Dehumidifier

How do I keep my garage dry and free from humidity?

For most of us, the garage is one of the most important parts of our homes. Aside from being a reliable storage place, it is also the ideal spot for weekend warriors to do their projects. 

However, the conduciveness of a garage disappears the moment its structural integrity is ruined. Humidity is one of the common problems for many garages, especially those located in highly humid areas. 

To deal with this problem, I will explain some of the things you can do to keep your favorite place dry and comfortable. 

Knowing The Humidity Level In Your Garage

First of all, you may want to know if the wetness in your garage is caused by excess humidity. After all, the more humid the air is, the more water it carries. 

There are physical manifestations of humidity. Stains in the wall, peeled wallpapers, and rotting wooden furniture are among the signs that you should watch out for. However, it may take a while before they start appearing, even if your place is already humid. 

To stop yourself from guessing from time to time, you should use a hygrometer instead. A hygrometer is a device that measures the relative humidity of a given area. It works efficiently in measuring humidity, so having one is truly beneficial. Besides, it is not that expensive. You can consider it a worthwhile investment. 

Ways To Reduce The Humidity In Your Garage

If you deem that humidity is the very reason why your garage is wet, there are various things that you can do to resolve the problem.

• Enable ventilation – A garage is closed most of the time. It is natural for the air inside it to get trapped, not being circulated properly. It causes the humid air to stay inside. Fortunately, you can optimize the airflow in your garage by opening its door, windows, and vents. If you noticed that the air is stale, you could use fans to let it move outside. 

• Reduce the clutter – As I mentioned earlier, the garage is an ideal place for storing your household items and other utilities. Sometimes, we don’t care, even if we fill the garage with numerous belongings. Doing so should not be a problem had it not been for the humidity problems that it causes. The more cramped a room is, the more restricted the flow of air becomes, causing moisture to increase over time. 

Organizing your items and putting them on shelves can resolve this matter for you. Free as much space as possible to ensure that air moves freely in that area. Also, you may want to move most of your items away from the ground since it also causes problems in airflow.

• Dehumidifiers – A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air in a given space. It can be used to improve air quality, especially in rooms where people spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom or living room. It can reduce the chance of bacteria and mold growing in the home, which can improve your health and help your allergies.

How To Prevent High Humidity In The Garage

Combating moisture is not your only solution to your wet garage problems. As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. You may have a functional dehumidifier, but it would really be best if you can introduce some measures that would decrease the moisture level in your garage. 

• Inspect the windows and doors – Moisture can enter your garage anytime, especially if there are many seams. Most of the time, you will not notice these things, as they are too small. For instance, you should check if your windows and garage are fitted with their frames. If there are gaps, moisture can enter. 

Furthermore, you should also check the gaskets. If they are already decaying, they might cause an increase in internal humidity in your garage. You will know if you need to replace the gaskets if you rub your hands on them. If you spot dark residues, you have to install new ones right away. 

• Optimize ventilation – Again, ventilation is one of the easiest solutions in preventing moisture growth. If you don’t want your garage to remain wet all the time, you have to ventilate it smartly and properly. There are times you should shut off your garage and times where you need to open it. Specifically, you need to allow the air to enter your garage every time the humidity is high. By doing so, you are letting the air carry the moisture away from the area.

• Unblock drainage – Plumbing and drainage are essential for controlling humidity in homes. Make sure that no items are hindering the drains in your garage. Don’t forget to check the gutters under the roof’s garage. If there are obstructions, remove them. Otherwise, water will accumulate, resulting in leakages. 

Also, don’t forget to dry your car every time you park it in your garage. The water collected from precipitation will evaporate inside, causing an increase in humidity. 

• Check for leakages – Humidity can also be caused by leakages. Check if the ceiling of your garage doesn’t have any signs of leaking, such as water stains and cracks in the walls. Also, keep in mind that you inspect the ducts of your AC in your garage (if you have one installed). A leaking duct can disrupt the temperature, which, in turn, may disrupt your garage’s natural humidity. 

