ᐅ KALLAX and Air Conditioning – Surface Issues Caused by Cold?
Created on: 13 Jun 2023 08:37
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Klapeo64Hello everyone,
I have a specific issue and hope to find some experiences or opinions here: I use KALLAX shelves from IKEA in my apartment and recently installed an air conditioning unit that runs frequently, especially during the summer months. I have noticed that the surfaces of the KALLAX modules show some changes where the cold air blows directly onto the shelves—specifically discoloration and a kind of "condensation" or slight swelling of the material.
My question is quite specific:
Can operating an air conditioner with cold air blowing directly on KALLAX shelves cause surface problems such as discoloration, material changes, or other damage? If so, what are the underlying causes and how could such issues be effectively prevented?
I have read that moisture from condensation can affect wood or wood-based panels, but how much does this specifically concern KALLAX, possibly with its melamine coating?
I look forward to your insights, especially technical details or practical experiences. Thanks in advance!
I have a specific issue and hope to find some experiences or opinions here: I use KALLAX shelves from IKEA in my apartment and recently installed an air conditioning unit that runs frequently, especially during the summer months. I have noticed that the surfaces of the KALLAX modules show some changes where the cold air blows directly onto the shelves—specifically discoloration and a kind of "condensation" or slight swelling of the material.
My question is quite specific:
Can operating an air conditioner with cold air blowing directly on KALLAX shelves cause surface problems such as discoloration, material changes, or other damage? If so, what are the underlying causes and how could such issues be effectively prevented?
I have read that moisture from condensation can affect wood or wood-based panels, but how much does this specifically concern KALLAX, possibly with its melamine coating?
I look forward to your insights, especially technical details or practical experiences. Thanks in advance!
Hello Klapeo64,
Your concern is very understandable, and I would like to go into more detail to analyze the problem from a technical perspective.
First of all, it is important to know that KALLAX shelves are usually made of wood-based panels coated with a melamine resin finish. This coating protects the material against moisture and dirt to a certain extent.
When the air conditioning blows cold air, two main effects can cause problems:
1. Condensation: Cold air can lower the surface temperature of the shelf below the dew point, which means water vapor from the air condenses on the surface. This leads to moisture forming on the surface.
2. Temperature changes: Strong and frequent temperature fluctuations can mechanically stress the melamine coating and the wood-based material, potentially causing microcracks or delamination over time.
If the melamine coating has tiny defects or cracks, moisture can penetrate the underlying wood. Even if the surface appears visually intact, small damages caused by mechanical impact or wear may be present.
As a result, discoloration, slight swelling, and even mold growth may occur if the moisture does not evaporate from the surface in time.
I would recommend positioning the air supply of the air conditioner so that the cold air does not blow directly onto the shelves. Alternatively, you could use deflectors to redirect the airflow.
Which air conditioning unit are you using exactly? Have you measured the indoor humidity with a hygrometer? That would be interesting to know.
Additionally, how long do the cold periods last? Does condensation increase when the temperature is set particularly low?
Looking forward to your answers!
Your concern is very understandable, and I would like to go into more detail to analyze the problem from a technical perspective.
First of all, it is important to know that KALLAX shelves are usually made of wood-based panels coated with a melamine resin finish. This coating protects the material against moisture and dirt to a certain extent.
When the air conditioning blows cold air, two main effects can cause problems:
1. Condensation: Cold air can lower the surface temperature of the shelf below the dew point, which means water vapor from the air condenses on the surface. This leads to moisture forming on the surface.
2. Temperature changes: Strong and frequent temperature fluctuations can mechanically stress the melamine coating and the wood-based material, potentially causing microcracks or delamination over time.
If the melamine coating has tiny defects or cracks, moisture can penetrate the underlying wood. Even if the surface appears visually intact, small damages caused by mechanical impact or wear may be present.
As a result, discoloration, slight swelling, and even mold growth may occur if the moisture does not evaporate from the surface in time.
I would recommend positioning the air supply of the air conditioner so that the cold air does not blow directly onto the shelves. Alternatively, you could use deflectors to redirect the airflow.
Which air conditioning unit are you using exactly? Have you measured the indoor humidity with a hygrometer? That would be interesting to know.
Additionally, how long do the cold periods last? Does condensation increase when the temperature is set particularly low?
Looking forward to your answers!
I mostly agree with TEBILO and would like to add the following:
The main issue with furniture like KALLAX under the influence of air conditioning is actually moisture buildup. Even a melamine coating can be damaged with constant or frequent exposure, allowing the engineered wood material to absorb moisture and swell.
Another point is that with open windows or high indoor humidity, the risk of condensation increases disproportionately.
My advice: consider whether the shelf absolutely needs to be placed directly in the airflow, or if it can be moved slightly. Also, adjusting the airflow to a less cold setting might help.
It’s a good idea to regularly check the surfaces for small cracks and, if needed, treat them preventively with a special furniture care oil or protective impregnation.
As TEBILO already mentioned, a general recommendation is to avoid direct cold airflow on furniture made from engineered wood.
The main issue with furniture like KALLAX under the influence of air conditioning is actually moisture buildup. Even a melamine coating can be damaged with constant or frequent exposure, allowing the engineered wood material to absorb moisture and swell.
Another point is that with open windows or high indoor humidity, the risk of condensation increases disproportionately.
My advice: consider whether the shelf absolutely needs to be placed directly in the airflow, or if it can be moved slightly. Also, adjusting the airflow to a less cold setting might help.
It’s a good idea to regularly check the surfaces for small cracks and, if needed, treat them preventively with a special furniture care oil or protective impregnation.
As TEBILO already mentioned, a general recommendation is to avoid direct cold airflow on furniture made from engineered wood.
TEBILO schrieb:
Which air conditioning unit are you using exactly? Have you measured the indoor humidity with a hygrometer? That would be interesting to know.Thank you for the detailed explanations! To answer your questions: It’s a portable split air conditioner with adjustable settings. I’ve only been able to measure the humidity sporadically, but it usually ranges between 45–55%. The cooling periods tend to be quite long, running for several hours consecutively during the day.
Charles schrieb:
It’s a good idea to regularly check surfaces for small cracks and possibly treat them preventively with a special furniture care oil or impregnating agent.Interesting, I hadn’t considered furniture care oil before, as I thought the melamine coating would be water-resistant enough.
For me, it’s also a question whether these regular, prolonged cold air phases combined with this humidity level might already be too much and whether material stress is gradually building up.
What are your experiences with this? Are there any recommendations for protective treatments for melamine-coated furniture?
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