How To Use a Dehumidifier Effectively – a simple guide

Homeowners know that humidity inside a home can create serious problems with drywall surfaces, wood trim, furniture upholstery and carpeting. To help keep humidity low, homeowners usually install dehumidifiers around windows and vents where air enters and exits homes. Somebody use air conditioners and this is not dehumidifier effectively. But the main question is How To Use a Dehumidifier for better air quality? Dehumidification removes excess moisture and prevents mold formation. Humans are causing the climate crisis by warming the planet and contributing heavily to greenhouse gases that trap heat within planet’s atmosphere thus creating the conditions required for drought.

different dehumidifiers

 

Introduction

A home dehumidifier helps us to stop having dry air inside the house. This happens due to many factors including water seeping through cracks in roofs, pipes leaking, leaky windows and doors and broken gutters. When moist air enters into houses through these openings, it condenses moisture onto walls as well as furniture. As a result, we experience some discomfort such as headaches, colds etc. The majority of us consume far too many animal proteins. When compared to plant protein sources, meat and eggs contain loads of saturated fats. Those extra fats cause arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries). The hardened arteries reduce blood flow, hence affecting circulation throughout our bodies.

Many homes suffer dry conditions that leave behind condensation on floors, furniture, etc. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from air. You probably cannot see water vapor when outdoors, however, humidity levels indoors are almost 10 times lower than outside. Humidity affects us physically and emotionally. Although there are other alternative energy sources available we need to move toward renewable, clean, nonpolluting fuels now before our environment gets further damaged.We must realize that fossil fuel reserves cannot last forever.

Ideal Relative Humidity Levels In Your Home

If you’re talking about the humidity levels, you’re likely be able to see Relative Humidity (RH). It is the quantity of water vapor or moisture on the surface at any temperature. You ask how to use a dehumidifier?

Relative Humidity Levels

The concept of relative humidity is somewhat difficult to grasp but it’s not that important when you are adjusting the humidity settings for your dehumidifier. Therefore, you can skip to the next section If you’re interested.

Understanding RH: If the temperature inside your home is the temperature of 68°F that means the highest amount of moisture or water vapor within the atmosphere is 17.3 grams per cubic meters. If one of the rooms in your home has the highest amount of water that your RH is 100 percent. If the RH is 8.7 grams per cubic centimeter then your RH stands at 50 percent.

In the ideal scenario the ideal RH of the room should be between 30% and 50 percent.

Anything higher than this could be likely to lead to the expansion of mold, bacteria and mildew and also excessive condensation. However, it is important to keep in mind that RH levels should not exceed 40% during colder weather as it blocks droplets of water from forming on windows and different glass panel.

Fortunately, the majority of dehumidifiers are equipped with humidistats. These regulators permit you to set your device’s ideal RH levels. Once it reaches the level desired it will cycle your device between on and off in order to keep the set RH level.

If you discover that your dehumidifier isn’t equipped with an humidistat, the most effective option is to get the hygrometer. It is a tool that monitors RH separately. It should be hung near or over the dehumidifier in order to check RH levels correctly.

When is a Dehumidifier Necessary?

We breathe air all day long that contains a variety of particles. Many times this consists of dust and mould spores. The air can also contain toxic chemicals that can harm your health. Often, these dangerous particles will multiply in the right environment which generally is warm, moist air.

Using a dehumidifier in the home sucks out the moisture which will decrease the ability of these particles to multiply. Here are some steps to determine if your home is too humid. This is why you must know how to use a dehumidifier effectively for good air quality at home.

When is a Dehumidifier Necessary?

What do Different Humidity Levels Mean?

Ideal Relative Humidity

The ideal relative humidity in a room should be between 45% and 55%. During the winter months, it is normal for this to go as low as 40% in an effort to avoid condensation on windows.

When the relative humidity stays over 65% for an extended period of time, you face the risk of mould growing. The best way to determine the correct relative humidity for each room is with a hygrometer.

If you don’t have a hygrometer, you can tell how humid a room is simply by feel.

A humidity level over 65% in a room is going to cause a feeling of stuffiness. It can also lead to having your skin feeling clammy or moist. This is also the time when you will start to suffer from musty odours in the room.

If the humidity level in a room drops below 35%, you could be facing some of the opposite symptoms, such as:

  • Flaky, itchy and dry skin
  • Peeling paint from walls and furniture
  • Chapped lips that crack and bleed
  • Furniture beginning to warp

Other Ways to Determine the Need for a Dehumidifier

Here are a few other ways you will be able to notice your need for a dehumidifier and how to use a dehumidifier.

Mould Spots – Look at the ceiling of your bathrooms and inspect for dark spots. If you see these, you might be facing a mould problem. To help alleviate this problem, you want to make sure that you run the exhaust fan after every shower.

Condensation – If your windows regularly have beads of water forming on them, you suffer from condensation issues. This can also present itself as vapour or fog on the glass.

