Getting the Most Out of Your Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be a great investment, especially if you live in a humid climate or struggle with allergies. They’re easy to use, affordable to run and can help keep your home comfortable all year round.
Many allergens like mildew, mold and dust mites thrive in humid environments. A dehumidifier can decrease moisture levels, preventing them from growing.
Choosing the Right Model
A dehumidifier can help ensure a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. However, not all models are created equal. To ensure the unit you choose is capable of meeting your specific moisture removal needs, consider factors such as room size and humidity level, energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR (r) certifications and additional features.
Typically, relative humidity in living areas should be kept below 50 percent. Higher levels can lead to a host of problems, including flaking paintwork, wood damage and health issues. In addition, excessive moisture can create breeding grounds for dust mites and mildew. Dehumidifiers reduce the presence of these substances and help to eliminate the damp smell that can accompany them.
The right model can also increase your home’s energy efficiency. Because your air conditioner and heater work harder to cool or heat moist air, a dehumidifier can significantly lower energy usage. Some models electric fan even feature auto shut-off when the desired humidity is reached or the tank is full to further minimize energy consumption.
Before shopping for a dehumidifier, determine the square footage of the area you need to dehumidify and pinpoint how damp it really is with a hygrometer, which can be purchased for less than $10. Look for models with a recommended room size and capacity, along with a built-in hygrometer and drainage option to prevent you from having to empty the water tank regularly.
Setting the Right Humidity Levels
A dehumidifier is designed to reduce humidity levels and prevent musty odors, mold growth, or other moisture-related issues in indoor spaces. Keeping relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent is optimal for comfort and health.
However, it’s important to adjust your dehumidifier settings based on the unique conditions in each room. Basements and crawlspaces, for example, tend to have high moisture levels due to poor insulation, leaking pipes, and exterior weather issues. Keeping these areas below 50% RH helps to prevent mold and mildew, rot, and other structural damage.
Bedrooms also require lower RH levels than living spaces to ensure a comfortable, restful sleep and prevent moisture-related issues like condensation on windows. Keeping RH levels below 50% in bedrooms helps to promote healthy breathing, a restful environment, and protects furniture and electronics from moisture damage.
Observe signs of excess moisture, such as mold or condensation, to determine when your dehumidifier needs to be turned up or down. Using a hygrometer or other humidity-monitoring tools can help you to track the air’s moisture content.
Some natural ways to decrease your humidity include allowing your home to naturally ventilate when possible, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and placing water-absorbing materials (like rock salt or silica gel) around your home to reduce moisture. It is important to replace or recharge these materials frequently to keep them effective.
Placement
Choosing the right room for the dehumidifier and positioning it appropriately within that space are essential elements of getting the most out of this home appliance. Dehumidifiers work best in areas prone to high levels of moisture, such as basements and bathrooms. They can also help control humidity in crawl spaces that may contribute to higher moisture levels throughout a house.
Ideally, the dehumidifier should be placed in an area away from walls or large furniture that could restrict airflow and hamper its ability to pull moisture out of the air. This ensures that the device can operate effectively and prevents condensation buildup on surfaces, which can lead to mold growth. Dehumidifiers can also be placed near appliances that create a lot of moisture, such as dishwashers or washing machines. This helps keep moisture in check and prevents it from spreading to other areas of the home, potentially causing damage and musty odours.
A dehumidifier can also be useful in the garage, where excess moisture can cause tools to rust or wood to warp. It can also impact vehicles, making them prone to mould growth and poor performance. A dehumidifier can be used in tandem with proper aeration techniques to control moisture levels and improve the overall comfort of the garage. It’s also a good idea to monitor humidity levels regularly using a hygrometer.
Maintenance
A dehumidifier can help your home or business stay healthy and aesthetically pleasing, electric fan wholesale but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance. Air filters will need to be replaced frequently to prevent debris from clogging the passages, and a draining receptacle may need to be empty regularly to avoid overflow.
Dampness can result in wood rot, paint blistering, wallpaper peeling, and mold growth. It can also cause metals to rust, which can be a major problem in industrial settings. A dehumidifier helps prevent these problems by reducing humidity levels and inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew.
Basements can be particularly susceptible to excess moisture due to faulty weeping tiles, leaking plumbing, and exterior weather. It can also be caused by poorly insulated walls, and by a lack of ventilation or heating. A dehumidifier can help keep basements dry and warm, which will protect the property stored there and make the area safer for occupants.
Laundry rooms, kitchens, and garages can also be affected by excessive moisture. Tools, equipment, and even vehicles can be ruined by it, so a dehumidifier can help to prevent this from happening. In addition, a whole-home dehumidifier can be installed in your home’s HVAC system to provide efficient dehumidification throughout the house. This will help prevent mold, mildew, and other issues that can affect the health of your family and your belongings.
