It is crucial that you know how to use a dehumidifier properly. After all, you can only benefit from this device if you know how to operate it based on your needs and requirements.
Furthermore, proper usage of a dehumidifier can actually help you extend its lifespan, effectively reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
Fortunately, it is not that difficult to use these dehumidifiers. Even if it is your first time using a dehumidifier, the learning curve is not that difficult. You just have to follow the tips and recommendations that I’ve listed below.
What Is A Dehumidifier? What Are Its Benefits?
A dehumidifier is a device designed to reduce the level of humidity in the air. It does this by means of collecting the water in the air using a fan or absorbent. There are two basic types of dehumidifiers: desiccant dehumidifiers and refrigerant dehumidifiers. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a material that absorbs water from the air, such as silica gel, while refrigerant dehumidifiers use a refrigerant to cool the air, which causes the water to condense.
There is also a third type of dehumidifier, an ionic air purifier, which uses an ionic process to remove moisture from the air. However, some people have qualms when it comes to ionic dehumidifiers. It’s one of the reasons why people these days only opt for refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers, regardless of the application.
With a dehumidifier, you can actually eradicate the excess moisture in the air. It reduces the mustiness and dampness of the air while returning its breathability and comfort levels.
A dehumidifier removes the possibility of mold growth, water spots, and furniture damage in your space. During summer, where the air is particularly humid, this device comes in extremely handy. In fact, every time that the humidity in your area increases, you should have a dehumidifier on stand-by.
How To Use A Dehumidifier Properly
Here are some of the basic guidelines that would allow you to maximize the potential of a dehumidifier.
Pick The Right Dehumidifier First
Many people tend to complain that their dehumidifiers are not doing enough moisture removal. Of course, we can assume that the device has some problems.
But before returning it to the seller or manufacturer, you have to check first if the dehumidifier is indeed compatible with your intended application.
Dehumidifiers are not built the same. Each of them is designed to accommodate a particular task or requirement. Some dehumidifiers are designed for whole-house applications, while others are for single-room use, such as bedrooms and kitchens.
Meanwhile, there are also dehumidifiers meant for small spaces, such as in your closets, gun safes, and guitar cases. These dehumidifiers do exist, and they function well enough. However, you can’t expect these small dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture in a large room.
Generally, the bigger the dehumidifier, the more capable in absorbing large volumes of moisture. Hence, you can expect that whole-house dehumidifiers have a significant size difference from their portable and single-room counterparts.
Get the size of the area that you want to dehumidify. The measurement should be in cubic feet. After that, look for dehumidifiers that match the measurement that you got. You can see this by checking their labels or user manuals.
Set The Right Configuration
If you want to maximize the performance and effectiveness of a dehumidifier, you need to set its settings correctly.
When it comes to this matter, you need to get an idea about the proper indoor humidity. Correct humidity is where the air’s moisture content is normal–not too less, not too much.
Well, many agree that the correct humidity of rooms and interiors is between 45% to 65%. However, others are comfortable with 35% to 50% humidity levels. Any of these options are alright, especially if you are comfortable with them. Anything that is higher or below these figures may cause discomforts and unwarranted damages to your properties.
In our context, we shouldn’t let the humidity exceed 65%. Otherwise, you’ll experience dampness and odor in the air. In fact, in areas that are particularly humid, a relative humidity level of 55% to 60% can already cause adverse effects.
It would be advantageous if the dehumidifier you get has a humidistat. This component reads the humidity levels in a room and adjusts the performance of the dehumidifier accordingly based on it.
Learn The Proper Placement
You have to know that the placement of a dehumidifier can affect its performance. For instance, if you are going to place the dehumidifier in the middle of large fixtures and furniture in your home, it will not be able to do its job properly.
Oppositely, a dehumidifier that has an elevated placement without any obstructions will dehumidify your space evenly.
Furthermore, you should avoid placing the dehumidifier against the wall. It is a common mistake that I always see. Keep in mind that dehumidifiers work by absorbing air using a fan from one end and eject it back into your space through its exhaust vents. If you place the dehumidifier against a wall, it is possible that either the vents or the fans will get blocked. It will prevent the dehumidifier from working.
Where To Place A Dehumidifier?
Here are some of the ideal locations for a dehumidifier placement:
- Place it on a spot where there’s good air circulation.
- Look for areas where there’s minimal traffic.
- Put the dehumidifier away from obstructions and walls (at least ten inches away).
If the dehumidifier offers an automatic draining function, make sure that you place it where it is near to a hose and drainage system. In this way, you can utilize the said feature of the dehumidifier.
Mind The Weather
Humidity may become a problem, regardless of the climate and season. Again, there are some regions in the world where moisture is always high.
During hot seasons, the dehumidifier can normally run since moisture is heavily present. But when the temperatures are low, there are some considerations that you need to take into account. First, there’s a possibility that the water that the dehumidifier absorbed may freeze. It is a common sight during winter.
Second, you may not opt for refrigerant dehumidifiers if it is too cold. After all, you can’t risk running the dehumidifier when you are being riddled with freezing temperatures. At this point, you might want to opt for desiccant dehumidifiers.
Don’t Forget To Empty The Water Tank
It is essential that you maintain the dehumidifier regularly. You will be able to prevent the device from deteriorating quickly if you do this regimen regularly.
One of the ways you can maintain the dehumidifier is by emptying its tank every time it is full. Do not let it sit there, as it can cause mold and bacterial growth.
However, you may not need to empty the dehumidifier if it comes with an automatic draining capability. You just need to attach a hose to its drain plug, and the device will automatically drain the water it collected.
There are other ways you can maintain a dehumidifier. Here are some of them:
- Clean the filters regularly. You need to do this every six months. If you are using the dehumidifier continuously, you need to change the filters more frequently.
- Dust the exterior of the dehumidifier, especially the vents and intake.
- Check the coils and see if they are functioning properly. If they are frozen, let them thaw.
Conclusion
Being able to use a dehumidifier properly will enable you to improve its performance to the peak. If you badly need dehumidification in your home or office, an adequately functioning dehumidifier is essential. With the recommendations I listed above, you will be able to get a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture adequately.
I hope you find this guide useful. If you have other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.