Dehumidifier

How does a dehumidifier work? Do you need to get this device for your space? 

High levels of humidity are the bane of many homes and establishments in the United States. Even other parts of the world have this problem, too. But it should not come as a surprise, though. 

Every time the weather gets hot, the absorptive capacity of air to hold water vapor increases. In short, during warm days, the air can get damp and musty. If not resolved, it causes health problems and structural damages. 

A dehumidifier is a device designed to lower the humidity of any indoor setting. Read on and learn how this machine does its job. 

What Is A Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a machine that removes water vapor from the air. It is used to remove moisture from the air in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas that have a high risk of water damage. The water is collected in a reservoir at the bottom of the machine, and it must be emptied regularly to prevent overflow. Once the water has been drained, it can be used for laundry, watering plants, or cleaning.

A dehumidifier is an energy-efficient machine that runs on electricity. Though the machine is quite useful, it is essential to remember that it does not remove moisture. Instead, it cools down the air, which condenses the water vapor in the air and collects it in the reservoir.

How Does A Dehumidifier Work?

A dehumidifier works similar to a vacuum cleaner. But it does not function to suck dirt in your house. Instead, what it sucks in the air from your space. Once inside, the dehumidifier removes the moisture in the air. It releases the air back with minimal humidity already. 

The moisture absorbed by the dehumidifier falls into its water tank. Hence, there’s a need for you to empty it regularly unless it has an automatic draining feature. 

It repeats this job continuously until the moisture gets back to your desired level. In most cases, the dehumidifier stops working if its tank is full. Others have a programmable setting that lets you configure their runtime. 

Meanwhile, those that have humidity can operate on their own. Once they detect that the humidity level on the air is already at the comfortable level, they will stop absorbing air. But once the humidistat reads an increase in the indoor humidity, it forces the dehumidifier to operate again. 

Types Of Dehumidifiers

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most common type of dehumidifier for home use. They cool the air entering the room using refrigeration technology, preventing moisture from entering the air due to condensation. 

On a hot day, the refrigerant dehumidifier works just like a regular refrigerator. The moisture and heat from the air enter the dehumidifier, where it enters the next stage of the process. In the compressor, the refrigerant removes the heat from the air, cooling it to the desired temperature. The cooled air leaves the compressor and enters an evaporator coil. In the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs moisture from the air, forcing it into a liquid state. The liquid falls to a water tank while the dry air is blown back to your space.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

A desiccant dehumidifier is a type of dehumidifier in which the primary moisture removal mechanism is a desiccant. The desiccant acts as an adsorption material that attracts water vapor from the air, leaving the air drier. The most common desiccants used in dehumidifiers are silica gel and molecular sieves. 

This is in contrast to a refrigerant-based dehumidifier, which removes water from the air by means of an evaporator that is cooled by a refrigeration system.

Dehumidifying Ventilators

This type of dehumidifier comes with an exhaust fan that expels the moist air outside. It has a sensor that detects the current humidity in your space. Most of the time, they are being used in areas that are riddled with severe humidity problems, such as crawlspaces, attics, and basements. 

Whole House Dehumidifiers

A whole-house dehumidifier is a dehumidifier that is designed to be installed in your home’s HVAC system. This type of dehumidifier can be more energy efficient than a stand-alone dehumidifier. Whole house dehumidifier units are integrated into a home’s HVAC system in the ductwork, and they are connected to a drain. They are turned on when the air conditioning or heater is running, but they may also be manually turned on in other instances that require dehumidification in the home.

Portable Dehumidifiers

For many, using a portable dehumidifier may be a way to increase the comfort of their home. When you have a portable dehumidifier, you can easily move it to where it is needed most. This is great for meeting the needs of individual rooms in your home. If you have a basement that needs to be dehumidified, you can place the portable dehumidifier there. If you have a room that tends to feel stuffy, you can move the portable dehumidifier there and get the air back to its natural state.

Humidifier vs. Dehumidifiers

The answer to this question should be obvious. If the job of the dehumidifier is to reduce the moisture in the air, a humidifier increases it. 