How Do I Keep My Garage Dry

Now that you have removed the sources of excess moisture in your garage, it is time that you learn how to keep it that way. 

• Install a heater – It would really be best if your garage has its own HVAC system. In this way, it is easier for you to regulate its temperature and combat the possible moisture increase. Keeping the temperature under control will regulate condensation, after all. If you are going to install a heater, make sure that you opt for a natural gas or electric model. Propane heaters tend to generate water vapor as moisture.

• Use a dehumidifier – A dehumidifier is a great way to control humidity in your garage. Generally, humidity is best at around 40% to 60% for a home. As long as you have a dehumidifier, you no longer have to fuss about moisture problems in your garage.

Conclusion

Keeping your garage dry is one of your tasks as a homeowner. You have to make sure that this part of your house remains free from moisture and watery problems. Keep in mind that some of your precious belongings, such as your cars and tools, are stored there. If you let them get exposed to constant moisture, they will eventually get damaged.

Do you have other questions in mind? Feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

Where to place a dehumidifier in basements?

A dehumidifier is a unit that is used to remove moisture from a room or area. These types of machines can be used in basements to reduce the chances of a mold problem and can also be used in your home to help reduce humidity and prevent associated problems.

Of course, these dehumidifiers are essential in spaces where humidity is constantly an issue–such as in your basement, crawl spaces, and garages. And truth to be told, having a dehumidifier can surely save you from unwanted expenses due to health issues and structural problems. 

Your basement can be one of the most humid spots in your house. Because of that, it is always justifiable that this part of your home has a dedicated dehumidifier that operates whenever it is needed. 

Why Is My Basement Humid?

This is a question that many people ask, and it is worth noting that such a problem should be solved. 

You see, a basement should never have humidity problems, especially if it has been constructed properly. But sometimes, external factors do come into play, causing the area’s humidity to spike up.

Basements are some of the most humid rooms in a home, with humidity levels typically reaching 65 to 100 percent. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including poor ventilation, a lack of insulation, excessive moisture in the ground surrounding the house, and condensation. Specifically, the following can cause your basement to get a little bit wet.

• Water leaks – Many times, this humidity is the result of a water leak in the basement. You should inspect if this is actually the issue since you might need professional help to deal with it. Water leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, and other plumbing parts can increase the humidity level of enclosed spaces such as basements. 

• Groundwater and rain – Your basement can be susceptible to high relative humidity due to incorrect grading. Ideally, the ground of your house should lead the water away from you, not toward you. If the water drains in the direction of your property, flooding and humidity problems can occur.

• Malfunctioning downspouts and gutters – These utilities work by directing rainwater away from the ground of your house. If they are damaged or not working properly, rainwater will eventually accumulate in your property’s foundation. The more water there is in the foundation, the bigger the chance that your basement will experience humidity issues. 

• Foundation cracks – If the foundation of your basement has cracks, groundwater will eventually find its way inside your home. Sometimes, it is the water that causes these cracks. This is especially true if the floor joists are not attached to your basement’s walls properly. 

Condensation – Basement condensation can be a problem in any environment, although the cold and dampness of winter make it especially likely. The condensation that forms on the walls and ceilings of a basement can be unsightly, and it can also damage the materials used to build the basement walls. And if excessive water makes its way into the air ducts and other components of a house, it can also cause significant damage to the structure of the house. 

Where To Place A Dehumidifier In Basement?

Just like any other living space, basements have humidity. The low air circulation in the basement can lead to high humidity levels, which can help the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. Some basements are naturally humid and don’t have any ventilation. If you’re thinking about buying a dehumidifier, where should you place it in your basement?

Dehumidifiers can be placed in different areas of your basement, and you can decide whether you want to place them in the basement or keep it in another room. As we mentioned, most basements are naturally humid, and they don’t have any ventilation. This means that it’s not practical to place a dehumidifier in an area where it doesn’t get enough room for it to absorb and circulate air.

The basement is an ample, open space that requires a steady flow of air. The dehumidifier needs to be in a place where it can get that flow of air. Ideally, it should be placed along a wall that faces an open window or door. That way, when the dehumidifier is on, the air will flow through the dehumidifier and into the basement. 