Odours – Musty smells are a tell-tale sign that mildew and mould are present. It is important that you find the source of the odour and begin taking steps to alleviate the moisture immediately.

Rotting Wood – Any wood that retainsmoisture will begin to rot. It can also attract unwanted pests into the home. If you notice rotting wood, you need to start by running a dehumidifier and remove excess moisture.

The Dangers Of Incorrect Humidity Levels

High levels of RH (above 50% in normal weather and over 40% in colder weather) is often a cause of an overall sensation of stuffiness. Additionally, it can make your skin feel uncomfortable and makes rooms smell musty. The risk of serious complications is also a possibility particularly if you suffer from already-existing respiratory or skin conditions if you not right use a dehumidifier.

Ill woman

However when the humidity in a space drops to 30 percent or less and you are exposed to a variety of irritating and costly issues like:

  • Dry lips and chapped skin (which are often cracked or bleeding)
  • Lusterless and frizzy hair with no frizz.
  • The dehydration causes constant headaches and fatigue
  • Paint peeling off from ceilings and walls
  • Furniture that is warping

Where To Place Your Dehumidifier

The proper placement is essential for efficient and optimal dehumidifier operation. So, a great guideline is to not place your dehumidifier near furniture or walls unless they provide high-level air drainage.

Dehumidifier in the room

For a perfect location, you should have at minimum 6-12 inches of space across the entire length of your unit in order to avoid any unwarranted use or negative adverse consequences.

It is important to follow these other suggestions to ensure that you get the most of your dehumidifier

  • Make sure that your windows and doors are shut when the unit’s in operation.
  • Put it in the middle of the room as far as is possible to achieve the best circulation.
  • If you are working in larger areas Place your unit in the closest position is possible to the source of moisture. In the event that you put it too far away, it can cause problems for the unit.
  • Avoid placing it next to furniture since this could hinder the flow of air through your device. Except, of course it’s a top-mounted discharge kind.
  • Do not place it near any dust-producing areas since it could cause clogging of your unit.

Empty The Water Tank

Like other appliances within the home, your dehumidifier will also require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain their pristine state and operating at maximum effectiveness. If there’s one thing an experienced dehumidifier user will give you from the beginning that is to be sure that you drain your tank of water.

Empty The Water Tank

In the end, dehumidifiers are made to control the humidity in your home. They shouldn’t stop the water by the air too much.

Today, the majority of dehumidifiers include indicators that let you know when the tank is fully stocked. There are some that also come with an adjustable water bucket to help drain the moisture and water vapor easier.

If you’re fortunate or were able to choose the model that has an adapter that permits you to connect an external pipe to the device, then you’re able to connect it to an under-floor water drain, or a sump pump in order to keep the level of maintenance to a minimal

But, one tip to remember is to periodically check your dehumidifier and then empty it even if it’s fully filled. This can not only aid in making the efficiency of your dehumidifier but also lower the risk of the accumulation of water-borne bacteria and viruses.

Ideal Operating Temperature

Most dehumidifiers work the most efficiently in ideal operating temperatures of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. If, in any instance, the temperature in your home falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, then you may want to opt for specialized devices that cater to lower temperatures.

temperature and humidity

Essentially, you’re trying to avoid frost from forming in your dehumidifier’s coils. Unfortunately, when frost condenses in your device, this could negatively impact your compressor to cycle on and off repeatedly without even removing any water vapor or moisture from your home.

While some dehumidifiers come pre-built with anti-frost sensors that automatically shut them down when air temperature plummets, most of the time, we overlook this feature and opt for more energy-saving or portable variants.

In these cases, it is pertinent that you regularly check the temperatures in your home and observe if frost forms inside your dehumidifier. A simple routine of turning it off to defrost and switching it back on afterward could significantly help your dehumidifier run more efficiently – without having to buy a separate device altogether.

Match Your Dehumidifier With Your Room Size

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the number of dehumidifiers available in the market. To make your selection easier, you may want to understand first the core issues you need to solve. Often, this relies on the capacity of your dehumidifier. That’s why is important to knew how to use a dehumidifier.

The dehumidifier uses the cold coils (evaporator) to remove moisture from the air. In turn, it uses hot coils (condenser) to reheat to room temperature. Use the right size dehumidifier for the job! (remember there are spot-dehumidifiers & whole-home dehumidifiers) The best dehumidifiers are easy to use, won’t cost you much to run and do a fantastic job of pulling water from the air whether working at room temperature or in colder conditions. The worst, on the other hand, will take much longer to do the same job.

Dehumidifier capacities can usually be measured in pints per 24 hours and are determined by two main factors:

  1. The size of the room or space that needs to be dehumidified
  2. The pre-existing conditions in that room or space before dehumidification

Select The Proper Water Tank Size For Your Space

When choosing a dehumidifier the best practice is to decide what kind of space it will be installed in. In the end, different models don’t have the same amount of coverage.

woman with dehumidifier

For Smaller Spaces

If you’re thinking of smaller rooms like bedrooms the standard-sized ones could be exactly the thing you need.

