Seasonal PH Fluctuations

den75 · Jan 19, 2016

I have a question regarding PH in the summer as opposed to winter. In the summer when the house is closed up and A/C is on, I need to use a CO2 absorbent to keep my PH where it should be. In the winter house is closed up with the heat on but I find I don't need nearly as much, if any CO2 absorbent to maintain my PH. Not complaining by any means, saves me money on absorbent, just wondering if there was an explanation for what I am observing.

redfishbluefish · Jan 19, 2016

Are there more people in the house in summer? Do you have a job, such as a teacher, where you are off all summer?

den75 · Jan 19, 2016

Nope, just the wife and I. Things are pretty much the same year round.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 19, 2016

What kind of heat? Some newer forced air systems bring in fresh air to the house.

Does the tank get direct sun any time of year?

den75 · Jan 19, 2016

No direct sun at any time. Main house heat is 10 years old, typical electric A/C unit/Heat Pump. The tank is in a room that was converted from a garage where it has it's own mini split system for that room.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 19, 2016

den75 said:
No direct sun at any time. Main house heat is 10 years old, typical electric A/C unit/Heat Pump. The tank is in a room that was converted from a garage where it has it's own mini split system for that room.

Sorry, not sure why you see this effect if it is not bringing in any fresh air.

How big of a difference are we talking about?

Might it just mean you need to calibrate the pH meter again?

den75 · Jan 19, 2016

No problem. Like I said, not complaining about not having to spend money on absorbent. Just wondered if there was a reason for it. This is the second winter with the tank and the same thing happened last year as well. In the summer without the absorbent daytime PH readings struggle to get to around 8.05. Nights would get near 7.85. This time of year daytime gets up to around 8.2 or a bit more rarely drops below 8.1 at night.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jan 19, 2016

How do you supplement calcium and alkalinity?

I use limewater in an ATO, and I likely dose more in the winter when it is drier, which would tend to raise pH.