The Benefits of Dehumidifiers: How to Choose the Right One
If you want to improve the air quality in your home and make it more comfortable all year, a dehumidifier should be at the top of your shopping list. With technological advancements, efficient dehumidifiers are becoming increasingly affordable and easy to use for homeowners and professionals alike. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various benefits of using a dehumidifier at home—from providing better indoor air quality and reducing condensation to helping reduce mold growth—and how to pick the right one for you. So let's jump right into it!
What Is Humidity?
You might have the common idea that humidity is roughly equivalent to the amount of water in the air, and you'd be technically correct in saying that! However, there is a bit more nuance to it than that. To understand humidity better, we must first tell the difference between relative humidity and absolute humidity.
Absolute Humidity
"Absolute humidity" is the amount of water in the air compared to the total amount of air in a certain place. The equation used to calculate absolute humidity takes into account the actual quantity of mass that can be found in the form of moisture in the air around you. Absolute humidity is measured by the number of grams of water that can be found in one cubic meter of air.
Relative Humidity
The humidity measurement you are probably more familiar with is called "relative humidity," which refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. It is the measurement we will use to determine the ideal humidity level for your home, so make sure you are familiar with it.
In contrast, absolute humidity determines how much water vapor is in the air. Relative humidity compares the current moisture level in the atmosphere to how moist it can become. As a result, if the humidity reading on your thermometer is 40%, the air around you is 40% as humid as possible.
Why Does Indoor Humidity Matter?
When it comes to indoor humidity, most people don’t think about it until they are caught in a rainstorm or a thunderstorm. Indoor air humidity levels can affect your health, comfort, and the convenience of others in your home. High humidity indoors can lead to dry skin, breathing problems, and mold growth, among other things. Living in a home that is too dry is likely uncomfortable for everyone, especially when you have a baby. Indoor humidity levels vary by season.
The temperature and the changing of the seasons both affect absolute humidity levels. Summer air has a higher relative humidity than winter air, which has a significantly lower relative humidity.
What Is a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers are essential for any home, especially in areas prone to high humidity. Dehumidifiers help reduce the air's moisture, which can benefit your family and home. A dehumidifier is a machine that removes moisture from the air. It does this by using the process of condensation.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier removes water from the air and collects it in a reservoir. This process reduces dust mites and other allergens in your home and helps stop problems caused by humidity, like mold growth, musty smells, and rot. A dehumidifier draws air into its system with a fan to achieve this. As the air passes through the coils, heat from either an electric element or refrigerant gas causes condensation to form on them.
The condensed water then flows into the reservoir, where it is collected for disposal or reuse. Once the air has passed through these coils, it is filtered before being circulated back into your room. The optimal relative humidity at which to operate your dehumidifier will depend on various factors, such as location, temperature, and climate. In general, though, RH (relative humidity) levels should be kept between 40% and 60% to keep people healthy and comfortable and to keep furniture and woodwork from getting damaged by too much moisture.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier at Home?
1. Improved air quality- Benefit of Using a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers help reduce dust, mold, and other allergens in the air, which can help improve the overall air quality of your home. It can be especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
Dehumidifiers help relieve allergy symptoms.
Environmental allergens can produce symptoms like:
wheezing
sneezing and
chest discomfort,
eye irritation, and itching
Examples of common allergens include:
mold
dust
mites
pollen
animal dander
Dehumidifiers may aid in asthma control.
When moisture is in the air, it becomes denser and frequently more challenging to breathe. For this reason, environments with high humidity can be challenging for people with asthma. A dehumidifier can make inhaling and exhaling easier on the lungs. The air becomes less humid, cooler, and more comfortable.
A 2013 study shows little evidence to support using a dehumidifier as a treatment for chronic asthma. Still, there is evidence that using a dehumidifier can have a negative effect.
2. Reduced humidity- Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air to lower its relative humidity (RH) level. Low RH levels can keep windows from getting fogged up, cut down on musty smells, and make it less likely that mold will grow in your home. The presence of condensation and mold growth in a home is unsightly and can cause health problems for those living there. By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, a dehumidifier helps prevent condensation from forming on surfaces such as windows and walls.
