Dehumidifiers are often run continuously just like appliances such as refrigerators. They are there to remove the moisture problem you have in your home. But if refrigerators last for years, sometimes even decades, can we expect the same lifespan from dehumidifiers? How long do dehumidifiers last?
You will be disappointed to know that dehumidifiers aren’t as long-lasting as refrigerators. At most, you might be able to get 5 years out of your dehumidifier before it breaks down completely or shows signs of malfunction. However, that is not always set in stone. There are still some factors that can affect the lifespan of a dehumidifier.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Dehumidifiers As mentioned above, certain factors affect the life of dehumidifiers. Here are some of those factors:
Brand. The brand actually plays a big role in how long your dehumidifier will last. A cheap dehumidifier from a no-name brand will most likely give up on you after a year or two. Dehumidifiers from more reputable brands pay more stringent attention to the build and quality of their products. They can be relied on to test their products first before they are released in the market. The engineering and design of the dehumidifiers from these more popular brands are also more reliable than the cheaper brands. If it is a cheap brand, they most likely have cut corners not just in engineering but also in the quality of the parts used.
Size. Smaller dehumidifiers, when used in bigger spaces become overworked. And because they are overworked, their internal parts get worn out faster and they die an earlier death. This is why it is important to find the right size of dehumidifier suitable for your home. If you have a more serious moisture issue in your home, get a bigger dehumidifier that is more capable of sucking moisture out of the air.
Usage. It all starts with the installation. If the dehumidifier is not installed properly such as placing it on uneven ground, it might not function well and the internal parts could end up rattling and not performing effectively. Also, dehumidifiers need some space to exhaust the heat it has collected. That said, you need to station it a bit further away from the wall to allow air to circulate around it and prevent it from overheating. Proper usage is essential in order to prolong its life. If you don’t regularly empty out the chambers and clean the filters, the internal mechanisms of the dehumidifier could end u getting damaged.
External Factors. Is it too hot or too cold? If it is too cold, the condenser coils could end up freezing. You might still be able to thaw it out but if you aren’t using a dehumidifier with an automatic defrost function, it could be damaged permanently.
Type of Dehumidifier. Another factor is the type of dehumidifier you are using. The compressor types are typically more effective in removing moisture in warmer environments. They are also not as expensive to run. However, the compressors could become susceptible to damages. An alternative is the use of desiccant dehumidifiers. They are not ideal for cold climates though because the coils can freeze up. They also produce a lot of noise and they tend to be bulkier.
Tips to Make Your Dehumidifier Last Longer You can have a say when it comes to how long your dehumidifier will last. Here are the things you can do to increase the reliability of your dehumidifier:
- Keep your dehumidifier clean.
Throw out the collected water in the water reservoir. Most dehumidifiers have an automatic shut off feature once the water reservoir has been filled to capacity. Don’t let that water turn moldy or musty. Remind yourself to empty it out regularly. Also make sure you wash the water tank and then use a paper towel to dry it up before putting it back in the unit. If you can’t be bothered with this, you also have the option of installing it directly to a drain for continuous usage.
Also make sure you clean the filter if it has one. Molds can still grow in there along with a host of other harmful bacteria and germs. You don’t want those getting in the air you breathe. Make sure you also clean the exterior of the unit. Remove collected dust and dirt. Use a shop vac to suck up the collected dirt on the exhaust grilles.
- Install it properly.
Make sure it is connected directly to a socket. Do not use an extension cord. It shouldn’t be propped up directly against a wall. Leave at least 6 inches of space between the unit and the dehumidifier to allow it to “breathe”. This will prevent the motor, which is usually located at the back of the unit from overheating due to the heat exhausted.
- Do not overwork your dehumidifier.
You need to give your dehumidifier a rest every now and then. You can also reduce its burden by simply reducing its speed and then controlling the humidity through the humidistat integrated in it. Ideally you would want the humidity levels to be between 40 to 50%. That should suffice in providing good comfort.
- Try using an anti-surge device.
Keep in mind that your dehumidifier is running all the time. If there is a power surge, the internal circuits could become fried up. Appliances with more sensitive mechanisms are prone to this problem. But that can be prevented with the help of an anti-surge device.
Check the Warranty of Your Dehumidifier When buying, one of the things you need to check is the warranty. Find out how comprehensive it is and what is included. Also find out if the manufacturer honors the warranty and how they handle the need for replacement or repair. As much as we want to make our dehumidifiers last long, there are certain circumstances that shorten their lifespan or cause internal problems. But if it is backed by a good warranty, you can reduce some of your worries knowing that you won’t have to spend too much money to have it repaired.
If you’re ready to choose the best long-lasting dehumidifier for your space, check out our reviews of the best 50-pint dehumidifiers. We’ve got you covered with capable recommendations to suit any need!