A dehumidifier is a device that regulates the amount of water vapor in the air in a room. This machine can be portable or permanently installed at home. A dehumidifier can be used to reduce the relative humidity level in the home, reduce allergies or other respiratory health problems and make the home as a whole more comfortable.
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Part 1 of 5: Choosing the Right Dehumidifier for Your Needs
Step 1. Choose the right dehumidifier size according to the size of the room
The size of the best dehumidifier depends on how large the room you want to set up. Measure the area of the main room where you will use the dehumidifier. Match the size with a dehumidifier.
Step 2. Choose the right dehumidifier capacity
In addition to the size of the room, the category of dehumidifier depends on the level of humidity in the room. It is measured in the number of liters of water that will be taken from the environment in a 24-hour period. The result is a room with ideal humidity levels.
- For example, a 45 square meter room that smells musty and feels damp requires a 40-45 liter dehumidifier. Refer to the purchasing guide to determine the right machine size for your needs.
- The dehumidifier can hold up to 20, 8197 liters per 24 hours in a space as large as 232, 257 square meters.
Step 3. Use a large dehumidifier for large rooms or basements
Using a larger dehumidifier can remove moisture from the room more quickly. Plus, you don't have to empty the reservoir as often. But bigger machines will be more expensive and consume more electricity, so they will cost more.
Step 4. Purchase a dehumidifier specifically for a specific type of area
If you need a dehumidifier for a spa room, home pool, warehouse or other space, choose a dehumidifier specifically made for these rooms. Check with a hardware store to find the right type of dehumidifier for the area.
Step 5. Purchase a portable dehumidifier
If you plan on moving your dehumidifier from room to room frequently, buy a portable model. These dehumidifiers often have wheels underneath or are light and easy to move. A portable dehumidifier also allows it to be moved around the room.
If you need to regulate the humidity in several rooms in your home, install a dehumidifier into a temperature control (HVAC) system instead of buying a model for the room
Step 6. Check out the required dehumidifier features
Modern dehumidifiers have many features and settings. The more expensive the engine, the more options it has to offer. Some of the practical features include:
- Adjustable Humidistat: This feature can control the humidity level in the room. Set the humidistat to your preferred relative humidity level. After reaching this level, the machine automatically shuts down.
- Built-in Hygrometer: This tool reads the humidity level in the room helping you to adjust the dehumidifier accurately to maximize water extraction.
- Automatic Shut Off: Many dehumidifiers automatically turn off after reaching a predetermined humidity level, or when the water reservoir is full.
- Automatic Defrost: If the dehumidifier is used too often, ice can easily form on the engine coils. This can damage the dehumidifier components. This option will keep the engine fan running to melt the ice.
Part 2 of 5: Choosing When to Use a Dehumidifier
Step 1. Use a dehumidifier when the room feels damp
A room that feels damp and smells musty has a relatively high humidity level. A dehumidifier can create a relatively ideal room humidity. If the walls feel damp to the touch or mold grows on them, a dehumidifier should be used frequently.
A dehumidifier should be used if your home has been flooded. Use a dehumidifier constantly to help remove excess water from the air
Step 2. Use a dehumidifier to reduce health problems
People with asthma, allergies or colds can use a dehumidifier. A room that uses a dehumidifier can make it easier for people to breathe, clear sinuses and reduce coughs or colds.
Step 3. Use a dehumidifier in summer
A humid climate (especially in summer) can create uncomfortable conditions and a room that feels damp. A dehumidifier in summer will help to better maintain the relatively ideal humidity level in the house.
The dehumidifier can work in tandem with the air conditioning unit, making the air conditioner work more efficiently and keeping the room more comfortable and cool. It can also reduce electricity costs
Step 4. Use a special dehumidifier in cold weather
Many dehumidifiers (such as compressor dehumidifiers) are very inefficient when the air temperature is lower than about 18 degrees Celsius. Cold weather increases the chances of ice forming on the engine coils, impairing efficiency and potentially damaging the engine.
An effective desiccant dehumidifier for cold rooms. If you want to adjust the humidity for a cold room, buy a dehumidifier specifically made to work at lower temperatures
Part 3 of 5: Placing a dehumidifier in the room
Step 1. Allow air to circulate around the dehumidifier
Many dehumidifiers can be positioned against the wall if equipped with an upper air discharge. If your machine does not have this feature, make sure there is a large space around the machine. Do not place walls or furniture. Better air circulation allows the engine to work more efficiently.
Leave a distance of 15-30 cm for air circulation around the dehumidifier
Step 2. Place the hose carefully
If you are using a hose to drain a water reservoir, position the hose so that it lies on the sink or tub and doesn't fall out of the sink. Check periodically to make sure that the hose does not move and is still draining properly to the sink. Use twine to secure the hose to the faucet if the hose can move.
- Keep hoses away from electrical outlets and cables to prevent electric shock.
- Use the shortest possible hose. Long hoses can trip people up.
Step 3. Keep the dehumidifier away from dust sources
Place the dehumidifier away from sources that generate dirt and dust, such as woodworking equipment.
