The first step to improving the air quality in your home is by getting and installing a dehumidifier. This equipment works in drawing excess moisture out of the air and collecting them in a water reservoir or expelling them through the house and down the drain.
A dehumidifier is helpful in preventing molds from developing. Molds like to grow in damp environment, so it helps to place a dehumidifier in the areas of your home where these microorganisms are more likely to grow and propagate such as in the bathroom, the basement in your crawl spaces.
Some Tips in Using a Dehumidifier
Although a dehumidifier has pretty straightforward functions, some people are still at a loss as to how to operate one. Here are some tips that would be of help:
- Find a good place to install the dehumidifier.
Proper installation and placement are crucial to the functionality of your dehumidifier. If it isn’t placed in an ideal location, it might not work quite as well in removing the excess moisture in the air. Ideally, you would want to place the dehumidifier somewhere higher. Elevating it prevents the condenser coils from freezing up, especially in the winter. Since the hot air rises, it is ideal to place the dehumidifier somewhere higher.
- Know all the features of your dehumidifier.
Before turning it on, you need to check the manual first and read the specifications in there. You would want to know more about the full features of the dehumidifier and if there are things that can help dehumidify a room more effectively. This will also let you know if your humidifier has special needs when it comes to installation, so you can perform these steps and avoid running your dehumidifier improperly.
- Adjust the humidity levels.
Most dehumidifiers today come with adjustable humidity levels. This will let you control how much humidity is in the air, which can prevent the dehumidifier from taking out too much moisture. You still need moisture in the air in order to breathe better.
- Make sure there is enough space around your dehumidifier.
It expels heat and air, so it is important that there is ample space around the dehumidifier in order to prevent overheating and ensure that the unit is working seamlessly. Ideally, there should be about 6-12 inches of space on all sides of the dehumidifier. Don’t put it too close to a wall or too close to other appliances and furniture.
- Connect it to a hose.
Dehumidifiers today can be connected to a hose. If you want to run the dehumidifier continuously and you can’t be bothered with taking out the collected water in the tank and cleaning the tank, using a hose and then directing it to a drain is your best course of action. Make sure you connect the hose tightly or you could end up having leaky problems. Also avoid directing it near electrical outlets.
- Find out if you can connect it to your HVAC system.
Some bigger-sized dehumidifiers can be configured to be connected to the HVAC system. Don’t attempt to do this on your own. Contact an HVAC technician so he will check if you have a dehumidifier compatible with your HVAC system.
How to Set Your Dehumidifier
Set the dehumidifier to your preferred settings. It should come with a power level and a fan speed option. The power level will determine how hard the machine will work to keep excess moisture out. Of course, the higher the power level, the stronger it will suck moisture from the air. However, the higher the power level, the noisier it gets. Save the highest setting for when there is unusually high moisture content in the air. Also choose the right fan speed option that will correspond to the needs of the room. If you need more ventilation, set it up higher.
Your dehumidifier should have a timer button. Use this to program how long you want the dehumidifier to work. Also program the humidity levels. Once the unit has achieved the pre-set humidity level, it will automatically stop running.
Ideally, it should have 30-50% humidity during the summer season when the weather is warmer. If you are running your home heating system, set it to 30-40% of humidity. You can also get the help of a hygrometer to help you measure humidity levels accurately.
Buying a Dehumidifier Control
A dehumidifier control is a lot like a thermostat and a remote control. It helps you operate your unit remotely. These devices are usually equipped with a sensor that works in checking the humidity levels in the room.
Some of these controls are hardwired into your existing dehumidifier. However, there may be smart controllers that can be operated through the use of WiFi technology. These units allow you to also configure the speed and the power of the unit.
When buying a dehumidifier control, make sure you choose that works or is compatible with the type of dehumidifier that you have. Obviously, you would want it to be compatible in order or it to work. Do your research to find out if it will work with your existing dehumidifier or if you haven’t bought a dehumidifier yet, get one with a controller already included.
Check the features of the controller. Make sure the controls are easy to understand and easy to operate. You should be able to see the numbers clearly. Installation is also crucial. Find out if it is easy to install and hardwire or if you will still need the help of a professional to accomplish this task.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, what type of dehumidifier you are using still plays a big role on how you will maximize its use. If you are not using one with a lot of features, you might have a hard time getting the settings you want. This is why when shopping for a dehumidifier, look for those replete with the features that you are looking for and will make controlling indoor humidity levels a lot more convenient You can get more information and see our current recommendations for any application in our comprehensive buying guide.