Buzz
A dehumidifier is designed to control the humidity level in a specific area. This device can be either portable or installed in a fixed location within a house. It is used to reduce the relative humidity in the air, alleviate allergies and respiratory issues, and generally improve the comfort of your home by ensuring better air quality.
Steps
Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Needs
Pick a dehumidifier that suits the size of your room. The size of the dehumidifier depends on the area of the room that requires dehumidification. Measure the space where the dehumidifier will be placed and select a unit that matches the room's size accordingly.
Find a Dehumidifier with Suitable Power. In addition to the room size, the humidity level in the room should also be considered when selecting a dehumidifier. The power of a dehumidifier refers to the amount of water it can remove from the air in 24 hours. The goal is to achieve an ideal humidity level for the room.
- For instance, a room of approximately 46 square meters with a musty smell and damp feel would need a dehumidifier with a power capacity of 19-21 liters. Refer to the product guide to determine the appropriate dehumidifier size for your needs.
- A dehumidifier can extract 21 liters of water per day from a space of about 230 square meters.
Use a Larger Dehumidifier for Larger Rooms or Basements. Larger dehumidifiers can remove humidity more quickly. Additionally, you won’t need to empty the water tank as frequently. However, larger models tend to be more expensive and consume more electricity, resulting in higher operating costs.
Purchase a Specialized Dehumidifier for Specific Environments. If you need to dehumidify spaces like a spa, a pool room, a storage area, or other specialized environments, consider buying a dehumidifier designed specifically for those spaces. Ask the store staff to help you identify the right model for your needs.
Buy a Portable Dehumidifier. If you plan to move the dehumidifier between rooms frequently, a portable model is a good choice. These units typically come with wheels or are lightweight for easy transportation. A portable dehumidifier gives you the flexibility to move the unit from one room to another with ease.
- If you need to dehumidify multiple rooms in your home, consider connecting the dehumidifier to your central heating and cooling system instead of buying separate units for each room.
Consider the Features of the Dehumidifier. Modern dehumidifiers come with a variety of features and settings, and the more features a unit has, the more expensive it tends to be. Some common features of dehumidifiers include:
- Humidity Control: This feature allows you to set and maintain the ideal humidity level in the room. Once the target humidity is reached, the unit will automatically shut off.
- Integrated Hygrometer: This built-in device measures the room's humidity and helps you set the dehumidifier for optimal performance.
- Auto Shutoff: Many dehumidifiers will automatically turn off once they reach the desired humidity level or when the water tank is full.
- Automatic Defrost: If a dehumidifier operates excessively, frost can build up on the cooling coils and damage the unit. The auto-defrost feature keeps the fan running to melt the frost, ensuring the unit continues to operate efficiently.
Determine When to Use a Dehumidifier
Use a Dehumidifier When the Room Feels Damp. Rooms that feel damp and have a musty odor typically have high humidity levels. A dehumidifier can help restore an ideal relative humidity in the room. You should use a dehumidifier regularly if you notice damp walls or mold patches.
- A dehumidifier is essential for homes with excess moisture. Running the dehumidifier continuously will help remove the excess humidity from the air.
Use a Dehumidifier to Improve Health Issues. Dehumidifiers can be beneficial for people with asthma, allergies, or colds. A dehumidified room can make breathing easier, clear sinuses, reduce coughing, and alleviate cold symptoms.
Use a Dehumidifier in the Summer. The humid climate can often make a room feel uncomfortable and damp, especially in summer. Using a dehumidifier during the summer helps maintain ideal humidity levels inside your home.
- When combined with an air conditioner, the dehumidifier will improve efficiency, making the room cooler and more comfortable. Moreover, this can help lower electricity bills.
Use Special Dehumidifiers in Cold Weather. Many dehumidifiers, such as those with compressors, become less effective when the temperature drops below 18°C. Cold weather increases the likelihood of frost forming on the cooling coils, reducing efficiency and potentially hindering operation.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers are more effective in cold environments. If you need a dehumidifier for cold conditions, you can purchase a model specifically designed for low-temperature environments.
Place the Dehumidifier in the Room
Position the Dehumidifier in a Well-Ventilated Area. Many dehumidifiers can be placed near the wall if they have an air vent on top. If your unit doesn't feature this, make sure it is positioned in a place with adequate airflow. Avoid placing it directly against walls or furniture. Proper airflow will help the machine work more efficiently.
- Leave a 15-30 cm gap around the dehumidifier for proper ventilation.
Handle the Drain Hose with Care. If you are using a drain hose to remove water from the tank, position the hose neatly in the sink to avoid splashes. Regularly check to ensure the water is draining correctly. If the hose refuses to stay in place, use a tie to secure it to the faucet.
- Avoid placing the hose near electrical outlets or wires to prevent any risk of electric shock.
- Use the shortest possible hose to minimize the chances of someone tripping over it.
