Last updated on July 19th, 2023 at 07:33 pm
Humidity can be a real problem in the home, causing everything from musty odors to mold growth. One of the best ways to eliminate excess moisture is using a dehumidifier. But where is the best place to put a dehumidifier? Read on to learn the most effective places to set up your dehumidifier for maximum benefits.
Dehumidifier Placement Guide
Place the unit in a central and open area in the room or home to provide maximum coverage. They should also place it on a flat surface that supports its weight and has proper airflow around it. To ensure the humidity in the balanced, position it at least 12 inches from walls and other objects so air can circulate freely.
Avoid placing the unit near window panes or any drafty area to prevent cold air from entering and affecting its performance.
Lastly, ensure to position the unit where you can easily access it for maintenance, like cleaning its filter or emptying the water tank. By following these guidelines, your dehumidifier can perform optimally while ensuring a comfortable living space for you and your family.
Locations To Place Your Dehumidifier For The Best Results
For placement ideas of a dehumidifier for the best results, the most important thing is to ensure that the unit is in the center of the room and has good air circulation. This means placing it in an open area, such as a living room or basement, and away from walls, furniture, and other items that could block airflow. Open a door and place near opening if unable to center unit in room.
Locations to consider:
- Basements and crawl spaces are two of the most common areas for high condensation levels in the home. This can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and other allergens, as well as cause damage to clothing and furniture stored in these areas. Setting up a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces can help reduce the need to keep these areas safe and dry.
- The kitchen and bathroom are also sources of moisture because they frequently use water-based appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and showers.
- A bedroom with high humidity levels in your home can cause discomfort while sleeping and encourage dust mites, which can cause allergies or asthma symptoms. Placing a dehumidifier in bedrooms can help make them more comfortable while reducing allergens at the same time.
- Laundry rooms are also a source of humidity in your home.
How Do Portable Dehumidifiers Work?
They work by drawing in the moist air and passing it through refrigerated coils, which cool the air, causing moisture to condense on the coils. Depending on the model, they drain away or collect this collected water into a removable tank.
The resulting dry air is returned to the room, reducing humidity levels affecting sleep. Some models also come with additional features, such as adjustable humidity settings and automatic shut-off, making them even more efficient and user-friendly.
Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers can benefit your home, reducing humidity and helping improve air quality. They are also easy to use and maintain, making them an ideal choice for any homeowner. Besides these benefits, dehumidifiers are beneficial during hot summer weather when humidity can make indoor temperatures unbearable.
Poor air quality in your home leads to many problems. For example, mold and mildew can grow in areas with excess humidity, causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions in some people. Indoor air pollution caused by mold spores is a serious health concern, so a dehumidifier regularly can help improve the quality of your indoor air.
Another important benefit of using a dehumidifier is that it can also help reduce energy costs. Excess indoor humidity levels make your air conditioning unit work harder to keep the temperature cool, so dehumidifiers can help lower energy use and save money on utility bills.
Where To Place Dehumidifier In Crawl Space
When placing a dehumidifier in a crawl space, it is essential to consider certain factors to ensure optimal performance. It is generally recommended to avoid placing the dehumidifier too close to the crawl space door, as doors can often leak in outside air and affect the unit’s effectiveness. Instead, a more central location within the crawl space is ideal.
However, if placing the dehumidifier in the dead center of the crawl space is not feasible due to maintenance accessibility, bringing it closer to a foundation wall is suggested. In this case, it is advisable to position the intake side of the dehumidifier facing the wall while allowing the dry air or output side to blow into the largest crawl space area.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure proper drainage of the dehumidifier. The drain line should be directed outside the crawl space. However, in colder regions where freezing can occur, such as Illinois or Michigan, draining the unit under the vapor barrier may be necessary to prevent freezing during the coldest months.
Overall, the placement of the dehumidifier in a crawl space should prioritize central positioning or closer to a foundation wall, while considering accessibility for maintenance and appropriate drainage methods. Proper placement will contribute to effective moisture control and improved indoor air quality in the crawl space.
What Humidity Level Should A Dehumidifier Be Set At?
The humidity level settings will depend on the environment in which it’s used. A humidity level between 35-50% is recommended for most household applications. This humidity range will ensure an acceptable amount of moisture in the air, preventing mold and mildew from growing and causing damage to your home or other possessions.
If you live in a humid area, you might need to set your dehumidifier to a lower setting, which will vary depending on the climate. Set your dehumidifier for a humidity level within 5% of the readings. This should help you find an optimal setting that will thoroughly remove moisture from your home’s air and keep it at an ideal level for indoor comfort.
Getting The Most From A Dehumidifier
• Keep the dehumidifier clean for the best performance
• Use a dehumidifier to reduce energy costs by lowering air conditioning needs
• Keep the dehumidifier at the recommended levels for your area
• Pour water collected in a tank into the garden or plants
Be sure to regularly change or clean filters and vacuum out any dust or debris that may accumulate inside.
Another important tip for maximizing the benefits of a dehumidifier is to ensure you dispose of the water it collects effectively. Whether pouring this water into your garden or washing your windows with it, there are many ways to take advantage of this free resource and reuse it.
Finally, it is important to keep your dehumidifier at the recommended humidity level for your area. This setting may vary slightly depending on where you live, but it should be below 50%.
Conclusion
When excessive moisture in the air is high, it can make indoor temperatures feel unbearable and can also lead to health problems. Dehumidifiers are appliances that remove moisture from the air, making them an ideal choice for any homeowner looking to improve indoor air quality and comfort. Besides these benefits, dehumidifiers can also help reduce energy costs by lowering air conditioning needs.
FAQ
Should you run a dehumidifier all the time?
Running a dehumidifier all the time can be beneficial if you live in an environment with high humidity. It helps reduce the air’s moisture, improving air quality and reducing the risk of mold growth.
Will one dehumidifier do the whole house?
For dehumidifying a whole house, over one dehumidifier may be needed. Depending on the size of the house, its insulation, ventilation, and levels of humidity. it might need multiple dehumidifiers to achieve an optimal level of dryness throughout the home.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry out a room?
The time it takes for a dehumidifier to dry out a room depends on several factors, such as size and humidity. Use a standard dehumidifier in a small or moderately sized room with average humidity. It should take about 24 to 48 hours for the room to reach optimal levels of dryness.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as the size and type of dehumidifier, the climate where it is located, and how often the machine is used. A standard dehumidifier will consume 200-400 watts of power when running. If the unit runs for several hours a day. You can calculate electrical usage with this dehumidifier calculator tool.
When should you not run a dehumidifier?
If the air outside is already dry and the relative humidity is below 40%, running a dehumidifier can make the air inside even drier as it removes moisture. This can lead to uncomfortable air that feels stuffy, causes nosebleeds, and may even cause damage to wood floors or furniture.
