A dehumidifier works by pulling in humid air. Then cooling it to turn it to moisture, and then releases the dry air back into the room. All while capturing the moisture within a tank.
Do I need a dehumidifier?
You may need a dehumidifier if your indoor humidity levels are consistently high. A high level is above 50% to 60%. Drying clothes indoors can increase humidity. Dehumidifiers can help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment by reducing excess moisture in the air.
How often should I change the filters on my dehumidifiers?
You should change your dehumidifier filters as recommended in the manufacturer's instructions. This ranges between every 3 to 6 months. This helps maintain the unit's efficiency by keeping it clean and preventing dust and debris from blocking the system. Benefits include better moisture removal and improved air quality. Plus it prolongs the lifespan of your dehumidifier.
What is the ideal humidity level for my home?
50% RH is comfortable for most houses. This will protect properties and belongings from unwanted mould and moisture while controlling dust mites. Reducing humidity below 50% is unnecessary. Relative humidity (RH) is the measure of water currently in the air versus how much water the air can hold. It is generally written as a percentage, and 100% RH (also known as ‘dew point’) will condense on any surface. An example of this is when you are in a shower and the steam condenses on a cold surface such as a mirror.
Where should I place my dehumidifier?
Position your device in the dampest room, and then when it’s reached the desired humidity move it to the next space. When you’ve finished, place it in a central location with all room doors slightly open to capture the remaining moisture. We recommended leaving a six-inch gap between your dehumidifier and any walls or furniture.
For single-room use: In a smaller home with one or two rooms affected by high humidity. Position the dehumidifier in the room that needs it the most i.e. the dampest room.
For multi-room use: In larger homes with many rooms experiencing high humidity. Consider a central location like the living room or hallway. This allows for even distribution of drier air. You can also move the dehumidifier between rooms as needed.
How does a dehumidifier prevent mould and mildew?
A dehumidifier prevents mould and mildew by reducing the moisture in the air. This creates an environment where these fungi struggle to thrive. Here's how it works:
Air Intake: The dehumidifier pulls in humid air from the room through a fan.
Cooling & Condensation: Inside a dehumidifier, the air is cooled using refrigeration or desiccant dehumidifier technology. This cooling causes the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets.
Water Removal: The condensed moisture collects in a water reservoir or drains away through a hose.
Release of Dry Air: The dehumidifier then reheats the air and releases it back into the room, but now it's much drier with lower humidity levels.
By cycling the air through this process, a dehumidifier lowers the humidity in the room, making it less conducive for mould and mildew to grow. This helps in preventing the development of these harmful fungi and maintains a healthier indoor environment.
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?
Different types of dehumidifiers cost varying amounts to run. In the UK, a large 55-litre industrial dehumidifier costs approximately 10-11p per hour or £2.40-£2.64 per day. While smaller, low-energy dehumidifiers can cost 3-4p per hour or 72-96p per day. For a more accurate estimate, you can:
Check the dehumidifier's wattage rating (usually found on the appliance or in the manual).
Look up your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on your utility bill.
Multiply the wattage by the number of hours you plan to run the dehumidifier and divide by 1,000 to convert to kWh.
Multiply the kWh by your electricity rate to calculate the cost per hour.
How much water should a dehumidifier collect in a day?
This depends on its capacity and the humidity of your space. As a rule, larger dehumidifiers collect more water, and smaller dehumidifiers collect less water. Some low-energy machines feature a humidity sensor, which allows them to turn on and off when the room reaches your desired humidity level.