It’s best to keep the dehumidifier in a place where it can be easily accessed. The dehumidifier will need cleaning at least once a season, so it’s best to make it accessible from a doorway or window.

Of course, you need to place the dehumidifier in a spot where it has direct access to a power outlet. In this way, it can operate seamlessly and continuously. If your dehumidifier has an automatic draining feature, it is better that it is also within reach of a drainage outlet. 

Signs Of Humidity Problems In The Basement

Basements are damp places, and that’s not just because of the humidity that comes from the outside. The air in your basement is naturally humid, and that humidity is what makes your basement smell musty and feel cold. 

If you’re looking for signs that your basement is highly humid, look for distinct dampness in the air and the walls, as well as poor air circulation in the room. Look also for mold stains on the walls and a layer of dust that seems to cling to the floor and the surfaces of furniture.

Here are some of the specific signs that you need a dehumidifier in your basement:

• Visible water on the floor
• Moist and clammy air
• Condensation in floors and walls during summer
• Wood and carpet damages
• Mildew, mold, and odor
• Decaying wooden columns, sill plates, and joists
• Stains on wall covers
• Spalling of concrete parts

A foolproof method to know if there’s a humidity problem in your basement is the use of a hygrometer. A hygrometer is used to measure the humidity in a room. It provides an accurate measurement of the relative humidity of a space. Some dehumidifiers have built-in humidity sensors. But if your unit doesn’t have it, then buying an inexpensive hygrometer can solve the problem. 

Conclusion

Excess moisture can cause major damage to your home, so when you feel the dampness in the basement, you need to take action fast before mold starts to grow. Luckily, a dehumidifier can help you mitigate the effects of high relative humidity. And knowing where to place a dehumidifier in basements can undoubtedly improve the dehumidification results. 

Do you have any questions related to dehumidifiers? Feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

It is essential that you know how to dehumidify a room. After all, damp air can cause a myriad of health problems. It is also a culprit of furniture and structural damages, especially if there’s prolonged exposure. 

Warm areas typically suffer from high humidity. The higher the temperature, the higher the capacity of the air to carry water vapor. It is not a surprising thing that during summer, the air feels damp. But in the winter, it is somewhat dry. 

Effects Of High Humidity

When the humidity is higher than 65%, it is already above the standard comfort levels. 

You know that sticky, thick feeling you get when the air is heavy with humidity? It can make you uncomfortable and can make it hard to sleep. But there are other health effects of high humidity that you may not even be aware of. Excess moisture in the air can also allow mold and bacteria to grow in your home or on your property. High humidity can also increase the likelihood of respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies.

Of course, it causes damage to your house or building. It can impact the structural integrity of various materials, such as wood. It can warp hard floors, crack guitars, and even shrink some of your furniture. In fact, high humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and other air quality problems and can seriously affect your home’s indoor air quality.

What Causes High Humidity In Houses?

There are multiple reasons why your house is suffering from high humidity problems. 

The first culprit is the climate. If it is hot, the capacity of air to carry water vapor increases. The hotter it is, the more humid it gets. 

High humidity can be a problem in a number of situations, but especially in the summer months, as high temperatures can cause the air to become more saturated with water. This causes the air to become denser and harder to breathe.

The following can also contribute to the sudden increase in your home’s humidity:

• Showering – If you have ever taken a shower, you know that the water comes out in steam.  Water vapor is a gas, and when you put that gas into the air, it increases how much water is in the air.  

• Boiling water – When water boils, it turns into steam.  As steam, it rises into the air.  If it’s humid outside, the steam will collide with water droplets in the air. Instead of passing through them, the moisture will condense into water droplets.  That’s why it’s humid after you boil water on the stove. 

• Gas heaters – Gas heaters can increase humidity in your home. These devices use water to produce hot water, so the moisture in the air is converted into water vapor. It can make your home feel a bit more humid, particularly if you have an older gas heater, which is less efficient.

