Before buying a dehumidifier, there are several factors you should consider. These include size, efficiency, cost, noise, and other features such as auto-shutoff.
When it comes to size, you should consider the square footage of the area in which you plan to use the dehumidifier. A rule of thumb is to use a unit with a capacity of at least 15 pints per day for every 1,000 square feet.
Dehumidifiers that come with larger capacities will be able to handle more area, but they will also cost more.
When it comes to efficiency, you should choose a dehumidifier that is Energy Star-rated, which means it meets specific federal standards for energy efficiency. This will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay as much for your energy usage.
In terms of noise, you should try to find a model that is quiter. This is especially important if you plan to place the dehumidifier in a place where you spend a lot of time or sleep.
You should also consider other features when shopping for a dehumidifier. Some of the most common features include an auto-shutoff, which allows the unit turn itself off when it reaches the desired humidity level, as well as a built-in timer and a humidity display.
If you plan to use the dehumidifier in a baby’s room or other sensitive area, you may want to look for a model with a superior filtration system. Finally, you should consider safety features like an automatic restart after a power outage and an automatic shutoff if the unit is tipped over.
Overall, it’s important to take the time to research and compare the different features and prices available before making a decision. This will help you find the right dehumidifier for your needs and budget.
What is important in a dehumidifier?
When selecting a dehumidifier, there are several important considerations to bear in mind. The size and space availability of your home or office are important factors to consider when evaluating dehumidifiers, as you need to make sure you have enough room to place it and that it can effectively dehumidify the air in the room.
Additionally, it’s important to look at the capacity of the dehumidifier and determine how much water it needs to remove in order to be effective. You should also ensure that the dehumidifier comes equipped with any relevant safety features, like an automatic shut-off switch when the water tank is full or a flame retardant construction.
Additionally, some dehumidifiers come with built-in humidistats that allow you to set the humidity at a specific level and ensure that it stays there. This can be helpful in preventing excessive amounts of moisture from building up in a room.
Finally, consider your budget and shop around for a dehumidifier that fits your needs and your budget.
What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier can be a great addition to the home, especially during the humid summer months or in dank and musty basements, but it also comes with drawbacks.
One downside of a dehumidifier is the cost. Depending on the size you need and the features included, they can be quite expensive. You also have to factor in the cost of electricity when you’re deciding if a dehumidifier is the right choice.
It may cost more in energy to run a dehumidifier than the savings from removing excess moisture from the home.
Dehumidifiers also make quite a bit of noise. Depending on the unit, the noise can become fairly intrusive and make it difficult for some people to talk on the phone or concentrate on a task.
The size and weight of the unit is another consideration when shopping for a dehumidifier. As with most appliances, you will need to measure the space you plan to put the unit to make sure it will fit and that you will be able to move it if needed.
Many dehumidifiers are quite large and heavy, so you’ll need to make sure you have the proper setup that can support it.
Finally, many dehumidifiers require a bucket or tank to collect the water they extract from the air. The bucket needs to be emptied periodically and can be difficult to access in some models. If the tank isn’t emptied regularly, water can overflow and cause water damage to your floor or walls.
Additionally, bacteria can build up in the tank or bucket and cause odors to permeate your home if not emptied frequently.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
No, dehumidifiers typically do not use a lot of electricity. Depending upon the size of the unit and the desired humidity level, most use between 500 and 1500 watts per hour, with the average being around 1000 watts per hour.
To put this into perspective, a 300-square-foot room can usually be kept at a comfortable humidity level using just 300 watts per hour. When compared to other household appliances, such as a washing machine, at around 1800 watts, or even a dishwasher, at around 1200 watts per hour, a dehumidifier is a relatively low electricity user.
How do I keep mold from growing in my dehumidifier?
To prevent mold from growing in your dehumidifier, it is important to clean it regularly. Depending on the model and size of your dehumidifier, this may involve regular emptying of the water collection container and cleaning of the filter.
If your dehumidifier has a tank, it’s important to empty it before it is full, and then clean it with diluted bleach or vinegar and a cloth or brush. If your dehumidifier uses disposable filters or collection drums, those should be replaced or washed regularly.
It’s also important to avoid overworking your dehumidifier by setting it to a lower humidity level. A relative humidity level of around 60% is usually sufficient to keep indoor air dry without overworking the unit.
It’s also important to ensure proper ventilation, as inadequate ventilation can cause moisture to become trapped and increase the likelihood of mold growth. Finally, if you notice any mold growth, it should be removed and the dehumidifier should be thoroughly cleaned.