Specifically, humidifiers are useful during the cold months, when the air gets dry, or when people use their heating systems at full capacity. Their job is to add moisture in the air by adding water vapor to them. 

There are many types, including warm mist and cool mist.  Cool mist humidifiers are the most popular type because they are quiet and don’t heat the air in your room. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles and often have additional functions, such as air purification. 

All humidifiers have a reservoir that holds water. This water is then heated or cooled, depending on the model, and the resulting steam or mist is dispersed into the air.

Dehumidifiers vs. Air Conditioners

Interestingly enough, dehumidifiers and air conditioners have similar working principles. At the same time, they have common components, too. Many people think that an air conditioner can become a substitute for a dehumidifier. But the majority has the consensus that dehumidifiers will never be able to cool a room as the air conditioner does. 

Generally, the job of air conditioners is to provide cool air to your space. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers will cool air so that it can separate the moisture from it. But this doesn’t mean that the dehumidifier can become a significant cooling machine. 

Of course, air conditioners may reduce the humidity of the air, especially if they run long enough. But if your air conditioner is too powerful, it may not accomplish the job. After all, AC units that can cool fast are not required to run extensively. They may remove moisture but not on significant volumes. 

Hence, if you are going to invest in the two, you have to assess your needs first. Do you want a household cooling machine? Or do you want to dehumidify your space?

When To Use A Dehumidifier?

There are a lot of uses for a dehumidifier. Needless to say, people invest in dehumidifiers for a variety of tasks. However, their goal should be the same: to remove the effects that high humidity has caused. 

If the following scenario is familiar to you, then you might need to get a dehumidifier, too.

• Mold growth – Mold grows in warm, humid conditions and can be triggered by various things, like a broken air conditioning unit or a leaky pipe.  The dehumidifier works by collecting and eliminating excess moisture in the air, which prevents mold from developing. 

• Eliminate dust mites – Dust mites are a common problem in humid climates, and a dehumidifier can be a great way to cut back on their population. A dehumidifier reduces the presence of dust mites by creating an environment that is not livable for them. If the air is no longer damp, these mites will not persist anymore. 

• Comfort problems – If you live in a humid place, like the southeast or southwest, you know that your clothes, sheets, and other materials are not always dry. This is because the humidity in the air makes them damp and thus can make you feel uncomfortable. Dehumidifiers remove the stickiness and musty feeling in the air, making it more comfortable to the body.

• Water stains – With high humidity, it is not impossible for stains to appear in your walls and ceilings. These stains can be problematic, as they are a sign that there’s an immediate repair or replacement that will come soon. To prevent this issue from happening, get a dehumidifier right away. 

• Ubiquitous condensation – If your house is riddled with the effects of condensation, especially in the windows, then you need to get a dehumidifier right away. Indoor condensation happens when the humidity level is extremely high.

• Health problems – Have you been experiencing frequent sneezing, skin rashes, and itchiness? Are you having a hard time coping up with your allergies and asthma attacks? If so, you might improve the air quality of your space. And you can do that by reducing the air’s moisture content with the use of a dehumidifier. 

• Damaged structures – Water can cause rapid deterioration of various construction materials such as wood. It can warp and crack them. Moisture can also peel wallpapers, causing unwarranted expenses on repairs and replacements. 

Where To Use A Dehumidifier?

There’s nothing worse than coming home from a long day at work to find your basement a soggy mess. Even worse is when you come home from a long day at work to find your basement a soggy mess, and the floorboards are warped, and your furniture is covered in mold. That’s why it’s essential to know where to put your dehumidifier.

In Basements

Basements are usually damp, and the presence of moisture poses a lot of problems. There are many different causes of dampness in a basement, including seeping of groundwater, leaking pipes, faulty foundation walls, and faulty plumbing. The presence of dehumidifiers is beneficial in this part of your home. 

In Bedrooms

It’s no secret that the humidity in a house can affect your health and wellbeing, especially while you’re sleeping. When you’re in bed, you’re surrounded by many different materials that can cause quite a bit of moisture in the air. A dehumidifier can counteract these effects, ensuring that you can sleep comfortably throughout the night. 