• Poor ventilation – Too many people think that ventilation is a cure-all for high humidity. This is not true.  In fact, ventilation increases humidity.  When you open a window to your house, you are letting ambient air inside. This air is saturated with water vapor from the outside air.  

• Renovations – Does home renovations increase humidity? The answer to that question depends on where you live and the type of renovations you do.  No matter what, they are going to have effects on the humidity in your home. 

When you are thinking about doing renovations, you should think about its effects on your home’s humidity levels. It is essential to make sure that your house is properly dehumidified, as this will help you avoid mold and mildew. If you are thinking about renovations, it is a good time to buy a dehumidifier.

How To Know If Your Indoor Air Has High Humidity?

The first thing that you need to do is to ensure that your area has humidity issues. At this point, it would better if you use a hygrometer to measure the relative humidity of your space. With this device, you will be able to get accurate readings. 

If the hygrometer tells you that the humidity in your space is too high or too low, then you must implement some measures to regulate it. 

By the way, the recommended humidity levels in indoor spaces are around 45% to 60%. Some say that it could go as low as 35%, but it is not a suitable thing to consider, especially if your home has individuals with respiratory illnesses. 

Why Are Basements Prone To High Humidity?

Basements tend to be very humid places for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes are high amounts of both water and human traffic in a small area. Water that enters your basement from the outside can be absorbed into the ground, but a concrete basement floor can’t absorb water, so the water remains in the basement.

When you combine this with the fact that, in the average household, there are about 50 people in a basement (according to the U.S. Census Bureau), it becomes pretty apparent why basements are so humid.

Basements are underground and relatively closed-off areas. Hence, they are naturally cool and humid year-round. People living in the Midwestern United States, especially in areas that see a lot of rain, should be especially concerned about high basement humidity. 

However, the following things can also cause an abnormal increase in the humidity of your basement: 

• Water leakages
• Flaws in landscaping
• Damaged or misplaced gutters
• Cracked concretes
• Poor ventilation

How To Dehumidify A Room

We all want to be comfortable while we are home, and unfortunately, the summer heat can get overwhelming. Luckily, you can dehumidify your room to make you feel more comfortable.

The Best Solution: Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture from the air, and it’s beneficial in many homes and offices. A dehumidifier is an appliance designed for removing moisture from the air in the process of dehumidification, using a refrigeration cycle. Still, the process is fairly similar to that of an air conditioner, which uses a refrigerant to cool the air. The water is captured in a collection tray or reservoir and can be emptied manually or automatically.

There are three main types of dehumidifiers: desiccant, refrigerant, and passive. Desiccant dehumidifiers work by drying the air to a certain humidity level. Oftentimes, this is accomplished by pulling air through a desiccant material. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by cooling the air to a specific humidity level. Passive dehumidifiers work by heating the air to a certain humidity level.

Other Methods Of Removing Excess Humidity In A Room

• Improve ventilation – Ventilation is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to control temperature and ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ). Ventilation can be achieved through natural (through openings in a building’s structure) or mechanical processes. Opening a window in your house will allow fresh air in, helping to equalize the air pressure inside and outside. 

• Take out your indoor plants – Plants generate moisture. And if you have a lot of them in your house, it is natural that they can significantly add to the dampness in the air. 

• Repair water leakages – You can reduce the humidity in your home by fixing any water leaks. Water leaks can be a major cause of poor indoor air quality and can be challenging to detect. One of the most common places for a water leak to occur is in the toilet tank. The tank is a closed system, and water evaporates into the air. If too much water evaporates, the tank becomes empty, and the float valve will not refill the tank. This results in a water leak and can cause mold growth and high humidity levels.

• Don’t shower for too long – It’s not news that taking longer showers uses more water and electricity, but did you know taking shorter showers also helps reduce humidity? The truth is, when you take a more extended time in the shower, it increases the humidity of your home. The water can turn into water vapor, which is then absorbed by the air. The more you use water, the damper your air gets.

