Air Conditioning, Humidifiers, and Rust

[SwearNoAllegiance]

It is only April 2, and the roommates are kicking on the AC. I like to stay as cool as everyone else, but the older I get, the more the AC tries to kill me.

It dries me out, stuffs up my head, causes nose bleeds, etc. I've read that running a humidifier can offset these unwanted effects, but I'm wondering about the hazard to my guns, which hang on my wall. Many of them are older and I don't want them to start rusting due to having a humidifier.

Anyone with knowledge on the subject care to give me some tips?

It probably won't be a huge issue. Probably just have to oil them more often.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[DHJenkins]

It's just about getting the right level of humidity - even server rooms run at 50%, and we all know how much computers like water.

Unfortunately, a centralized model built in to the HVAC system is required for decent control; the little round thing with the vicks on top will definately cause problems.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

A/C units by nature remove moisture from the air. This all part of the cooling (or rather the removal of heat from) of the air. Moist air is warm air, as the heat is removed the air borne moisture condenses on the evaporator coil (as well as your guns)as is removed to the outside via the evaporator drain pan and tube. Humidifiers and A/C units are at odds with each other for the most part. I would suggest for the sake of your guns that you put them in a cabinet,Stack-on or safe and place a container of dissicant in there to remove moisture. Or you COULD just keep them heavily oiled.

 

[sernv99]

central AC is good for your guns, especially if you live in humid weather. Keep them well oiled on the surface and get a cabinet to put them in. After every use, oil them again, giving it a good wipe down on the surface.

I have been living with central air for years and my guns haven't rusted.

 

[kanook]

try Ayr Saline Nasal Gel for the nose bleeds. put it on a Q tip and apply it to the inside of the nose. it works great.

 

[Oro]

You may also be suffering from allergies - they start out subtly and build. A cheap enough way to see if this is the problem is to pick up a small bottle of generic Loratadine in the pharmacy or supermarket. It is about as effective as Claritin, etc., but much cheaper. Or cadge some from a friend and try it for two or three days.

As to the guns, I like two simple options:

1) rub them down with a silicone cloth after handling. If you have guns you don't handle regularly, get them out and do it once every few months or 2x year.

2) Lube the internals/bore lightly, and then dry and polish the exterior surfaces with a wax. Renaissance wax is preferred by many (museum quality stuff - get it at your higher-end type woodworking stores or online). It is pricey, but a small can will do several hundred typical handgun applications. It has the benefit of resisting fingerprints and can take handling w/o a wipe down everytime. Also, it looks AWESOME and it doesn't leave a filmy look like oil or silicone.

 

[RavenVT100]

It's just about getting the right level of humidity - even server rooms run at 50%, and we all know how much computers like water.

You probably know this otherwise you wouldn't have brought it up, but just so everyone else understands: There's a reason servers run at a significant level of humidity, and it's not because of rust. High humidity causes condensation; low humidity significantly elevates the risk of a static discharge, so 40-55% humidity is the generally recommended level to prevent either extreme from manifesting itself in a data center.

 

[dagger dog]

Buy a foot locker, mount a Gunslick Goldenrod or the Gunsaver ,drill small hole for cord to pass through, place guns in locker.

The goldenrod ,gusaver keeps the temperature in the locker about 5 degrees warmer than the outside temp, and stops the condensation.

Normal cleaning and oiling is all that needed, they stop rust dead if in an inclosed space, they are available in different lengths for different size safes or lockers. They draw minimal current and can be left on for years.