Avoid Placing the Dehumidifier Near Dust Sources. Keep the dehumidifier away from dusty areas, such as wood processing equipment or other sources of dust.
Install the Dehumidifier in the Most Humid Room. The dampest areas of the house are typically the bathroom, laundry room, and basement. These are the common locations for installing dehumidifiers.
- Dehumidifiers are also used on boats when docked at the harbor.
Install the Dehumidifier in a Room. The most effective way to use a dehumidifier is by installing it in a room with windows and doors closed. You can mount the unit on the wall between two rooms, but it will be less efficient and work harder in that setup.
Place the Dehumidifier in the Center of the Room. Many dehumidifiers are mounted on walls, but some models are portable. If possible, position the dehumidifier near the center of the room for optimal performance.
Integrate the Dehumidifier with the Central Heating and Air Conditioning System. Some larger units, like the Santa Fe Dehumidifier, are specially designed to be integrated into central heating and air conditioning systems. These units come with ducts and other necessary accessories.
- You may need to hire a professional to install the dehumidifier into the system.
Using the Dehumidifier
Read the Manual. Carefully read the manufacturer's manual to familiarize yourself with the device and its operation. Keep the manual in an easily accessible location.
Measure Humidity with a Hygrometer. This device is used to measure the moisture in the air. The ideal relative humidity (RH) level in the air is around 45-50% RH. Humidity levels above this range can promote the growth of mold, while levels below 30% RH can contribute to structural damage, such as cracked ceilings, peeling wood floors, and other issues.
Plug the Dehumidifier into a Grounded Outlet. Always plug the dehumidifier into a three-pronged, polarized electrical outlet. Never use an extension cord. If there is no appropriate outlet, it is advisable to hire an electrician to install a grounded outlet.
- Always pull the plug out by the plug itself, never by the cord.
- Ensure that the power cord is not bent or pinched.
Turn on the Dehumidifier and Adjust Settings. Depending on the model, you may be able to adjust the relative humidity, measure humidity levels, and more. Run the machine until the ideal relative humidity is achieved.
Let the Dehumidifier Run Through Multiple Cycles. The machine will perform best when first turned on. You'll eliminate most of the moisture in the air after running the dehumidifier for a few hours, days, or even weeks. After the initial cycle, you'll just need to maintain the proper humidity level rather than drastically reducing it.
- You can set your desired humidity level on the dehumidifier once it's plugged in.
Close Doors and Windows. The larger the space, the harder the dehumidifier will have to work. If you close the room's doors while using the dehumidifier, it will only need to remove moisture from that room.
- If dehumidifying a bathroom, identify where the excess moisture is coming from. Be sure to close the toilet lid so the dehumidifier doesn’t remove water from there.
Regularly empty the water tank. The dehumidifier will generate a significant amount of water based on the room's relative humidity. If you don't use a drain hose to direct the water into a sink, you'll need to manually empty the water tank frequently. The machine will automatically turn off when the tank is full to prevent overflow.
- Unplug the dehumidifier before emptying the water tank.
- Check the water tank every few hours, especially if the air is unusually damp.
- Refer to the manufacturer's manual to know how often the water tank needs to be emptied.
Clean and maintain the dehumidifier
Read the manufacturer's manual. Review the entire manual provided with the dehumidifier to familiarize yourself with specific care instructions. Keep the manual in a convenient location for easy access.
Turn off the machine and unplug it. Before cleaning or performing maintenance on the dehumidifier, ensure the machine is turned off and unplugged to avoid electrical hazards.
Clean the water tank. Remove the water tank and wash it with warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
- Regularly clean the water tank of the dehumidifier, approximately once every two weeks.
- If there is an unpleasant smell, place deodorizing tablets in the water tank. These dissolve when the tank fills with water and are available at most household goods stores.
Inspect the evaporator coil of the machine at the end of each season. Dust that accumulates on the evaporator coil can reduce the efficiency of the dehumidifier, forcing it to work harder and less effectively. Dust may even freeze inside the machine, potentially causing damage.
- Clean the evaporator coil every few months to prevent dust buildup. Use a clean cloth to wipe off the dust.
- Check if there is any frost on the evaporator coil. If you find any, avoid placing the dehumidifier on the floor as it is the coldest spot in the room. Instead, place it on a shelf or chair.
Inspect the air filter every six months. Every six months, remove the air filter and check for any damage. Look for holes or tears that could reduce the machine’s performance. Depending on the type of filter, you may be able to clean and reinstall it, or you might need to replace it. Refer to the user manual for specific details.
- The air filter is usually located in the ventilation section of the dehumidifier. You can open the front panel and remove the filter.
- Some dehumidifier manufacturers recommend checking the filter more frequently, depending on usage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.
Wait 10 minutes before restarting the machine. Avoid turning the machine off and on abruptly to extend its lifespan. Wait for 10 minutes after turning it off before restarting it.
Warning
- Discard the water in the dehumidifier’s water tank. Do not use the water from the dehumidifier for drinking or washing purposes.