In Bathrooms

When you have a bath or shower, you’re creating a lot of moisture in the air. Some of this moisture will make its way into your nooks and crannies, and if you don’t have a dehumidifier, it can make your bathroom a very uncomfortable place to be in. 

In Kitchens

It is a common misconception that dehumidifiers are only useful in basements, but in reality, they can be very beneficial in your kitchen as well. Humidity is created when you steam or boil water. And the more you use your kitchen for cooking purposes, the more you need a dehumidifier on them. 

Conclusion

Learning how a dehumidifier works enables you to ascertain its importance in your day-to-day living. Basically, the device can improve the air quality of your home by making it less humid. It saves you from health issues and other structural damages caused by moisture. 

I hope you find this guide useful. For other concerns and inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below!

It is crucial that you know how to use a dehumidifier properly. After all, you can only benefit from this device if you know how to operate it based on your needs and requirements.

Furthermore, proper usage of a dehumidifier can actually help you extend its lifespan, effectively reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements. 

Fortunately, it is not that difficult to use these dehumidifiers. Even if it is your first time using a dehumidifier, the learning curve is not that difficult. You just have to follow the tips and recommendations that I’ve listed below. 

What Is A Dehumidifier? What Are Its Benefits?

A dehumidifier is a device designed to reduce the level of humidity in the air. It does this by means of collecting the water in the air using a fan or absorbent. There are two basic types of dehumidifiers: desiccant dehumidifiers and refrigerant dehumidifiers. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a material that absorbs water from the air, such as silica gel, while refrigerant dehumidifiers use a refrigerant to cool the air, which causes the water to condense. 

There is also a third type of dehumidifier, an ionic air purifier, which uses an ionic process to remove moisture from the air. However, some people have qualms when it comes to ionic dehumidifiers. It’s one of the reasons why people these days only opt for refrigerant and desiccant dehumidifiers, regardless of the application. 

With a dehumidifier, you can actually eradicate the excess moisture in the air. It reduces the mustiness and dampness of the air while returning its breathability and comfort levels. 

A dehumidifier removes the possibility of mold growth, water spots, and furniture damage in your space. During summer, where the air is particularly humid, this device comes in extremely handy. In fact, every time that the humidity in your area increases, you should have a dehumidifier on stand-by. 

How To Use A Dehumidifier Properly

Here are some of the basic guidelines that would allow you to maximize the potential of a dehumidifier.

Pick The Right Dehumidifier First

Many people tend to complain that their dehumidifiers are not doing enough moisture removal. Of course, we can assume that the device has some problems. 

But before returning it to the seller or manufacturer, you have to check first if the dehumidifier is indeed compatible with your intended application. 

Dehumidifiers are not built the same. Each of them is designed to accommodate a particular task or requirement. Some dehumidifiers are designed for whole-house applications, while others are for single-room use, such as bedrooms and kitchens. 

Meanwhile, there are also dehumidifiers meant for small spaces, such as in your closets, gun safes, and guitar cases. These dehumidifiers do exist, and they function well enough. However, you can’t expect these small dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture in a large room. 

Generally, the bigger the dehumidifier, the more capable in absorbing large volumes of moisture. Hence, you can expect that whole-house dehumidifiers have a significant size difference from their portable and single-room counterparts. 

Get the size of the area that you want to dehumidify. The measurement should be in cubic feet. After that, look for dehumidifiers that match the measurement that you got. You can see this by checking their labels or user manuals. 

Set The Right Configuration

If you want to maximize the performance and effectiveness of a dehumidifier, you need to set its settings correctly. 

When it comes to this matter, you need to get an idea about the proper indoor humidity. Correct humidity is where the air’s moisture content is normal–not too less, not too much. 

Well, many agree that the correct humidity of rooms and interiors is between 45% to 65%. However, others are comfortable with 35% to 50% humidity levels. Any of these options are alright, especially if you are comfortable with them. Anything that is higher or below these figures may cause discomforts and unwarranted damages to your properties. 

