When to Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are units with a very specific function. That’s why you should only use a dehumidifier in certain situations. I constantly find people asking: “When should I use my dehumidifier?”
So, I thought it would be a good idea to answer that question. Even if you don’t have a dehumidifier but are wondering about getting one, you’ll find your answer here.
Dehumidifiers should only be used when there’s excess moisture in the room. Precisely, in cases of water damage, and when you are dealing with moisture from an unstoppable source.
That was the short, straight answer, but there’s more to know. Stay with me, all will be clear in a while.
What is a dehumidifier used for?
I’m sure most of you know this, nonetheless, it’s a necessary introduction for this post. We can’t move on without clearing this up first.
A dehumidifier is a unit that removes moisture from the air. It doesn’t eliminate the moisture entirely, it just maintains the appropriate level. Air that is pleasant to breathe has some moisture. However, excess of moisture can be bad, most importantly, the chances of mold growth are very high.
Now that we got that out of the way, we can move on.
When is a dehumidifier needed?
A dehumidifier should be used only when its function is needed. That is, when there are high levels of moisture in the air. So, when is there an excess of moisture in your house? We’ll go over some probable situations, hopefully, you’ll get your answer.
Winter vs Summer
There’s a big confusion out there about using dehumidifiers in certain seasons. Weather conditions affect the humidity levels but not as much as many think. You should be more worried about moisture produced by your regular activities.
During the winter, the air is cold and dry. So, on its own, winter air can’t really add to the moisture in your house. However, winter air is also really dense. Because of it, the warm moist air in your house, from the shower perhaps, can’t escape. In some cases, when that warm air meets the cold air, it creates condensation on the windows.
So, should you use the dehumidifier during the winter? The answer is simple. Only if you noticed that your house doesn’t ventilate warm air well during the winter. What I’m saying is, turn on the dehumidifier after taking a hot shower or after cooking. Keep in mind though, if your house eliminates that moisture on its own, no need for the dehumidifier.
What about during the summer?
Now, you should be worried about the summer only if you live in certain places. Summer air doesn’t necessarily mean warm humid air. It all depends on the location. For example, places like Orlando or New Orleans, areas close to the Gulf of Mexico. A dehumidifier is quite handy if you live in a place like these.
If you don’t live in an area with a humid climate, you should only worry about humidity produced in your house. Like I said, moisture coming from the hot shower or cooking. In these situations, I would advise turning on the dehumidifier.
That’s it about using a dehumidifier during the winter and summer. Let’s see about its other uses.
Dehumidifier after water damage
This is the use for which I praise dehumidifiers (in particular these ones). There are ways to deal with the usual excess moisture in your house, but after water damage, a dehumidifier is a must. After a plumbing issue or a roof leak, the humidity levels in your house are exceptionally high. A dehumidifier is the best, safest, and fastest way to get rid of that moisture.
The thing is, with water damage, you can’t know for sure where all that water travelled through. More so, some places aren’t accessible. You can try alternatives to dehumidifiers but by the time the moisture is gone, mold growth will appear.
So, in cases of water damage, immediately turn on the dehumidifier. If you have a sump pump, if your house is prone to water damage, I highly advise on getting a sump pump. With a dehumidifier, you control the situation after water damage.
Moving on.
Rooms with high humidity
Now, some houses have rooms where the source of the moisture can’t be fixed. Usually, it’s the basement that has this issue. It’s just too expensive to fix the issue, seeing as how the foundation has to be touched.
So, homeowners with an issue like this have a dehumidifier running in that room. Just enough to regulate the humidity. Buying an energy efficient dehumidifier is cheaper than fixing the issue.
When the hygrometer tells you to
All of the situations I listed above are pointless if you have a hygrometer. A hygrometer is an instrument that reads the humidity levels in your house. Having this instrument will improve the efficiency of your dehumidifier.
It’s quite simple. If the humidity level is higher than 55%, start your dehumidifier. You can use it with 45%, but keep watch if it falls below 30%. Efficient dehumidifiers will get you from 45% to 30% really fast.
So, the smartest way to solve this issue is to get a hygrometer. If you have a hygrometer, you will know when to use the dehumidifier on your own.
That’s it, now you know when to use a dehumidifier. We’re almost done, stick around for some tips.
Tips about using a dehumidifier
Don’t open windows in the room where the dehumidifier is running while it’s turned on. It will either make the dehumidifier overwork or it will dry out the room.
Don’t use a dehumidifier if the temperature in the room is lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hardly the case in houses where someone lives regularly, but it’s worth mentioning.
Don’t leave the dehumidifier running if you’re not going to be home for a long time. Someone has to empty the collected water.
It’s the end folks, I hope I answered all your questions. Good day to you!
Related questions
Do dehumidifiers stop mold?
Dehumidifiers prevent mold but do not kill it. If you already have mold, eliminate it, then run a dehumidifier.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
In general, dehumidifiers are considered to be units that use a lot of electricity. But that’s why you can find energy efficient ones on the market. Made for those that need a dehumidifier 10-12 hours a day.
