Many seek for a dehumidifier on daily base but only a few has an in-depth knowledge on what a dehumidifiers is. However, we have put together most frequently asked questions about dehumidifier (dehumidifier FAQS) in order to help you know more on this device and how to make an informed decision if you are having too high humidity in the house.
Table of Contents
What is a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier works like a vacuum cleaner, i.e. sucking in air from the room and taking moisture out of the air and ultimately blowing the air back out into the room once again. It is more like an AC unit and works slightly like a refrigerator as well.
How do I know if I need a dehumidifier?
Usually, a Relative Humidity (RH) level between 35-50% is perfect for health, comfort and for preventing microorganism formation.
When you detect excessive moisture in your house, mold spots on the ceilings and corners, musty and mildew smells, condensation on windows, spring water run-off, water damage, rotting wood and excessive allergies, you should feel the need of a dehumidifier.
Is it safe to run a dehumidifier constantly all the time?
Since it’s quite costly to run a dehumidifier 24 hours a day, it is recommended to run the unit safely 10-12 hours a day and definitely the more would result the better.
How much water should a dehumidifier collect in a day?
According to the most manufacturers’ claim, maximum small domestic dehumidifiers collect 10-20 liters of water in a day and the larger models collect up to 50 liters in a day.
What should I set my dehumidifier at?
In order to get the maximum advantage and comfort from your dehumidifier, you should set the humidity level at 30 to 50%.
If the humidity level becomes more than 50%, it can form mold or make it out of hibernation which is completely unhealthy. Setting your dehumidifier below 30% is also a waste of electricity.
Where to place dehumidifier in basement
You should place the dehumidifier near an outlet in the basement. Remember to searching for an open area in the basement with a working outlet. The open area must be open and clear of the stagnant water. Ensure to seal all passages or doors in the basement so the outside air can’t get in.
How to use a dehumidifier properly
- Empty the accumulated water out of your dehumidifier regularly.
- Keep it away from walls, curtains, and furniture.
- Keep all doors and windows closed while using it.
- Get a relative humidity level of 30-50%.
- Vacuum your floors regularly before using the device.
- Be smart and cost-effective about using it.
- Check whether the device has frost control.
- Make sure to use it at the right times only.
The best place to put a dehumidifier in-house and why
The best places to put a dehumidifier in your house are indoor pool areas, basements, crawl spaces, and laundry rooms as these areas get the most moisture related issues.
Recommended dehumidifier setting
For human comfort, recommended dehumidifier setting is at 30-50% humidity level in warm weather and 30-40% in cold weather.
Dehumidifier placement upstairs or downstairs
You must place the portable units as per your requirement. If you place at downstairs, the dry air won’t drift much to the upstairs. Hence, you will require units on both floors.
Opt for a whole-house dehumidifier to reduce this issue as the air travels through the ductwork of the furnace to every floor. Measure the square footage of the specific area you need to dehumidify for your portable unit.
What size dehumidifier should I get?
As per pint capacity, dehumidifiers are rated, which refers to the number of pints of water it can remove from the air in a day. Most manufacturers don’t refer to particular room sizes in sq. ft. as the starting RH level of a room is significant as the room’s size in deciding the device’s capacity required.
Dehumidifiers’ capacity ranges from 25-70 pints daily. Usually, people require using the highest capacity dehumidifier in their home to make sure to avail the most effective usage, as it can extract the maximum amount of moisture faster from the air, which is not possibly done by a lower capacity model. Still, you can opt for a lower capacity model if you have a small area and confined space.
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?
Depending on a dehumidifier’s capacity, electricity usage varies. Higher capacity dehumidifiers can draw more electricity during operation, whereas the larger units will be more energy-efficient as they are enough faster and efficient in reducing moisture from the air. Hence, for saving more money, bring a larger unit.
How often will I need to empty the water bucket?
Many dehumidifiers feature the option of emptying water containing through a hose. You can attach a garden hose to the running drainage port of the dehumidifier if you have a floor drain near you. Don’t worry about emptying the water bucket as the unit works constantly; hence drains collected water down always. Place the device close to a floor drain and make sure proper drainage.
In case you can’t access the floor drain, then empty the bucket when it is filled. The bucket should be emptied in every few days as there are some rooms that don’t have much humid in the air. In the rainy season, you may require emptying the bucket more frequently.
How much noise does a dehumidifier make?
The newest dehumidifier models don’t make much noise like the earlier models. The fans and compressors do make noise but not so louder like the older models. You can set the power level and fan speed at the lowest, which will make lesser noise.
Will a dehumidifier make my room warmer?
Yes, it may raise the room temperature by a few degrees, but it certainly depends on the room’s size and the amount of time the compressor works to reduce moisture from the air. If the room is small, it can make it warmer.
Can a dehumidifier work in more than one room at a time?
Yes, it can work in more than one room at a time but it’s more effective in the one room it is in. You can use portable models for easy portability.
Are there any filters that need to be replaced?
There is no replaceable filter required for keeping your dehumidifier running properly.
Can I run a dehumidifier together with my air conditioning?
Yes, you can use it with your AC.
Can I drink the water collected by a dehumidifier?
Although the collected water is free of impurities, it’s recommended as unsafe to drink this water.
Article ref.
https://learn.compactappliance.com/dehumidifier-faqs/
https://www.hvac.com/blog/dehumidifier-questions-dehumidifiers-help/