In our context, we shouldn’t let the humidity exceed 65%. Otherwise, you’ll experience dampness and odor in the air. In fact, in areas that are particularly humid, a relative humidity level of 55% to 60% can already cause adverse effects. 

It would be advantageous if the dehumidifier you get has a humidistat. This component reads the humidity levels in a room and adjusts the performance of the dehumidifier accordingly based on it. 

Learn The Proper Placement

You have to know that the placement of a dehumidifier can affect its performance. For instance, if you are going to place the dehumidifier in the middle of large fixtures and furniture in your home, it will not be able to do its job properly.

Oppositely, a dehumidifier that has an elevated placement without any obstructions will dehumidify your space evenly. 

Furthermore, you should avoid placing the dehumidifier against the wall. It is a common mistake that I always see. Keep in mind that dehumidifiers work by absorbing air using a fan from one end and eject it back into your space through its exhaust vents. If you place the dehumidifier against a wall, it is possible that either the vents or the fans will get blocked. It will prevent the dehumidifier from working. 

Where To Place A Dehumidifier?

Here are some of the ideal locations for a dehumidifier placement:

• Place it on a spot where there’s good air circulation.
• Look for areas where there’s minimal traffic.
• Put the dehumidifier away from obstructions and walls (at least ten inches away).

If the dehumidifier offers an automatic draining function, make sure that you place it where it is near to a hose and drainage system. In this way, you can utilize the said feature of the dehumidifier. 

Mind The Weather

Humidity may become a problem, regardless of the climate and season. Again, there are some regions in the world where moisture is always high. 

During hot seasons, the dehumidifier can normally run since moisture is heavily present. But when the temperatures are low, there are some considerations that you need to take into account. First, there’s a possibility that the water that the dehumidifier absorbed may freeze. It is a common sight during winter. 

Second, you may not opt for refrigerant dehumidifiers if it is too cold. After all, you can’t risk running the dehumidifier when you are being riddled with freezing temperatures. At this point, you might want to opt for desiccant dehumidifiers. 

Don’t Forget To Empty The Water Tank

It is essential that you maintain the dehumidifier regularly. You will be able to prevent the device from deteriorating quickly if you do this regimen regularly. 

One of the ways you can maintain the dehumidifier is by emptying its tank every time it is full. Do not let it sit there, as it can cause mold and bacterial growth. 

However, you may not need to empty the dehumidifier if it comes with an automatic draining capability. You just need to attach a hose to its drain plug, and the device will automatically drain the water it collected.

There are other ways you can maintain a dehumidifier. Here are some of them:

• Clean the filters regularly. You need to do this every six months. If you are using the dehumidifier continuously, you need to change the filters more frequently. 
• Dust the exterior of the dehumidifier, especially the vents and intake. 
• Check the coils and see if they are functioning properly. If they are frozen, let them thaw. 

Conclusion

Being able to use a dehumidifier properly will enable you to improve its performance to the peak. If you badly need dehumidification in your home or office, an adequately functioning dehumidifier is essential. With the recommendations I listed above, you will be able to get a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture adequately.

I hope you find this guide useful. If you have other inquiries, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.

When is the best time to run a dehumidifier?

For many people, the problem of humidity can be severe. Symptoms of such are moisture growth, musty odor, and the physical deterioration of some of their furniture. Dehumidifiers exist to ensure that these moisture-caused problems can be prevented, allowing your place to achieve the proper humidity levels. 

Of course, the proper use of a dehumidifier will enable you to maximize the device’s effectiveness. Hence, it is essential that you are aware of its proper placement, the ideal time of its usage, and even its configuration. 

In this context, we are going to elaborate on the best time of day to use dehumidifiers. 

Best Time To Run A Dehumidifier

Several factors can influence your dehumidifier usage. Certainly, your goal here is to ensure that you can operate the device to reduce the effects of excess humidity in your space. 

Keep in mind that people have varying comfort levels when it comes to humidity. But when it comes to your health, the ideal humidity range should be 40% to 60%. Some would adjust this to 45% to 65%, 30% to 60%, or any numbers that are within the said range. 

