What Are Dehumidifiers Used For?

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Picture this: A space that feels constantly damp, windows fogged, and a persistent musty scent. 

Now, picture all of that discomfort lingering in your home. 

This scenario isn’t just about discomfort — damp indoor spaces can become the ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew, and a host of potential health issues. 

Enter the unsung hero: the dehumidifier. 

This article discusses everything you need to know about dehumidifiers, including what they are, what purpose they serve, and how you can best put them to use in your home.

Often overlooked but immensely powerful, dehumidifiers are more than just moisture wranglers. 

Read on to discover how these devices can transform the comfort of your living spaces.

What Does a Dehumidifier Do?

A dehumidifier is a device designed to reduce the humidity level in the air by drawing in moist air, removing the excess moisture, and then releasing drier air back into the room. 

Dehumidifiers work by using a fan to pull in the humid air, which passes over refrigerated coils. As the air cools, the moisture in it condenses into water droplets. These droplets collect in a tank or are expelled through a hose while the now-drier air is reheated and released back into the room.

These devices are useful in controlling indoor humidity levels to create a more comfortable environment and prevent issues like mold growth, musty odors, and damage to furniture or electronics caused by excess moisture. They are often used in areas with high humidity or where moisture accumulates, like basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.

8 Key Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier

To better understand a dehumidifier’s role in creating a healthy and comfortable living space, we must first look at the many potential benefits of using such a device within your home. 

Here are eight key benefits of using a dehumidifier regularly:

  • Mold and Mildew Prevention: Excess moisture in the air can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers help reduce humidity levels, making it more difficult for mold and mildew to thrive — including in locations prone to higher moisture levels, such as basements.
  • Allergy Relief: Lower humidity levels can help alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens that thrive in moist environments. This can be particularly beneficial to sufferers of seasonal allergies during pollen season. 
  • Improved Air Quality: By reducing moisture, dehumidifiers help improve the overall air quality by minimizing the presence of airborne particles and pollutants. While this can be advantageous to any homeowner, it is vital for anyone dealing with pre-existing breathing issues.
  • Comfort: High humidity levels can make a room feel hot and sticky. Using a dehumidifier can make the space more comfortable by reducing the moisture content in the air.
  • Protection of Furniture and Clothing: Excessive humidity can cause damage to furniture, clothing, electronics, and other items by promoting mold growth or warping. Dehumidifiers help preserve these items by maintaining proper moisture levels.
  • Prevention of Condensation: Condensation on windows and other surfaces can occur in high-humidity environments, diminishing the appearance of your home and hindering your views. Dehumidifiers can minimize or eliminate this issue by reducing moisture. 
  • Reduced Odors: Damp environments often lead to musty or stale odors. By removing excess moisture, dehumidifiers can help eliminate these unpleasant smells.
  • Energy Efficiency: In some cases, using a dehumidifier can make your air conditioning more efficient. Drier air feels cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature while still feeling comfortable, which can save on energy costs.

What is the Best Humidity Level for a Home?

Though every home is unique, your home’s humidity level can help determine if you need a dehumidifier

According to Save on Energy, the ideal humidity level for the average residential home is between 30% to 40%. However, the exact level that is best for your home can depend on the specific weather conditions and outdoor temperatures that occur in your local environment. 

This range is considered comfortable for most people and helps prevent issues associated with both excessively dry air and excessive moisture. 

Here’s a bit more detail on home humidity levels:

  • Winter Months: During colder seasons, indoor air tends to be drier due to heating systems. A 30-40% humidity level can help maintain comfort without causing condensation on windows or promoting mold growth.
  • Summer Months: In warmer months, outdoor humidity can impact indoor levels. Keeping your humidity level below 50% helps prevent mold and mildew growth while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere.

Where to Use a Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are versatile devices that benefit various areas of a home or other indoor spaces where excess moisture is a concern. Knowing where in your home is most vulnerable to moisture is the key to determining the best location for your dehumidifier. 

Here are some common places where a dehumidifier can be beneficial:

  • Basements: Basements tend to have higher humidity levels due to being underground and often their overall lack of proper ventilation. A dehumidifier can prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors in underground basements prone to excess moisture. 
  • Bathrooms: High moisture levels from showers and baths can lead to mold growth and dampness. Using a dehumidifier in bathrooms can help maintain a healthier environment and the longevity of your fixtures and finishings. 
  • Crawl Spaces: Areas beneath homes can also accumulate moisture. Placing a dehumidifier in crawl spaces can prevent issues like mold growth and structural damage. If you do not have outlets in your crawl space, you may need to invest in an extension cord as well. 
  • Laundry Rooms: Similarly to bathrooms, washing machines and dryers generate moisture that can result in damage over time. A dehumidifier can assist in keeping this space dry and preventing mold or mildew on clothes and surfaces.
  • Bedrooms: Some people prefer using dehumidifiers in bedrooms for better sleep quality, especially if the air feels damp or uncomfortable. People suffering from allergies can benefit greatly from keeping a dehumidifier in their bedroom. 
  • Storage Areas: Spaces where items are stored, such as closets, attics, or garages, can benefit from a dehumidifier to prevent damage to stored belongings.

When placing a dehumidifier, it’s essential to consider the unit’s capacity, the size of the space, and the specific humidity issues in that area. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the dehumidifier are also crucial to ensure optimal performance.

How Long Should a Dehumidifier Run Per Day?

The amount of time a dehumidifier should run per day depends on various factors, including the humidity level in the area, the size and capacity of the dehumidifier, and the specific conditions of the space. 

Here are some general guidelines for running your dehumidifier:

  • Size of the Space: Larger spaces or areas with higher humidity might require the dehumidifier to run longer than smaller, less humid areas.
  • Initial Setup: When dealing with high humidity levels or dampness, it’s common to run a dehumidifier continuously for 24-48 hours initially to bring the humidity down to a more manageable level. This helps remove excess moisture efficiently.
  • Monitoring Humidity: After the initial period, monitor your humidity levels regularly or have an HVAC professional measure your humidity. Ideally, you want to maintain a humidity level between 30% and 40%, adjusting the dehumidifier’s settings accordingly.
  • Continuous vs. Intermittent Use: In consistently humid environments or during damp seasons, such as spring or rainy periods, the dehumidifier may need to run continuously or for extended periods to maintain the desired humidity level. In more moderate climates or during drier seasons, the dehumidifier might not need to run continuously — only a few hours a day to maintain the desired humidity level could suffice. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding usage and maintenance. 

Regularly check the water collection bucket or drainage system and clean the unit’s filters to ensure efficient operation. Adjust the settings based on the specific conditions of the space to maintain a comfortable and healthy humidity level.

Final Thoughts

In the battle against excessive moisture, dehumidifiers emerge as dutiful guardians.

Dehumidifiers work diligently behind the scenes to create living environments that are not just comfortable but also healthy and sustainable. These unassuming devices transform spaces by mitigating mold, safeguarding possessions, and improving overall well-being. 

The significance of dehumidifiers lies not only in their ability to dry the air but in their capacity to foster a lifestyle where comfort and health coexist seamlessly. 

Embrace the power of the dehumidifier to unlock the full comfort potential of your home. 

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