When is the best time of day to use dehumidifiers?
Well, this is among the questions people ask when they purchased dehumidifiers for the first time. Of course, that’s understandable. After all, your goal here is to ensure that you can optimize the performance of the device.
Don’t fret. I am going to reveal the answer to this question and some other inquiries you have in mind.
The Best Time Of Day To Use Dehumidifiers
Most of you here are interested in acquiring dehumidifiers. Your problem is moisture, and you want to get rid of it right away.
However, I always notice that most people are concerned about the power cost that it will incur to run these dehumidifiers. It is the same thing as air purifiers.
Basically, what people are hesitant about is running their dehumidifiers for an entire day. Obviously, doing that 24/7 will undoubtedly increase your electricity bill.
Keep in mind that I always recommend that you keep your dehumidifier operating, especially if there are severe humidity issues in your area. Some regions and states get musty and wet in particular months or seasons. If you are dealing with this predicament, you have no other choice but to maintain the dehumidifier.
But on regular days, it is quite alright to regulate the operational period of a dehumidifier.
The right time to operate a dehumidifier is during the part of the day where moisture becomes apparent. This means that the dehumidifier must run in the morning. But why?
Why Humidity Is High In The Morning
Let’s talk about a little science here.
Humidity is higher in the morning than in the latter part of the day. And at this point, you have to know about relative humidity. The latter is expressed as a percentage–between the actual water vapor existing in the air to the maximum volume of water vapor possible.
For instance, if the air temperature is equivalent to the dew point, then it is entirely possible that the relative humidity is 100%. When the air is warmer, the higher its capacity to “carry” water vapor. Therefore, relative humidity increases when the temperature goes to the dew point and decreases while it increases.
The relative humidity tends to be the highest during the sunrise. This is the point where the low temperature during the night is closest to the dew point. Humidity lowers when the temperature rises, and it will reach its lowest “value.” during the late afternoon or in the middle of the day. It is when the highest temperature of the day is recorded.
The Best Time To Operate A Humidifier Is Around 5 AM to 10 AM
As mentioned earlier, humidity is highest during this particular period. You have to expect the moisture is still high because the air is still warm, but the external temperature is still low.
As the heat increases, the humidity in the air gradually dissipates. This is the time where you can stop your dehumidifier from running.
There are still other time “alternatives” for running a dehumidifier. If you are concerned about your power bill, you can set the dehumidifier from 10 PM to 7 AM. Within this span, energy companies do not put high charges on power consumption, given that only a few people are using electricity.
If the dehumidifier has a timer function, take advantage of it. For instance, you can operate it for four hours in the morning then four hours in the evening. This will significantly lower the power costs of having a dehumidifier.
According to some people, the dehumidifier should run at least 12 hours a day to ensure that there’s no excess moisture left in the air. Well, you can follow such a recommendation if you have severe humidity problems. But for those who simply want to deal with slight moisture issues, there’s no need to do so.
Are Dehumidifiers Energy-Efficient?
Many are worried that these dehumidifiers are gluttons when it comes to electrical consumption. While it is true that there are units that consume too much electricity, the majority of dehumidifiers are not.
Modern dehumidifiers are designed to operate efficiently, minus the cost. As much as possible, pick those dehumidifiers that have the “Energy Star” label. They are the ones that have been proven to use less energy when they are running. Specifically, they are using energy-efficient compressors, refrigeration coils, and fans to mitigate their power consumption.
Compared to other dehumidifiers that don’t have the “Energy Star” label, these energy-efficient dehumidifiers use 15% less electricity. In the long-run, that would help you save a lot of money.
Should You Get A Big Or Small Dehumidifier?
Another question that people often ask is the size of the dehumidifier that they should get.
Specifically, the issue here is the actual capacity and “strength” of the dehumidifier. For starters, small dehumidifiers are meant for small rooms. In that application, they are the most efficient as they can absorb the moisture in the air without the need to spend too much electricity. Therefore, there’s no need for you to operate them continuously or for long straight hours.
Keep in mind that small dehumidifiers have smaller power consumption than their larger counterparts.
However, don’t commit the mistake of buying small dehumidifiers for large rooms just because you think that they are energy-efficient. Their performance is not designed to accommodate multiple rooms or overly-sized bedrooms and living spaces. If you get these small dehumidifiers, you will end up using them non-stop and still not getting your desired results.
The best option here is to get a single, large unit that is rated to work on the specified dimensions of your home. The device will not give you a sorry excuse; within a certain period, it can dehumidify your space, leaving no trace of moisture.
For a more comprehensive guide, the sizing chart below can help you out.
| Room Size | ||||
| 300 square feet | 500 square feet | 800 square feet | 1200 square feet | |
| Condition | Humidifier Capacity | |||
| Slightly Damp50%-60% HumidityAir feels slightly heavy | 20 pint | 25 – 30 pint | 35 – 40 pint | 50 pint |
| Moderately Damp60%-70% HumidityOccasional musty smell | 20 pint | 25 – 30 pint | 35 – 40 pint | 50 pint |
| Very Damp70%-80% HumidityWet spots on walls and floors | 25 pint | 30 pint | 45 pint | 55 pint |
| Wet80%-100% HumiditySeepage on walls and floor;Molds are apparent | 25 – 35 pint | 35 – 40 pint | 45 – 50 pint | 60 pint |
Conclusion
The best time of day to use dehumidifiers should be on periods where the moisture in your indoor space is high. Specifically, it should start on the dawn then up to the later part of the morning before noontime. But you can always operate your dehumidifier if you think that there are excessive levels of moisture that are lingering in the air. You should be able to solve this problem right away.
I hope that you learned from this guide. If you have other questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.