Dehumidifiers can run for straight 24 hours, depending on your needs and preferences. If you deem that your area is being riddled by excess moisture, then you are free to run these dehumidifiers continuously. Areas in your home that are notably damp, such as basements, should have a dedicated dehumidifier that regulates their humidity. 

Also, keep in mind that humidity is high on warm days, especially during the summer season. Technically speaking, the warm air can hold more water. Hence, it is already a given that it can cause a spike in humidity. You may want to use a dehumidifier all day when the climate is particularly hot. 

The Cost Factor

Again, it is best to continuously operate your dehumidifier to ensure that your home maintains the correct humidity level. This notion is particularly true for those spaces that are burdened by severe humidity problems. 

But then again, running a dehumidifier will cost you money. The longer you use the device, the more it will add to your electrical costs. Therefore, if you don’t want to be burdened by high power bills, you have to control the time you use the dehumidifier. 

If you are concerned about your electrical bill, then you should use the dehumidifier around midnight until dawn–or 11 PM to 6 AM. In this period, electrical consumption is considered to be the lowest, which, in turn, causes the electrical rate to drop significantly. 

Interestingly, humidity is the highest during the early parts of the day, which should be around 3 AM to 5 AM. Therefore, running your dehumidifier on these hours is actually cost-efficient. 

But then again, if your goal is to dry your space even before you sleep, then I highly suggest that you use your dehumidifier ahead of the suggested time. In fact, you should get your humidifier at a steady pace until such time that the moisture level in your area stabilizes. 

You also have the option to time the hours that the dehumidifier operates. At this point, you would need the device to have a timer function so that you can achieve this feat automatically. For instance, you can time the dehumidifier to run five hours in the morning and six hours in the evening, depending on your needs. The more accurate your timing is, the easier it is to achieve cost-efficiency with your dehumidifying device.

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air compared with the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature. For example, if the air is at a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and there is already one percent humidity, then the relative humidity would be one percent. If the humidity increased to, say, two percent, that would mean that it is 70 degrees and two percent humidity.

The relative humidity will drop when the temperature increases.

Your dehumidifier works to remove excess humidity from the air to make your home more comfortable and reduce the potential for mold and other damage.

Again, you have to remember that the ideal humidity level for any interior space should be around 40% to 60%. Mold can already start growing at 65% relative humidity. The primary function of a dehumidifier is to guarantee that you will not exceed the ideal range. If you deem that the relative humidity in your home is too high, then you should let the dehumidifier do its thing, regardless of the time of the day.

Moisture can increase due to human activities. Any tasks that require water, such as bathing, washing clothes, and cooking, will inevitably release moisture. If water is particularly abundant in your area, then you might need to use your dehumidifier for as long as you need it.

Between cost and comfort, I prefer prioritizing comfort. After all, high humidity is pretty damaging. 

Effects Of High Humidity

In some parts of the world, high humidity can be a serious problem. This is even more likely in countries where large portions of the year are spent in a hot, wet, and muggy climate. In these places, high humidity is an issue that has to be dealt with. 

Stuffy rooms, allergies, mold growth, mildew, and fungus are all results of high humidity levels. Because of this, people are often encouraged to purchase dehumidifiers for their homes. These machines help to reduce the level of moisture in the air, which helps to counteract the humid climate.

You will definitely know if you need a dehumidifier in your home or building if the following symptoms are already apparent:

• People dwelling or interacting in your property have prolonged issues of allergies.
• Your allergies are getting worse
• Water leakages are evident, especially after precipitation (i.e., rain or snow)
• The air is particularly muggy, which is a sign that the problem is already becoming visible
• Insects and pests are proliferating in your home, such as moths, spiders, and cockroaches
• Your garments and clothes are damp and exude a musty smell
• Cracks and stains in your walls and furniture

How Long Does A Dehumidifier Work?

