the back of my taps to reduce foaming.
Get an Eva dry humidifier and throw it in there. It's awesome.
I also get condensation in my keezer. Try to keep the keezer closed to reduce that. I put a towel down and mop up the water on the floor every time I switch a keg.

 

[indolent]

The only thing I would add to the advice here is that I have found that the eva dry works best when it is placed directly in the airflow of the fan. Don't stick it away in a corner of the keezer.

 

[day_trippr]

^True Fact^

Indeed, I found they're nearly ineffective without airflow, but with a little coaxing they work quite well (look to the end of the thread where I reposted the original pictures)...

Cheers!