Will dehumidifier dry out damp walls?
No, a dehumidifier is not a cure-all for damp walls. While it can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air, it won’t actually dry out the walls. To do that, you’ll need to find and address the underlying cause of the moisture.
First and foremost, you’ll need to find out the reason why the walls may be damp in the first place. If the dampness is due to condensation from humid air, then a dehumidifier is a good first step in reducing the humidity.
However, if the dampness is due to a water leak or flooding in the home, then simply running a dehumidifier won’t be enough to resolve the issue. You’ll need to find and fix the water source, and thoroughly dry out the area before the dampness goes away.
Finally, you may want to repaint the wall with a waterproof sealant or a special damp-proof paint to protect against future moisture. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate, as it can reduce the risk of condensation and other dampness in the home.
How many hours a day should a dehumidifier run?
The amount of time a dehumidifier should run each day depends on several factors, including the size of the space, the relative humidity level, the temperature of the space, and the type of dehumidifier.
Generally speaking, a dehumidifier should run for between 8-12 hours each day in a space of up to 4,500 square feet. Additionally, it should cycle off for at least 5 to 10 minutes between each running cycle in order to conserve energy, reduce running time, and extend the life of the unit.
The dehumidifier should be based on the humidity level in the room. You should aim for a relative humidity level of 40-50% in the room. An inexpensive, handheld hygrometer can be used to monitor humidity levels and determine when the dehumidifier needs to be turned on or off.
A dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat can also be used so that the unit will operate automatically and maintain the desired relative humidity level in the space.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the dehumidifier is sized correctly for the space in order to ensure efficient operation and reduce energy consumption. A properly sized dehumidifier will be able to remove the moisture from the air without having to run continuously.
If the dehumidifier is too large for the space, it will waste energy, run too often, and not be able to maintain the desired humidity level. If the dehumidifier is too small, it will be struggling to keep up and will run more frequently in order to keep up with the moisture load in the room.
In summary, the amount of time a dehumidifier should run is dependent on the size of the space, the humidity level, and the type of dehumidifier. Generally, a dehumidifier should run 8-12 hours each day in a space up to 4,500 square feet, with at least 5-10 minutes of rest between each running cycle in order to conserve energy.
It is also important to use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity level in the space and ensure that the dehumidifier is the correct size for the space.
Do I need 30-pint or 50 pint dehumidifier?
This is largely dependent on the size of the area that needs dehumidifying. Generally, 30-pint dehumidifiers are suitable for medium-sized areas of up to 1000 square feet while a 50-pint dehumidifier is suitable for larger spaces of 1500 square feet or more.
For smaller areas, a 30 pint dehumidifier may be sufficient. Other factors such as the local climate, building materials and the number of people in the space should also be taken into account when making a decision.
It may be a good idea to speak to an expert to help make an informed decision on what size dehumidifier is best for your needs.
Is a 50 pint dehumidifier too big?
The size of dehumidifier you choose will ultimately depend on the size of the area you’re trying to dehumidify. A 50 pint dehumidifier is generally considered to be enough for a large basement, attic, garage or a room up to 3,000 sq. ft.
However, if the relative humidity in your space is particularly high, or more than 65%, then a dehumidifier with a higher pint size may be needed. In general, it is not ideal to use a dehumidifier that is too large for the space, as it can result in excessive noise and electricity usage.
Additionally, it can cause damage to the appliance itself. If you believe a 50 pint dehumidifier is too big for your space, then a smaller one may be the better choice for you.
What size room does a 50 pint dehumidifier cover?
A 50 pint dehumidifier is capable of removing up to 50 pints of moisture per day and covering approximately 4,500 sq. ft. of space. This size room does best in larger open rooms such as basements, warehouses, and large closed spaces.
When installed correctly, the unit can cover up to 4,500 sq. ft. of space, however this should account for adequate air circulation and air flow. The best way to determine the size of room that a 50 pint dehumidifier can cover is to calculate the cubic feet of the room and factor in any insulation or airflow barriers.
In addition, the humidity level of the room should also be taken into consideration, as the dehumidifier may need to run for longer periods of time if the humidity is higher than average.
Is it better to get a bigger dehumidifier?
Generally speaking, it’s always better to get a bigger dehumidifier than you think you need. A larger dehumidifier will be able to do a better job of removing moisture from a larger space, whereas a smaller unit may not be able to perform as well.
Having a larger dehumidifier allows you to adjust settings to account for the temperature and moisture level, thereby better controlling humidity levels. With a larger dehumidifier, you’ll also prevent any negative effects of changing levels of humidity in your room.