The dehumidifier works by simply extracting excess moisture from the air. It does this by running a refrigerant through a semipermeable membrane filter. This filter allows water vapor through it but keeps the water droplets from passing back out. This refrigerant then runs through a compressor, which condenses the refrigerant back into a liquid. The condensed refrigerant then runs through a small expansion device, which cools it back into a gas, and the process repeats.

Ideally, a dehumidifier should take effect as soon as possible. The quicker it can absorb moisture from the air, the better. Now, some air dehumidifiers take a couple of hours before you can experience significant dehumidification. However, others are quite powerful in that they can start absorbing moisture the moment you switch them on. 

To know if a dehumidifier is already working, you should have a hygrometer with you. The latter is a device that measures the relative humidity in a given space. Measure the moisture before and during you use the dehumidifier. It should give you an idea of the speed as to which the dehumidifier can do its job.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the best time to run a dehumidifier should be in the period where the humidity is the highest. It is the ideal way to ensure proper dehumidification without racking electrical costs. 

However, if you are constantly troubled by moisture all day long, then you have no other choice but to keep the dehumidifier running. Otherwise, you’ll suffer from health problems and infrastructural damages. 

I hope that you find this guide useful. For other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

How many dehumidifiers do I need? 

You see, a dehumidifier is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to remove moisture from the air. It is used to prevent mold and mildew from growing in basements or crawl spaces, as well as to clean the air of moisture, which allows the user to breathe easier. You can find dehumidifiers in many homes today, as they are extremely useful in various situations.

For the purpose of efficiency, many people think that having many dehumidifiers is better than having just one. Of course, the notion seems understandable. But is it actually true?

Picking The Right Dehumidifier Size

In choosing a dehumidifier, you have to prioritize its size. You see, the bigger the dehumidifier, the more powerful its dehumidifying effects are. 

At this point, you’ll realize that having a single dehumidifier is alright as long as the latter has a large capacity. After all, these large dehumidifiers are necessary for broad and expansive floor spaces.

However, keep in mind that you don’t really need a large dehumidifier if you are just looking for a tool for spot dehumidification. For instance, you can prefer portable tabletop dehumidifiers for your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These small dehumidifiers are also great for apartments, inns, and travel purposes. 

A dehumidifier can perform well if it is fitted in an area that corresponds to its configuration. For example, if your living room has a floor size of 300 square meters, then you should get a dehumidifier that has the corresponding capacity. 

The table below is a reference to the ideal dehumidifier size for a particular area. 

Square Footage	300 square feet	500 square feet	800 square feet	1,200 square feet
Humidity Condition	Dehumidifier Capacity (2020 Standard)
50% to 60% Slightly Damp	20 pints	25-30 pints	35-40 pints	50 pints
60% to 70%Moderately Damp	20 pints	25-30 pints	35-40 pints	50 pints
70% to 80%Very Damp	25 pints	30 pints	45 pints	55 pints
80% to 100%Wet	25-30 pints	35-40 pints	45-50 pints	60 pints

The CFM Factor

A dehumidifier is one of the most useful appliances you can have in your home. In addition to preventing mold and mildew, they also reduce humidity levels, which can help prevent damage to your home and its contents. 

However, with so many different dehumidifiers on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose for your needs. There are many different factors to consider when shopping for a dehumidifier, including the size of the room you want to humidify, the level of noise you are willing to put up with, and the cubic feet per minute. 

The cubic feet per minute is a technical specification that tells the volume of air that a device can move. For dehumidifiers, the CFM rating is exceptionally essential because moisture can only be removed from the air by moving it through the device’s fan. 

In short, if your device has a low CFM rating, you cannot expect that it can deal with your excess humidity problems. 

The Ideal Humidity In Your Space

The CFM rating is derived from the humidity levels in your area and the latter’s square footage. Specifically, we need to get the cubic footage because it helps us identify the volume of air per cubic footage that the dehumidifier should process.

Knowing the humidity level in your area will determine the number of cycles that a dehumidifier must perform in an hour to ensure that excess moisture is eliminated. This process is called air changes per hour or ACH. Hence, if the relative humidity is high, the more cycles the dehumidifier must perform. 