Step 4. Set up the dehumidifier in the most humid room
The rooms that are usually the most humid are the bathroom, laundry room, and basement. This is the most common place to install a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier can also be used on board the ship when the ship is moored to the dock
Step 5. Install a dehumidifier in one room
The most efficient use of a dehumidifier is to use it in a room with closed doors and windows. You can mount it on the wall between the two rooms, but this can reduce efficiency and cause the engine to work harder.
Step 6. Place the dehumidifier in the center of the room
There are many dehumidifiers made for wall models, but many are portable. If possible, place the dehumidifier near the center of the room. This will help the machine work more efficiently.
Step 7. Install the dehumidifier in the temperature control system
Some of the larger units such as the Santa Fe Dehumidifier are specifically designed to be attached to a temperature control system. This machine is installed using a duct kit and other installation accessories.
You should call a repairman to install a dehumidifier in your home's temperature control system
Part 4 of 5: Running the Dehumidifier
Step 1. Read the machine manual
Read the instructions in the machine manual so that you are familiar with the machine-specific operating instructions. Keep the machine manual in an easy-to-find place.
Step 2. Measure the humidity level with a hygrometer
A hygrometer is a device that measures the amount of humidity in the air. The ideal level of relative humidity (RH) is around 45-50% RH. At levels above this mildew may start to grow, and levels below 30% RH can cause housing structural damage such as cracked ceilings, cracked wood floors and other problems.
Step 3. Plug the dehumidifier into a grounded outlet
Plug the machine into a grounded and polarized three-prong outlet. Do not use a connecting cable. If there is no proper plug, ask an electrician to install a grounded outlet.
- Always unplug the dehumidifier by pulling the cord at the plug. Do not tug at the cord to pull it out.
- Do not allow the cable to be bent or pinched.
Step 4. Turn on the dehumidifier and adjust the settings
Depending on the dehumidifier model, you can adjust the relative humidity (RH) level, measure the hygrometer reading, and so on. Run the dehumidifier until the ideal RH level is reached.
Step 5. Let the dehumidifier run a few cycles
The first time a dehumidifier is used is when it is most productive. You will remove most of the excess water from the air during the first few hours, days or even weeks. However, you will only be maintaining the right level of humidity instead of dropping it drastically.
You will be able to adjust the amount of humidity in the dehumidifier once it is installed
Step 6. Close the doors and windows of the room
The bigger the room, the harder the dehumidifier has to work. If you cover a room with a dehumidifier in it, the dehumidifier will only work to remove moisture from the room.
If you're adjusting the humidity in your bathroom, see where the extra moisture can come from. Place the toilet lid in place to prevent the dehumidifier from drawing water from the toilet
Step 7. Empty the water reservoir tray frequently
The dehumidifier produces a lot of water, depending on the relative humidity of the room in which the machine is operating. If you are not using a hose to drain the water to the sink, empty the water collection tray regularly. The machine will automatically shut down when the tray is full to prevent water from spilling out.
- Unplug the machine before draining the water out.
- Monitor the reservoir tray every few hours if the room is very humid.
- Check the machine manual to determine the approximate frequency for replacing trays.
Part 5 of 5: Cleaning and Maintaining a Dehumidifier
Step 1. Read the machine manual
Read the instructions in the machine manual so that you are familiar with the specific care instructions. Keep the machine manual in an easy-to-find place.
Step 2. Turn off and unplug the dehumidifier
Turn off and unplug the machine before cleaning or maintenance. This will prevent the possibility of electric shock.
Step 3. Clean the water pool reservoir
Replace the drip reservoir. Wash with warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
- Clean the dehumidifier regularly, aiming for at least every 2 weeks.
- Add deodorizing tablets if any odor remains in the reservoir. These tablets are sold at hardware stores and dissolve in water when the reservoir is filled.
Step 4. Check engine coils every season
Dust in the coils can hinder the effectiveness of the dehumidifier, making it work harder and less efficiently. Dust also has the potential to freeze the dehumidifier, causing damage to the engine.
- Clean the coils on the dehumidifier every few months to free them of dirt that can circulate in the engine. Use a cloth to wipe the dust.
- Also check for ice formation on the coil. If you find ice, make sure the dehumidifier isn't sitting on the floor, as that's where it's coldest. Sit the machine on a rack or chair instead.
Step 5. Check the air filter every 6 months
Remove the air filter and check for engine damage every six months. Check for holes, rips or other perforations that could reduce the effectiveness of the machine. Depending on the type of air filter used, you can remove, clean and then reinstall the air filter in the dehumidifier. Other types of filters must be replaced. Check the machine specific details in the existing manual.
- The air filter is usually located in the grill area of the dehumidifier. Remove the air filter by opening the front panel and removing the filter.
- Some dehumidifier manufacturers recommend checking the air filter more often, depending on how often you use the engine. Check the specific details regarding your machine in the manual provided.
Step 6. Wait 10 minutes before restarting the dehumidifier
Avoid short cycles of the engine and make sure the engine has been off for at least 10 minutes before restarting to make the engine last longer.
