THE BENEFITS OF USING A DEHUMIDIFIER AT HOME

Excess moisture becomes trapped in our homes and reduces the air quality. Too much moisture in the air can lead to many issues, such as allergies, asthma, coughing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, sinus congestion, shortness of breath and more issues. Ventilation is the best way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

A dehumidifier is great for this during the winter, as it prevents you from having to open the window and let cold air in. Instead, the dehumidifier removes the unhealthy air from your home, trapping the impurities, and then circulates clean, healthy air through your home.

Below, appliance expert Simon Hughes at PriceYourJob.co.uk goes through everything you need to know about dehumidifiers, including how they work, things to look out for when buying one, and how to get the most out of the machine.

 

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

Now you know what a dehumidifier is, but how exactly does it work? In this section, we will take a look at how a dehumidifier works so that you can know as much as possible about the appliance before purchasing one.

A dehumidifier works by taking in warm air currents from within your home via a fan. This air then enters refrigerated coils within the machine, and all of the condensation that is present remains within the machine. As the condensation collects within the machine, it falls into a storage tank. The air that is released back into your home is cooler and drier.

 

What Are the Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier?

Here are the key benefits of using a dehumidifier:

Improved Air Quality and Health

• Reduces Allergens: High humidity creates a perfect breeding ground for common allergens like dust mites and mould. A dehumidifier lowers the moisture in the air, making it difficult for these irritants to survive and reproduce.
• Alleviates Allergy and Asthma Symptoms: By controlling the populations of dust mites and mould spores, a dehumidifier can help reduce allergic reactions and make breathing easier, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
• Eliminates Musty Odours: The damp, stuffy air that results from high humidity often leads to musty smells caused by mould and mildew. A dehumidifier removes this moisture, helping to eliminate these unpleasant odours and make your home smell fresher.

Protection for Your Home and Belongings

• Prevents Mould and Mildew Growth: Mould and mildew thrive in moist environments. Dehumidifiers are highly effective at preventing the growth of mould on walls, ceilings, furniture, and other surfaces, which can cause significant damage and health risks.
• Protects Property: Excess moisture can be damaging to many household items. It can cause wood to warp, paint to blister and peel, and metals to rust. A dehumidifier protects your valuable belongings, including furniture, electronics, books, and clothing.
• Reduces Condensation: Dehumidifiers help prevent condensation from forming on windows and other cold surfaces, which can lead to mould growth and water damage.

Increased Comfort and Energy Efficiency 

• Makes Air Feel Cooler: Humid air feels heavier and stickier. By removing the moisture, a dehumidifier can make the air feel cooler and more comfortable, even without lowering the thermostat.
• Helps Dry Laundry Indoors: A dehumidifier can significantly speed up the drying time for clothes when you hang them indoors, making it a useful alternative to a tumble dryer.
• Saves Energy: Because a dehumidifier makes the air feel cooler and more comfortable, it can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system. When your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the air, you can save money on your energy bills.

 

Things to Consider When Buying a Dehumidifier

There are a few things that you may want to consider when choosing a dehumidifier to buy for your home. Below is a list of the main things that you should think about before choosing a model to buy:

Cost

Some dehumidifiers are much more expensive than others. It’s a good idea for you to have a budget in mind before you start searching for a dehumidifier so that you can narrow down your search. The cost of the machine may also determine which type of machine you should be searching for, as some styles will cost more than others.

Size

If you are limited on space in your home, then you may want to search for a small or compact dehumidifier. On the other hand, if you’re planning on buying a dehumidifier that removes humidity in the entire home, then you may want to opt for a bigger machine that can handle what you need.

Noise levels

Some dehumidifiers can be quite loud. With this in mind, if you are interested in a quieter machine, then you should look for machines that are marked as quiet machines. If you are planning on putting your dehumidifier in a room where you may be watching TV, then it would probably be a good idea to opt for a quiet machine so that you can still hear the TV when the machine is on.

Digital controls

Some dehumidifiers have digital controls and screens that allow you to see how much humidity is in the air at any one time. If these features are important to you, then you should search for machines that come with these features included. Although they tend to cost more, these machines can provide you with some interesting information about the air in your home.