Pro Tip:

You cannot just guess the humidity level in your area. For accuracy purposes, you need to invest in a hygrometer, which is not that expensive. A hygrometer is an instrument that is used to measure the humidity level in the room. It is typically used in homes, warehouses, and other places that require specific levels of humidity. This device can be made from different materials, including plastic, metal, and glass.

Meanwhile, check the table below for the ideal air changes per hour for every humidity level.

Humidity Condition	Ideal Air Changes Per Hour
50% to 60% Slightly Damp	3 ACH
60% to 70%Moderately Damp	4 ACH
70% to 80%Very Damp	5 ACH
80% to 100%Wet	6 ACH

Calculating The CFM

Here is a simple example that you can use to calculate the appropriate CFM rating of a dehumidifier in your space:

• 75% Relative Humidity = 4 air changes per hour (ACH)
• Square footage x ceiling height = 1,200 square feet x 8 feet
• 9,600 square feet x 4 ACH / 60 minutes = 640 CFM

Again, you only need one dehumidifier if it has the right capability. You don’t need to invest in multiple units since it will just add to your power bill. A single but properly configured dehumidifier can fix your humidity problems. 

In a nutshell, you simply need to measure the floor size of the room you want to dehumidify and get a dehumidifier that has the right specifications. 

How Many Dehumidifiers Do I Need In My House?

What if you want to dehumidify your entire house? Do you need to purchase multiple dehumidifiers? 

The thing is, you can have one dehumidifier for whole-house applications if the device features the correct specs. 

However, keep in mind that the performance or efficiency of a dehumidifier can be affected by the divisions and number of floors that your home has. Even if you have a powerful dehumidifier, you cannot expect that it can work in your basement if you place it in your living room. 

Of course, most of us fall into this predicament. It is not a failure of architecture but rather a structural dynamics that you need to overcome to ensure proper dehumidification. 

To overcome this ordeal, you simply need to purchase a dehumidifier per each of the areas that you want to dehumidify. For example, you can put one dehumidifier in your basement, one in your kitchen, and another in your garage.

For multiple rooms, you have an option to allocate one dehumidifier for each of them. Alternatively, you can still use one dehumidifier and open the doors of the rooms. In this way, the device can accommodate them without physical blockages or restrictions. 

Having many dehumidifiers may offer the ideal dehumidification solution for you. But at the same time, keep in mind that the more appliances you have, the higher your power bills become. 

• For condos, hotel rooms, and apartments – A single dehumidifier can take care of the humidity problems in these areas. Just make sure that you have the right dehumidifier size.

• For bungalows – Bungalows vary in size and design. Depending on these factors, you can either get one or buy several units. 

Conclusion

Having a dehumidifier in your home is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of home improvements. However, it is an investment that can help improve the comfort in your space. A dehumidifier can help with a number of things, such as drying out the air in your home, enhancing your air quality, and preventing mold growth. 

Having the right dehumidifier can help you overcome humidity issues. At the same time, it enables you to cut costs in maintaining your home’s livability and conduciveness. After all, one dehumidifier can be enough. 

I hope that you find this post useful. For other related inquiries, ask me in the comment section below.

Why does a dehumidifier freeze up? Is there a way to fix it?

A dehumidifier is any device that is used to remove moisture from the air. This device is used in places such as houses, buildings, and basements to remove excess moisture to prevent the growth of mold and mildew and the damaging effects that moisture can cause.

But similar to other appliances, these dehumidifiers are not impervious to errors and damages. In some instances, they suffer from internal issues. Such an example is freezing, which is somewhat annoying, as it stops the device from running at all. It ruins the purpose of the dehumidifier, which is to help you with your moisture problems.

But what makes a dehumidifier freeze up anyway? 

Why Does A Dehumidifier Freeze Up

There are multiple reasons why a dehumidifier can sustain frozen evaporator coils. Here are some of the common ones.

Cause #1: Faulty Humidity Control

One of the indicative signs that your dehumidifier has frozen up is an icy coil. Just like air conditioners, dehumidifiers have coils, too. If they are icing already and that your room temperature is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the problem should lie in the humidistat. 