• Get solar air heaters – Solar air heaters are a great way to lower your environmental impact because they use the power of the sun to heat air and can reduce your energy bill. They also help to combat humidity levels and can be a big help in reducing colds and allergies. If you are looking for a way to lower humidity in your home, but don’t want to invest in an expensive AC system, then a solar air heater is an eco-friendly way to do it.

In a nutshell, a solar air heating system includes a solar collector, a solar storage tank, and a fan. As the sun’s rays hit the collector, the solar collector absorbs and stores the heat. The solar storage tank is attached to the solar collector. The fan blows air through the solar storage tank and into the room. It takes the hot air from the solar storage tank and mixes it with the cooler air in the room. 

Your garage can become a typical victim of excessive humidity. This place, after all, often has no proper air circulation. If there are no windows or ventilation systems, moisture can easily develop there. Of course, you don’t want this to happen as unbridled humidity is the perfect breeding ground of allergens. Moreover, it can also cause a musty smell and swampiness. 

At this point, it is essential that you get the best dehumidifier for garages. Dehumidifiers can suck the excess water out from the air so that the latter will be able to achieve the appropriate levels of humidity. By the way, the prescribed humidity level is around 45% to 55%. 

The following dehumidifiers are rated to excel for basement use. Check and see which one will fit your setup.

Best Dehumidifier For Garages

1. Inofia 30 Pints Dehumidifiers for Home Basements – Editor’s Pick

PRODUCT LINK

The Inofia Dehumidifier is designed to deal with humidity problems in home garages. It is a device that is capable of absorbing 30 pints of water from the air per day, which is quite the standard for dehumidifiers these days. Its optimal performance peaks if the room humidity is at 90%, and the temperature is at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. 

It works well for damp rooms that are as big as 1056 square feet. Hence, it is a great choice for basements, bathrooms, garages, and even RVs. The built-in humidistat of this item enables it to detect the current humidity levels of the room. After all, it automatically adjusts its power until such time the appropriate humidity is achieved. Once that happens, the device turns off on its own. It is a guarantee that this device will not burden your power bills. 

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Comes with a drain hose for a hassle-free emptying
• Large water reservoir (0.5 gallons)
• Capable of absorbing large quantities of water in a day
• Comes with an auto-defrost function

Cons:

• No significant issues

2. Yaufey 30 Pint Dehumidifiers – Runner-Up

PRODUCT LINK

The Yaufey 30 Pint Dehumidifier is an excellent option for home garages and basements. It is highly efficient as it can remove up to 32 pints of moisture per day. It is a workhorse that is ideal for large spaces and multi-room applications. Based on its ratings, the device can accommodate any indoor spaces that are up to 1,500 square feet. 

The convenience that this dehumidifier provides is one of the reasons why many want to acquire it. The interface is pretty simple and easy to navigate, thanks to its light-touch control panel. It enables you to adjust the ideal moisture setting of your room. Meanwhile, the water reservoir of this device is meant for heavy work. It can hold up to 4 gallons of water before you need to drain it. 

Pros:

• Easy to operate
• Comes with automatic and manual drain mechanisms
• Movable; comes with wheels and handles
• Detects indoor moisture accurately
• Whisper-quiet operation

Cons:

• It runs continuously even if the desired humidity is achieved

3. Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier – Budget-Friendly Pick

PRODUCT LINK

The Vacplus 30 Pints Dehumidifier is an ideal pick if you are trying to save money. It is a cost-efficient pick since it shuts off automatically once its 1.35-liter tank is already full. If you don’t want manual drainage, this device offers a drain hose that you can connect to your floor drain for easier emptying. However, I do find the 1-meter drain hose somewhat short, especially if your garage is far from drainage systems. 

Like the first units that I featured here, this device can remove 30 pints of water in the air per day. Meanwhile, you can experience its maximum performance under 90 degrees room humidity, with a temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, you simply need to set your ideal humidity level, and this dehumidifier will do the rest. It frees you from the burden of checking the room humidity manually. 

