Goddamn heat...

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 01:51:58 PM

So my basement apparently decided it was going to heat up (heat is turned off) to the point where yeasties aren't likely to be happy (77f ambient temp)...

So I thought I'd ask, barring building a fermentation chamber if there's no where in your house that sits around 65f to 70f how does one keep their fermenting beer cool?

I need ideas, especially since I have one going

...

It's S04, so I need to get the temps down quick, or I might end up with a "Bananer Milkshake" as our El Presidente is so fond of saying as he drinks his perfectly chilled beer from his keezer while hanging around with his Partigyles.

Chris Craig · May 22, 2012, 02:42:05 PM

Try this:

1. Put the fermenter in a bucket or cooler, or something like that.
2. Wrap the carboy in a wet towel and point a fan at it.

You're going to need a ferm chamber to brew in the summer. No way around it. It gets way too hot.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/smaller ... ler-79556/

or this

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/new-fer ... ld-102846/

Kyle · May 22, 2012, 02:50:26 PM

In previous years, I've just built up a 30 or 40 gal summer stockpile of beers, with ones that can age being used last, and then not brewing at all the hot weather. I've got a basement now though, and its about 15 degrees C right now, so I expect to be able to brew well into summer with no issues.

I might get a fermentation freezer next year if the esters are out of control this season though.

I've also used the swamp cooler method mentioned above, it works ok, but not ideal.

You could get a window air conditioner too

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 03:05:35 PM

I have a window AC, but the cost of ACing the room these things are in is wicked high.

($60.00 a month difference in power-bill)

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 03:06:46 PM

OH WOW. That first link is excellent Chris

.

Richard · May 22, 2012, 03:06:51 PM

Swamp cooler method never really did much for me... buys you a couple of celcius at best, which does jack shit for the summer heat. AC or fermentation chamber really is your best bet.

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 03:18:03 PM

Going to build one this week (probably tonight)... the cheap way

. I have a window fan with dual directional bits... so what I'm going to do is put the pop bottles of ice down low, with a drip-tray for condensate, put the fan behind them with the air blowing in, draw the heat out of the top of the chamber with the other fan, and I'll be able to fit 2x carboys in this. Just need some dowels and some pink insulation foam and silver tape

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 03:18:42 PM

Ghettocooler for the win!

.

Thomas · May 22, 2012, 04:04:32 PM

I have been wanting to build one of these for a while now, but I don't have any clue how to wire a digital thermostat to a computer fan. I have yet to read a simple easy to follow explanation for us non-electrical engineer on how to do so, but mabey I should just buy one and start sticking wires together.
Also Brent: stick with some calking or liquid nails, the aluminum duct tape is crazy expensive!

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 04:05:57 PM

Thomas: the digital thermostat wired to a computer fan aint so hard... I can help you with that.

Chris Craig · May 22, 2012, 04:22:00 PM

Quote from: "Thomas"I have been wanting to build one of these for a while now, but I don't have any clue how to wire a digital thermostat to a computer fan. I have yet to read a simple easy to follow explanation for us non-electrical engineer on how to do so, but mabey I should just buy one and start sticking wires together.
Also Brent: stick with some calking or liquid nails, the aluminum duct tape is crazy expensive!

Just get a $25 aquarium temperature controller from eBay. A few of us use them with great success. I'll help you build it if you want.

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 04:35:19 PM

Or, conversely a $12.00 digital thermostat at home-depot.

Chris Craig · May 22, 2012, 04:42:27 PM

Quote from: "HappyHax0r"Or, conversely a $12.00 digital thermostat at home-depot.

How would that work? You can get one meant for forced air, in which case you need a relay, or one for electric baseboards, in which case it's 240 volt...

HappyHax0r · May 22, 2012, 04:46:44 PM

Quote from: "ChrisCraig"
Quote from: "HappyHax0r"Or, conversely a $12.00 digital thermostat at home-depot.

How would that work? You can get one meant for forced air, in which case you need a relay, or one for electric baseboards, in which case it's 240 volt...

You get one for forced air and attach it to a transistor

.

Chris Craig · May 22, 2012, 04:52:59 PM

I think you're probably best off getting the aquarium version. It can be converted to dual stage when a proper chamber is needed. It's probably a bit cheaper too. Even the basic programmable forced air thermostat from Home Depot is $40 + tax. Brew got his single stage aquarium controller for about $15 shipped.