The dehumidifiers are able to collect about 15-liters water each day, and cover up to 2500 square feet.

But, if it is placed in damper areas, like basements, it could not be the most effective. You might have to drain the water to maintain it’s running, something you’d normally avoid.

In short time, we will add guide to small dehumidifiers on this page.

For Mid-Range Spaces

If you have more basements or damp areas within your house an upper-end unit could be more suitable.

They typically can hold up to twenty liters, and take up more than 2500 square feet of area.

In this way, they are more effective at getting rid of odors that are musty, stop mildew and mold and reduce the chance of sustaining damage from condensation.

For Larger Spaces

If you reside in a larger house that is greater than the 2,000 sq. feet it is recommended to get an air conditioner that can store 25 to 35 liters of water every day is essential as having a larger tank can reduce the frequency of draining. The air conditioner works by cooling the air inside the home, which causes the water vapor in the air to condense into liquid form.

Choose The Correct Type To Achieve Ideal Humidity

Like all maintenance tasks for your home it is important to identify the problem and beginning the process by conducting a thorough search is the best method to determine what type of appliance is best suited to your requirements.

If you’re looking to get rid of the moisture in the cold space, an desiccant device could be the right choice best suited for you. In contrast in warmer areas where the retention of moisture should be improved the compressor model could be more suitable for your home.

You can also install different dehumidifiers based on the climate and the humidity level you require.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

The most affordable alternative to both is the desiccant one. They’re typically mobile and portable units which can be moved effortlessly from one place to another. They also have lower sound levels than compressor types.

dessicant dehumidifier scheme

While they’re light, they are likely to perform better in colder environments because they use desiccant wheels to absorb water from the air as if sponges! This means that they are more effective in removing water rather than controlling it.

It makes use of internal heating to re-energize the desiccant in the unit to continue the process of absorption of moisture continuously. This is why these dehumidifiers can be ideal for damp spaces like basements and bathrooms, rather than living rooms or bedrooms.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Compressor dehumidifiers are a more sought-after option for home owners today. They function by creating cold surfaces to control warmer air within the room.

Simply put, when warm air gets into contact with the cold surface of the unit, it begins the process of condensing to isolate the water from surrounding air.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers sheme

Since they don’t have internal heating to manage humidity level, they consume less power than desiccant models and are the preferred choice for the majority of homeowners.

But, one thing that you must be aware of is that they perform better in rooms with warmer temperatures because they produce cooling effects. It is a fact that might not be appropriate in colder weather when you’re trying to keep your home warm and cozy.

Set Your Dehumidifier Properly

Every dehumidifier functions differently and knowing the way they function is crucial to controlling the humidity levels across different regions of your house. Why would you invest the money for expensive equipment only to use it in a way that isn’t beneficial?

Set Your Dehumidifier Properly

For the best usage from the start:

  • Plug in your dehumidifier, and set the settings in accordance with the instruction manual (please go through it.)
  • Allow your appliance to run many cycles to get it warm.
  • Make sure to empty the tank often. It isn’t necessary to wait around for it to be filled completely.
  • Clean your dehumidifier to prevent the accumulation of dust and other debris.

Modern models typically have an easy-to-use control panel and simple settings like dryness as well as humidity and consumption levels. However older models usually have more ambiguous controls. However, a quick glance through the manual will answer any questions regarding the correct setting.

Clean Your Dehumidifier Regularly

Cleaning the parts of your unit is just as crucial as draining the water because it will inevitably accumulate dust and debris over time. Separate removable parts from the dehumidifier (please check your manual) and clean them thoroughly with a washcloth and some mild soap or your safe DIY cleaner of choice.

For thorough cleaning, watch this video below how clean dehumidifier:

A Dehumidifier’s Role In Your Home

Whether you’re looking to alleviate allergies and respiratory problems or prevent the onset of mold and water damage, dehumidifiers are great additions to any home. They provide a variety of benefits that are likely to offset their cost and power usage.

If you think about it, preventing additional repairs or doctor’s appointments from humidity level issues can save you more in the long term. Just make sure to plan, research and understand how these nifty appliances work before you go straight for that shiny, expensive model in your wishlist.

Conclusion about dehumidifier effectively

If you allow humidity to fluctuate, it could cause damage to your health and home, and, in extreme cases it can affect both. Fortunately, you don’t require an expensive remodel to achieve the proper humidity levels in your home.

Dehumidifiers remove humidity out of the atmosphere, keeping against the growth of mildew and mold which could cause breathing issues and unpleasant spores that can be found on ceiling and walls. If you’re looking for ways how to use a dehumidifier efficiently, then you are in the right blog.

I guess our article about how to use a dehumidifier was good for you and now you will use all our tips and advices about dehumidifier effectively and control humidity.

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