Simply put, a humidistat is a device that senses the relative humidity in the room and controls the dehumidifier accordingly. Most humidistats are electronic devices that make use of a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in the room. On instances where the humidistat does fail in identifying the relative humidity accurately, the dehumidifier’s compressor circuit will run continuously. As a result, the coils would ice eventually. 

Fix:

One way of dealing with a faulty humidistat is replacing it. But that’s the drastic measure. Surely enough, you can find compatible humidistats for your dehumidifier based on its specifications.

Another way of going over this matter is by rotating the control knob of the humidistat. Before you do so, make sure the dehumidifier is unplugged. While rotating, check the contact set while it’s opening or closing. Once you detect that the contact doesn’t respond while adjusting the control, then you need to replace the humidistat.

Cause #2: Fan Blade Or Blower Wheel

Similar to the symptoms stated above, dehumidifiers that have frozen coils could be a possible symptom of problematic airflow. Of course, you should consider this situation if the room temperature is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Airflow is one of the primary aspects of a dehumidifier, as it conducts air cycling to remove the moisture in the air. 

For a dehumidifier to function properly, it should have access to abundant airflow. Specifically, air should pass seamlessly in the dehumidifier’s coils and evaporator to ensure that the device won’t get frozen. 

You will know if this is the problem by checking the grille area of the dehumidifier. Normally, you can feel a lot of air blowing on that part. But if you don’t feel anything at all, even if the filter is clean, you should do some troubleshooting. 

Fix:

Assess the coils and see if there is no dirt or lint build-up on them. If these elements are present, you should clean them right away. Of course, you should check the fan blades or blower wheels, too. Look for any signs of damages or restrictions that prevent them from functioning properly. Cleaning them should alleviate the problem in most cases. But if the issue is mechanical, then you should just replace them.

In checking the blower wheels, make sure that they are affixed to the motor shaft properly. Otherwise, it will cause problems to the dehumidifier. 

Cause #3: Bi-Metal Thermostat

Another reason why dehumidifier coils freeze is a malfunctioning bi-metal thermostat. Now, not all dehumidifiers have this component. So if your existing unit doesn’t have this component, then it is not the culprit for the problem. 

A bi-metal thermostat works by thawing the ice that clads the evaporator coils. It is an essential component that works best if you are experiencing high humidity levels or cold temperatures. The said thermostat checks the temperature of the evaporator. If it is low, then it will impede the power going to the compressor while letting the fan run. In this way, the air will pass through the evaporator coils and melt the ice on them. 

Naturally, if the bi-metal thermostat is not working, nothing will regulate the defrosting of the coils. 

Fix:

It is not that easy to determine if the bi-metal thermostat is working properly or not. After all, its operation depends on the external temperature. If the thermostat has positive contact with the coil while the coils are frozen, then you should suspect that the device is faulty. At this point, you need to replace it to ensure that your dehumidifier will function again.

Cause #4: Temperature Sensor

If the temperature sensor of the dehumidifier is not working properly, there’s a good chance that it will cause the coils to freeze over. Many refrigerant dehumidifiers have sensors that detect the evaporator coils’ temperature. This particular data is taken up by the control board and is being used to regulate the performance of the fan motor circuits and compressor. 

When the sensor is defective, it will not be able to detect the temperature or relative humidity properly. As a result, it would cause the circuit to remain on full power, even if it is no longer necessary, causing the coils to ice. 

Fix:

This problem can be fixed by using a multimeter. Use it to diagnose if the sensor is functioning or not. If it’s not in its correct condition anymore, you should simply replace it. 

Meanwhile, other electric-control dehumidifiers usually generate a particular fault code every time their sensors are malfunctioning. You should check if the sensor has a proper connection to the control board. 

Conclusion

Knowing why a dehumidifier freezes up is as vital as learning how to take care of it. By understanding the mechanisms of a dehumidifier, troubleshooting it would become easier for you. You would be able to determine if the device requires cleaning or fixing every time it is malfunctioning. 

I hope that you find this guide useful. For other related inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.