Condensation usually forms when warm air comes into contact with cooler surfaces. By lowering the relative humidity in a room, condensation is less likely to form in that space. In addition, removing excess moisture from the air will slow down or even stop mold growth, which can be hazardous to your health. Mold spores can travel through the air, leading to respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma attacks. A dehumidifier helps keep these spores at bay while greatly reducing any existing mold.
3. Increased comfort- Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
Humidity levels that are too high can make it feel muggy and uncomfortable inside your home. A dehumidifier keeps the air dryer, preventing excessive sweating or clamminess indoors.
4. Protection of furniture and other items- Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
High humidity levels can cause wood furniture to rot, fabric furniture to deteriorate or even ruin over time, and metals like silver to tarnish quickly. A dehumidifier helps keep these things safe by getting rid of the moisture that causes them to break down over time.
5. Energy savings- Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
Reducing excessive humidity in space also lowers energy costs. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, like an air conditioner or heat pump, uses less energy to keep a room at a comfortable temperature when the humidity is low.
How To Choose The Right Dehumidifier For Your Home
Consider the space size you need to dehumidify and select a unit with the appropriate capacity.
Look for a high-efficiency model, as this will help to save energy costs over time.
Invest in an Energy Star-rated model, which has been tested and certified to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Keep an eye on noise levels - many dehumidifiers are fairly quiet but some models may be noisier than others, so check the decibel rating of any unit before you buy it.
Decide if you’d like a continuous drainage option or prefer to regularly empty and remove water from a collection bucket.
Check the filter type – most models come with reusable filters that can be cleaned and installed back in your system. In contrast, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, others have replaceable filters that need occasional replacing.
Inquiry optional features such as digital control panels, hygrometers, and humidistats. It enables you to monitor and adjust humidity levels easily and conveniently via remote control.
Look for additional features such as air filters that enhance air quality by trapping airborne particles like dust, pollen, and pet hair while controlling moisture levels in your home. These extra benefits can make a difference!
7 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Dehumidifier
1. Size/Capacity- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
It is how much water a dehumidifier can take out of the air in a certain area. It should be large enough to handle the square footage of the space you are trying to dehumidify.
2. Factors to Consider When Selecting a Dehumidifier
This device measures the level of humidity, so you can change the settings to meet your needs. Many dehumidifiers come with an adjustable humidistat.
3. Energy Efficiency- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
Some models are more energy efficient than others and may cost more upfront, but they will save money in the long run due to their lower running costs and longer life expectancy. Look for Energy Star-certified models, as they use less energy than standard models.
4. Noise Levels- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
The noise level emitted by some dehumidifiers can be quite loud and intrusive. Consider buying a dehumidifier with a quieter motor or a fan with a lower decibel level so that it doesn't bother you when you're running or sleeping in the same room.
5. Mobility- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
If you plan on moving your humidifier around, look for one with wheels or handles that make it easier to transport from room to room or outside in warmer weather when necessary. Additionally, many feature lightweight designs that allow them to be tucked away conveniently when not in use, making them an ideal choice for renters who don’t want a bulky appliance taking up too much space in their homes.
6. Additional Feature(s)- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
Even though they all do the same thing, some dehumidifiers have extra features like automatic shutoff, remote control, and air filtration systems that can remove allergens and other airborne particles while reducing the amount of moisture in the home. Before you buy, check out each model's extra features to make sure you get exactly what you need and nothing more.
7. Cost- Factors to Consider when Selecting a Dehumidifier
Last but not least, when choosing a new dehumidifier, you should think about how much it will cost. Some high-end models can be pricey, depending on their size and other features. Compare different models based on their price points and decide which will provide you with the optimal value given your budget constraints—just remember that spending more doesn't always mean getting better quality!
7 Types of Dehumidifiers Available on the Market
1. Refrigerant Dehumidifiers- Types of Dehumidifiers
These dehumidifiers use refrigerant coils to cool the air and condense moisture. They are usually easy to install, operate quietly, and handle large spaces like basements or large rooms.
2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers- Types of Dehumidifiers
This type of dehumidifier is best for areas with very high humidity levels. It uses a material that can soak up water, like silica gel, to pull moisture out of the air and then send it back out as warm air.