Pros:

• Includes a programmable 24-hour timer
• High moisture absorption capacity
• Requires minimal maintenance and cleaning
• Maintains a specific level of humidity
• Comes with an automatic shutdown function

Cons:

• The drain hose is quite short 

4. AmazonBasics Dehumidifier – Premium Pick

PRODUCT LINK

Do you have a large garage? Then I suggest that you get the AmazonBasics Dehumidifier. This one is rated to dehumidify up to 4,000 square feet of space. It can absorb 50 pints of water in a day, which is necessary for areas that have severe humidity problems. When there are power outages, the device can reboot in its previous setting. You don’t need to configure it again once the power is back manually. 

This dehumidifier is also capable of detecting the indoor humidity of a room. In its default setting, it can maintain the humidity level to around 45% to 55%. A timer feature and auto-defrost function are also integrated into the device to minimize the need to babysit it. Furthermore, the AmazonBasics Dehumidifier has overflow protection that prevents its water reservoir from spilling when it is full. 

Pros:

• Ideal for large spaces
• Easy to move; includes carry handles and wheels
• Surprisingly simple to use
• Automatically sets the room humidity to the appropriate levels
• Hassle-free maintenance

Cons:

• The tank is quite difficult to pull away from its body

5. AIRPLUS 70 Pints Dehumidifier

PRODUCT LINK

When you need a powerhouse in dealing with extreme humidity levels in your garage, basements, and other rooms in your house, the AIRPLUS 70 Pints Dehumidifier should be a reliable choice. Under 90% room humidity and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, this machine can absorb up to 70 pints of moisture in a  day. Its efficiency is undoubtedly higher than most of its counterparts, but it comes along with its slightly expensive price tag.

There are four functional modes that this dehumidifier offers: standard, drying, raining, and sleep. Each of these functions can be selected depending on the external conditions. Since it can detect the room humidity, it can optimize its moisture absorption for enhanced moisture regulation. Meanwhile, this item has a hose that continuously drains water. You no longer need to empty the reservoir manually. 

Pros:

• Powerful and accurate moisture absorption
• Regulated noise level
• Automatically drains water continuously
• Detects external room humidity
• Offers multiple dehumidification modes

Cons:

• Does not switch off when the water reservoir is full

How To Choose The Best Dehumidifier For Garages

When picking a dehumidifier, it is essential that you are aware of where you are going to use it. 

Given that you are planning to set it in your garage or basement, it is essential that you pick something that is powerful. After all, these areas have minimal ventilation. Air does not circulate properly, which makes it natural for moisture to grow there abundantly.

You shouldn’t pick mini dehumidifiers at this point. They will no longer have the power to eliminate the moisture on the air. The only exception to that is when the garage itself is small. However, I don’t think that it applies to most of you. 

Either way, there are still particular standards when it comes to choosing dehumidifiers. It is essential that you take these considerations into account to get the right dehumidifier for your garage or any rooms with limited ventilation.

Room Size And Humidity

A dehumidifier can only perform at its optimal capacity when you place it on the right “setting.” This means that if the humidifier that you got is too small for your room, you will never feel its effects. It will not be able to absorb the moisture in the air entirely.

You need to measure your garage and pick a dehumidifier that is designed to accommodate its floor space. It would also be great if you have a “feel” about the room humidity of your garage. Is the air too wet? Is it slightly musty? These questions will also help you determine the kind of dehumidifier that you need to get. 

Check the chart below so that you can get a good idea of how sizing and humidity are being measured in dehumidifiers. 

Room Size
	300 square feet	500 square feet	800 square feet	1200 square feet
Condition	Humidifier Capacity
Slightly Damp50%-60% HumidityAir feels slightly heavy	20 pint	25 – 30 pint	35 – 40 pint	50 pint
Moderately Damp60%-70% HumidityOccasional musty smell	20 pint	25 – 30 pint	35 – 40 pint	50 pint
Very Damp70%-80% HumidityWet spots on walls and floors	25 pint	30 pint	45 pint	55 pint
Wet80%-100% HumiditySeepage on walls and floor;Molds are apparent	25 – 35 pint	35 – 40 pint	45 – 50 pint	60 pint

Automated Features

Since you are going to put the dehumidifier in the garage, you would want it to function as independently as possible. This means that the right dehumidifier must be able to operate on its own with minimal human interface.