 

Common Dehumidifier Mistakes

Not Cleaning the Filter

Dehumidifiers work by pulling the air inside over and over to dry it out. Often, other things will also enter the dehumidifier, such as dust and pet hair. This will build up over time and can cause clogs inside the system. Check the filter regularly and clean it with a damp cloth. Wait for the filter to dry before placing it back in the machine. It’s also worth replacing the filter every few months to ensure your dehumidifier lasts for many years.

Putting the Dehumidifier in the Wrong Place

It’s best to place your dehumidifier close to the source of the moisture issue to help ensure the problem is dealt with as quickly as possible. It isn’t recommended that you place a dehumidifier in the bathroom, as they are not IP-rated. Instead, place it just outside the bathroom and leave the bathroom door open to help reduce air moisture quickly. Place the dehumidifier close to the area where there is the most moisture while also ensuring there is enough airflow around the machine for it to work effectively.

Placing the Machine too Close to a Wall 

In order to get the best results from your dehumidifier, it’s recommended that you place the machine at least 20 centimetres away from any walls. It’s also recommended that you keep your dehumidifier away from any draughts from windows, doors, or air vents. This will ensure that the machine can work to its optimal efficiency.

 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Dehumidifier

Set The Correct Humidity Level

 The optimal relative humidity level is 30 – 50%. If the humidity is higher than that, this can cause breeding of mould, mildew, and dust mites. Anything over 30 – 50% can also lead to triggering allergies.

Place The Dehumidifier in The Correct Area 

It’s important to allow enough space around the machine for air to flow freely into and out of the machine. It’s also best to place your dehumidifier away from draughts and close to the most humid area of the home.

Keep Windows and Doors Closed 

Enclosing the area where your dehumidifier sits will allow it to work more efficiently.

Regularly Empty The Water Tank

When the water tank is full, a light will appear on the machine, and it will shut off to prevent overflowing. To keep your dehumidifier running, be sure to empty the tank regularly.

Keep on Top of Cleaning and Maintenance 

The filter in the machine cleans the air as it flows through the dehumidifier. When the filter is dirty, this will have a negative effect on how efficient the dehumidifier is. Many modern dehumidifier models have an indicator light which informs you when it’s time to clean the filter. When the grill on the machine is dirty, this slows the movement of air and can prevent your machine from working as efficiently as it could. This is why it is important to keep on top of cleaning and maintaining your dehumidifier, as it helps to ensure the machine runs as efficiently as possible.

 

How to Clean a Dehumidifier

It is recommended that you clean your dehumidifier at least once each week. Follow the steps below to effectively clean your dehumidifier:

1. Take the machine apart – It can be difficult; however, this is an important thing to do if you want to properly clean your dehumidifier. Turn the machine off and unplug it. Then, follow the steps in the manual to disassemble the machine.
2. Clean the water tank – Give the tank a good scrub down. Create a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water and place this in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture in the tank and allow the spray to sit for several minutes before wiping it away with a sponge or clean cloth.
3. Clean the filter and coils – Remove all of the accumulated dirt from the filter and coils by scrubbing in up and down motions with a soft-bristle brush. Spray the coils with your vinegar spray mixture and leave it to settle for a few minutes. Then, pour some lukewarm water over the coils to wash this away. Be sure to cover the motor to prevent any water from getting into that area.
4. Clean the fan blades – Wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove all of the accumulated dirt, dust, and particles.
5. Clean the interior of the machine – You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the inside of the machine. Use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to ensure you can get into all the little nooks and crannies.
6. Reassemble the machine – Once all of the components are clean and dry, you can then reassemble the dehumidifier and begin using it again.

Final Thoughts

Using a dehumidifier is a simple yet powerful way to improve the health and comfort of your home. By effectively removing excess moisture from the air, these devices do much more than just reduce humidity. They actively prevent the growth of harmful allergens like dust mites and mould, creating a healthier environment for those with allergies and asthma. Additionally, dehumidifiers protect your property and belongings from moisture-related damage, such as warping wood and peeling paint, while also eliminating the musty odours that often accompany damp conditions. Ultimately, a dehumidifier is a valuable investment that helps you maintain a fresher, more comfortable, and healthier living space, all while potentially lowering your energy costs.

 

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR… SIMON HUGHES

Simon Hughes has worked as an appliance expert for over 20 years and also provides expert advice to PriceYourJob on a regular basis. Simon still works in the field in addition to providing expert advice. In his work, Simon provides appliance diagnostics, repairs and advice. As an appliance expert, Simon’s tips have been featured in a range of publications, both online and in print. 

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