Ultimately, by getting a larger dehumidifier, you’re better able to optimally control the environment in your home and make it more comfortable.
What happens if you oversize a dehumidifier?
Oversizing a dehumidifier can actually be counterproductive and cause problems. When a dehumidifier is oversized for the space, it tends to cycle off too quickly before it has a chance to remove much moisture from the air.
As a result, it won’t effectively remove the moisture it’s designed to and can even cause the relative humidity to remain higher than the ideal range for comfort (between 30-50%). The quick on/off cycles can be hard on the components of the dehumidifier, leading to an increased chance of breakdowns.
It can even cause the dehumidifier motor to overwork and overheat, potentially leading to a meltdown of the motor or other components. Oversizing can also lead to inefficiency. Because the dehumidifier is working so quickly, it ends up consuming more electricity than it needs to, leading to needlessly high energy bills.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to select a dehumidifier that fits the size and needs of the space it’s intended to be used in.
Does it matter what size dehumidifier you use?
Yes, it does matter what size dehumidifier you use. The size of the dehumidifier you need depends on the size of the space you want to dehumidify, as well as the amount of moisture you need to remove.
Generally, the larger the space, the bigger the dehumidifier you will need. Also, if you live in a particularly humid area, you may need a larger dehumidifier than usual to effectively do its job. When selecting a dehumidifier, ensure that it is rated for the size of the room you’re looking to dehumidify.
If you select one that is too small, it may not be able to handle the amount of moisture and humidity in the air. Similarly, buying a dehumidifier that is too large for the space may result in wasted energy and money.
Furthermore, standard-sized dehumidifiers are typically inadequate for dehumidifying large industrial settings like warehouses and factories. Those types of locations require heavy-duty, industrial-grade dehumidifiers to adequately remove the moisture from the air.
Will a larger dehumidifier run less?
Generally speaking, a larger dehumidifier will run less compared to a smaller model. This is because a larger dehumidifier will remove more water from the air, meaning it won’t need to run as often to keep the air at the relative humidity you desire.
Additionally, because a larger dehumidifier will hold more water and be more powerful, it can dehumidify more air in one go. This can lead to a longer time between cycles, meaning it will have to run less overall.
Additionally, a larger dehumidifier may also have more features that can make it more efficient and require it to run less, such as a humidistat and timers. In conclusion, while all dehumidifiers will need to run regularly to do their job, a larger dehumidifier will run less than a smaller model.
How big of a dehumidifier do I need for 1200 square feet?
The size of dehumidifier you need for a space of 1200 square feet will depend on several factors such as the climate, the number of occupants, and the level of humidity. Generally, for a space this size, you would need a dehumidifier with a capacity of about 25 to 35 pints per day.
This is a good starting point when considering the size of a dehumidifier for a space of this size. It is important to consider the level of humidity in the room as a dehumidifier must be able to effectively remove moisture in order to be effective.
If the humidity level is particularly high, a dehumidifier with a larger capacity may be necessary. In addition, if the climate is usually hot and humid, a unit with a larger capacity may be necessary to ensure it is able to keep up with the demands on the space.
Additionally, the number of people occupying the space may impact the size of dehumidifier needed. A more accurate estimate of the necessary capacity can be obtained with the help of a qualified technician who can evaluate the climate, the levels of humidity in the space, and the number of occupants in order to determine the best size for your needs.
Can you get too big of a dehumidifier?
Yes, you can get too big of a dehumidifier for your space. It is important to select the right size for your space, as an excessively large dehumidifier will be extremely expensive to operate and can lead to over-drying of your space.
Choosing a dehumidifier that is too small may require more frequent emptying of its collection tank and the room may not be sufficiently dehumidified. When choosing a dehumidifier, you should consider the size of the space you intend to dehumidify, the amount of moisture in the air, the climate and a number of other factors.
Factors such as these can help you determine the right capacity for your dehumidifier in order to reduce energy costs and ensure optimal moisture reduction.
Do dehumidifiers remove mold?
Yes, dehumidifiers can help to remove mold from your home. A dehumidifier works by reducing the amount of moisture in the air and limiting the growth of mold spores, which reproduces in moist, damp conditions.
The dehumidifier collects water vapor from the air, and then releases it as cooler, drier air back into the room. This keeps mold and mildew from forming and helps to avoid any further growth. Additionally, running a dehumidifier in your home will help reduce the amount of dust mites and other allergies in your environment.