• Various automation has been introduced to dehumidifiers. Among them is the memory function, where the dehumidifier can get back to its previous setting after a power outage. It frees you from configuring the device again. 

• The automatic detection of external humidity is also a crucial factor here. The built-in humidistat in these devices can tell the actual levels of moisture accurately. The machine doesn’t guess. It gives you the precise numbers, which allows you to adjust its settings to match the needs of your garage. 

• Other automated features are also essential to deliver convenience to their users. An excellent example of this is the shutdown capability of the dehumidifier. It should activate automatically whenever the water reservoir is full or if the device has attained the desired room humidity. 

• Automatic draining is also a thing in dehumidifiers these days. Instead of removing the water tank, you just need to attach a hose to the drain inlet of the dehumidifier so that it will just drain continuously.

With all these functions, a dehumidifier becomes a pleasant addition to garages. Given that you don’t stay in your garage all the time, these automated features enable convenience on your part. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to improve the humidity level of garages?

A: Aside from using dehumidifiers, there are specific means of how you can regulate the humidity of your garage. One of these by focusing on the ventilation of the area. As I said, ventilation can ensure that moisture will not build inside the garage. You might also want to use a floor coating if you think that the moisture is coming from the ground beneath. 

Q: How often should I drain a dehumidifier?

A: It depends on the capacity of your dehumidifier and the actual humidity of your garage. For instance, if the dehumidifier is absorbing high volumes of water in the air, you might need to drain it daily. However, if the dehumidifier has a drain hose, you might not need to empty it anymore manually. 

Q: What is the appropriate level of humidity in your garage?

A: The ideal level of humidity ranges from 45% to 55%. It is on this level where the items you stored in your garage, including your vehicle, will not be compromised by moisture.  

Conclusion

We are well aware of the adverse effects of moisture on our health and our items and furniture. For your garage, that spells disaster. From the walls, ceilings down to the objects present there, excessive moisture can quickly deteriorate their quality. Moreover, humidity can make the area smelly. 

Hence, you should never hesitate to get the best humidifier for garages if you think that you fall into this predicament. This box might be the only thing you need to make your garage free from being swampy and musty. 

I hope you did learn something from this guide. If you have other questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below. 

When is the best time of day to use dehumidifiers? 

Well, this is among the questions people ask when they purchased dehumidifiers for the first time. Of course, that’s understandable. After all, your goal here is to ensure that you can optimize the performance of the device. 

Don’t fret. I am going to reveal the answer to this question and some other inquiries you have in mind.

The Best Time Of Day To Use Dehumidifiers

Most of you here are interested in acquiring dehumidifiers. Your problem is moisture, and you want to get rid of it right away. 

However, I always notice that most people are concerned about the power cost that it will incur to run these dehumidifiers. It is the same thing as air purifiers.

Basically, what people are hesitant about is running their dehumidifiers for an entire day. Obviously, doing that 24/7 will undoubtedly increase your electricity bill.

Keep in mind that I always recommend that you keep your dehumidifier operating, especially if there are severe humidity issues in your area. Some regions and states get musty and wet in particular months or seasons. If you are dealing with this predicament, you have no other choice but to maintain the dehumidifier. 

But on regular days, it is quite alright to regulate the operational period of a dehumidifier.

The right time to operate a dehumidifier is during the part of the day where moisture becomes apparent. This means that the dehumidifier must run in the morning. But why?

Why Humidity Is High In The Morning

Let’s talk about a little science here. 

Humidity is higher in the morning than in the latter part of the day. And at this point, you have to know about relative humidity. The latter is expressed as a percentage–between the actual water vapor existing in the air to the maximum volume of water vapor possible. 

For instance, if the air temperature is equivalent to the dew point, then it is entirely possible that the relative humidity is 100%. When the air is warmer, the higher its capacity to “carry” water vapor. Therefore, relative humidity increases when the temperature goes to the dew point and decreases while it increases. 