3. Whole-House Dehumidifier- Types of Dehumidifiers
A whole-house dehumidifier is a good choice if you want to reduce humidity levels throughout your home rather than just one room or area. It draws in outdoor air, removes moisture, and then circulates it throughout your home.
4. Portable Dehumidifier- Types of Dehumidifiers
Portable dehumidifiers are great for spot-drying specific areas that don’t have access to a central HVAC system or ducts, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms with no windows or vents leading outside.
5. Heat Pump Dehumidifier- Types of Dehumidifiers
Heat pump dehumidifiers draw warm air from inside your home and pass it through a cold evaporator coil that removes moisture from the air before circulating it back into the room. This kind of dehumidifier can help cut down on cooling costs because it uses less energy than an air conditioner to lower humidity levels in hot climates.
6. Inverter Dehumidifier- Types of Dehumidifiers
Inverter dehumidifiers are made with built-in fans that help move humid air around a space more efficiently. It means that all areas of a room can be treated evenly for humidity buildup without having to carry multiple units around your home or office building.
7. Thermo-Electric Dehumidifier- Types of Dehumidifiers
Thermoelectric dehumidifiers are powered by Peltier modules that have two electrical junctions that, when electricity is applied, create a heat difference between them. It causes excess water molecules in the environment to evaporate, which lowers the humidity level in the room by a significant amount in a short amount of time without using any compressor parts at all.
What are Some of the Best Dehumidifier Features to Look for?
Here's a list of the best features to look for in a dehumidifier.
The Pint Capacity
Set up a tank or collecting bucket with a humidistat or hydrostat.
Low-temperature operation
Electronic or Manual Controls
Air Filter
Automatic shut-off
Noise level Portability
Drainage
Pint Capacity
The pint capacity of a dehumidifier model is the amount of moisture it can remove from the air in its immediate area in one day. It is measured in pints. The amount of liquid that can fit in a pint depends on the area's size and wetness. Most models that can hold less than 70 pints can be used in homes or other places where people live. In comparison, models with more than 70 pints are better for commercial or industrial environments.
Most home dehumidifiers have a pint capacity that is based on the maximum relative humidity, while most commercial models have a relative humidity threshold of 60%.
Set Tank or collecting bucket
Most dehumidifiers made for use in homes or other places where people live come with a tank or bucket for collecting water that can be easily taken out and emptied. After a dehumidifier has removed enough moisture from the air to cause the collection tank to become full, the tank will need to be emptied. The vast majority of models come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the dehumidifier when the tank is full.
Humidistat or Hydrostat
A humidistat, which is also called a hydrostat, is a device that measures the relative humidity of the air and sends that information to the dehumidifier so it can make any necessary changes. With a humidistat, the user can set the dehumidifier to always keep the relative humidity at a certain level. Humidistats can come with some models of dehumidifiers or can be bought separately.
Electronic or Manual Controls
Most models on the market today are controlled electronically. Electronic controls usually have settings that are controlled by something that looks like a "button," while manual controls have settings that are controlled by a "dial." It is the primary distinction between the two types of controls. It is important to keep in mind that if there is a disruption in the power supply, an electronically controlled model will turn off, and it will be necessary to turn it back on manually.
Auto-Restart Costs- Costs and Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers need regular maintenance and filter cleaning to work correctly and efficiently. It can add up over time, leading to higher costs than expected.
Excess Moisture- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Sometimes, a dehumidifier can cause too much moisture in the air by drying it out too quickly. It can lead to health issues such as sinus infections or asthma attacks.
Mold and Mildew Growth- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
If a dehumidifier isn't taken care of properly, mold and mildew can grow on it because it didn't get rid of all the moisture in the air. It can be dangerous for those with allergies or respiratory illnesses.
Noise Levels- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers typically make some noise while running, which can be disruptive and annoying if you are trying to sleep or relax in the area where the device is running.
High Energy Consumption- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Depending on the model of the dehumidifier you have, it may draw a lot of power from your electrical outlet, resulting in higher energy bills each month.
Water Drip Damage- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Suppose your dehumidifier is not working correctly or is not set up properly. In that case, it could result in water dripping onto surfaces below, causing damage to furniture or floors near where it is located.