The relative humidity tends to be the highest during the sunrise. This is the point where the low temperature during the night is closest to the dew point. Humidity lowers when the temperature rises, and it will reach its lowest “value.” during the late afternoon or in the middle of the day. It is when the highest temperature of the day is recorded.

The Best Time To Operate A Humidifier Is Around 5 AM to 10 AM

As mentioned earlier, humidity is highest during this particular period. You have to expect the moisture is still high because the air is still warm, but the external temperature is still low. 

As the heat increases, the humidity in the air gradually dissipates. This is the time where you can stop your dehumidifier from running. 

There are still other time “alternatives” for running a dehumidifier. If you are concerned about your power bill, you can set the dehumidifier from 10 PM to 7 AM. Within this span, energy companies do not put high charges on power consumption, given that only a few people are using electricity.

If the dehumidifier has a timer function, take advantage of it. For instance, you can operate it for four hours in the morning then four hours in the evening. This will significantly lower the power costs of having a dehumidifier. 

According to some people, the dehumidifier should run at least 12 hours a day to ensure that there’s no excess moisture left in the air. Well, you can follow such a recommendation if you have severe humidity problems. But for those who simply want to deal with slight moisture issues, there’s no need to do so. 

Are Dehumidifiers Energy-Efficient?

Many are worried that these dehumidifiers are gluttons when it comes to electrical consumption. While it is true that there are units that consume too much electricity, the majority of dehumidifiers are not. 

Modern dehumidifiers are designed to operate efficiently, minus the cost. As much as possible, pick those dehumidifiers that have the “Energy Star” label. They are the ones that have been proven to use less energy when they are running. Specifically, they are using energy-efficient compressors, refrigeration coils, and fans to mitigate their power consumption. 

Compared to other dehumidifiers that don’t have the “Energy Star” label, these energy-efficient dehumidifiers use 15% less electricity. In the long-run, that would help you save a lot of money.

Should You Get A Big Or Small Dehumidifier?

Another question that people often ask is the size of the dehumidifier that they should get. 

Specifically, the issue here is the actual capacity and “strength” of the dehumidifier. For starters, small dehumidifiers are meant for small rooms. In that application, they are the most efficient as they can absorb the moisture in the air without the need to spend too much electricity. Therefore, there’s no need for you to operate them continuously or for long straight hours. 

Keep in mind that small dehumidifiers have smaller power consumption than their larger counterparts. 

However, don’t commit the mistake of buying small dehumidifiers for large rooms just because you think that they are energy-efficient. Their performance is not designed to accommodate multiple rooms or overly-sized bedrooms and living spaces. If you get these small dehumidifiers, you will end up using them non-stop and still not getting your desired results. 

The best option here is to get a single, large unit that is rated to work on the specified dimensions of your home. The device will not give you a sorry excuse; within a certain period, it can dehumidify your space, leaving no trace of moisture.

For a more comprehensive guide, the sizing chart below can help you out. 

Room Size
	300 square feet	500 square feet	800 square feet	1200 square feet
Condition	Humidifier Capacity
Slightly Damp50%-60% HumidityAir feels slightly heavy	20 pint	25 – 30 pint	35 – 40 pint	50 pint
Moderately Damp60%-70% HumidityOccasional musty smell	20 pint	25 – 30 pint	35 – 40 pint	50 pint
Very Damp70%-80% HumidityWet spots on walls and floors	25 pint	30 pint	45 pint	55 pint
Wet80%-100% HumiditySeepage on walls and floor;Molds are apparent	25 – 35 pint	35 – 40 pint	45 – 50 pint	60 pint

Conclusion

The best time of day to use dehumidifiers should be on periods where the moisture in your indoor space is high. Specifically, it should start on the dawn then up to the later part of the morning before noontime. But you can always operate your dehumidifier if you think that there are excessive levels of moisture that are lingering in the air. You should be able to solve this problem right away. 

I hope that you learned from this guide. If you have other questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.