Leaking Hose Issues- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
Some models come with drainage hoses that need to be attached correctly for them to function properly. Otherwise, they may leak when they become full of water and require constant attention when emptying them, so no water drips out on the floor or other surfaces below them.
Sensitivity Settings Issue- Potential Problems with Using a Dehumidifier
If your dehumidifier has adjustable humidity settings, you may not be able to control how much moisture it removes from your home's air based on your needs at any given time. This could lead to too little or too much moisture being removed from indoor spaces in your home or business building, which could put people's health at risk and damage materials like furniture and electronics that are sensitive to moisture.
The Benefits of Dehumidifiers: How to Choose the Right One for You -Conclusion
In conclusion, dehumidifiers can help people with breathing problems or who live in humid places in a lot of ways. By reducing the amount of moisture in the air, dehumidifiers can help stop condensation and mold growth and improve the quality of the air inside. When choosing a dehumidifier for your home, you should think about the unit's size, the features it has, and how much it costs. There are a variety of units available on the market, so be sure to read reviews before making your purchase.
Even though dehumidifiers are helpful in many ways, they can also cause problems if they are not used correctly. If you want to know more about how to use a dehumidifier in your home, you should talk to your doctor or an expert.
Benefits of a Dehumidifier
The Benefits of Dehumidifiers: How to Choose the Right One for You- Recommended Reading
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Frequently Ask Questions
What's the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier?
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are used to control the humidity levels in your home, but they work in different ways. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. Humidifiers are most commonly used during the winter, when cold temperatures cause static electricity and dry out your skin and sinuses. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers are often used during the summer when high humidity creates an uncomfortable environment.
Humidifiers use a fan or filter to disperse water vapor into the atmosphere. It helps reduce indoor allergies by introducing water vapor, which can hold dust and other particles suspended in the air, preventing them from entering your lungs. Humidity also helps keep you comfortable. It reduces the energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Dehumidifiers use a condenser, air filter, and fan to draw in warm, moist air and cool it down quickly. This process removes the moisture from the air, releasing the cooled air back into your home. Dehumidifiers help reduce mold growth, stuffy rooms caused by high humidity levels, and damage caused by moisture buildup in your walls or floors.
You can use humidifiers and dehumidifiers to create the perfect balance of indoor humidity, which can help protect you from dry skin, allergies, and other health issues. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and environmental factors like the time of year and the weather. Humidifiers work best in the winter and in dry climates, while dehumidifiers can be helpful in the summer and in humid climates.
If you’re considering purchasing a humidifier or dehumidifier to keep your home comfortable and healthy, talk to an HVAC professional about the best options.
Are there any risks associated with using dehumidifiers?
Homeowners have long turned to dehumidifiers to reduce humidity levels in their homes. Humid air can lead to condensation on walls and windows, dampness in fabrics, and musty odors. However, homeowners should be aware of several potential risks associated with using a dehumidifier. Mold spores growing in the filter or water storage tank is a common risk.
If not taken care of properly, it can release these spores back into the air, leading to health problems for those living in the space. Also, if the unit isn't taken care of properly, the wiring can become damaged or exposed over time, which can cause electric shocks. When deciding if a dehumidifier is the best thing for their home, people need to think about these risks.
Air Purifier vs. Dehumidifier: What Is the Difference?
Homeowners can reduce allergens in a room by using air purifiers and dehumidifiers. An air purifier passes air through a filter that captures airborne pollutants and irritants such as dust, smoke, and pollen. Mold and other microorganisms need water to grow and thrive, so a dehumidifier removes excess water from the air and lowers humidity levels at the same time.
A dehumidifier cannot remove airborne pollutants like dust, smoke particles, or even pollen, but an air purifier can. An air purifier passes air through a filter and then recirculates it. Because it eliminates mold spores from the air, an air purifier can help prevent the growth of mold. But because it can't control how humid a house is, mold can still come back if there is too much water.
The primary purpose of a dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture from the air and bring the relative humidity level of a room down to a more comfortable level. Even though this device doesn't clean or filter the air, it does help get rid of allergens like mold and dust mites, which thrive in damp or humid places. These allergens and asthma triggers wither and die in an environment with a humidity level that is less than 50%.
