Tuesday Tip Day Post – September 7, 2021
| Why Dehumidify? Too much moisture indoors can lead to mold and bacteria growth, pest problems, and damage your building.Moisture problems indoors aren’t limited to liquid water from rain storms, ice dams, or plumbing leaks. Warm air that contains a lot of moisture (has high relative humidity) can condense on cooler surfaces causing the same problems indoors as a liquid water event.It is important to monitor the relative humidity (RH) of the air in your home, and remove some of the moisture (dehumidify) when levels are too high. Maintaining an RH of 30-60% will help prevent mold, bacteria and pest problems indoors. Simple devices to measure the RH indoors are available at your local hardware store. |
How to Choose a Dehumidifier
Size: Dehumidifiers range in size and function, from portable, one-room units to whole-building solutions that tie into the HVAC system. The size is determined by its total moisture removal capacity, rated in pints of water removed per day. A dehumidifier’s capacity will indicate how large of a space can manage. Measure the square footage and moisture conditions of the area you’d like to dehumidify to get a good idea of the capacity you will need.
Drainage. Some dehumidifiers require you to manually empty the tank on a regular basis to prevent automatic shut-off. Others have a drain hose that uses gravity to continually drain the water into a drain. If it has a pump, the water can be expelled vertically, which may be ideal for basements lacking floor drains.
Efficiency: Some units will use less electricity for the same drying capacity.
Temperature: Some units work best in warmer temperatures (70-90 degrees). Others are designed to work well even in lower temperatures.
Cost: The price tag for a dehumidifier correlates to its quality, design, capacity, efficiency, and function. Weigh all of the options in order to choose the best dehumidifier for your indoor space.
Heat Pump: If you have a heat pump or heat pump hot water heater, your unit can dehumidify and cool your indoor spaces during the hot, humid summer months. Continue to monitor your relative humidity, however, and use a dehumidifier if humidity levels are consistently above 50-60%.
Learn More
From Energy Star
Additional Information about Dehumidifier Testing and Capacity | Products | ENERGY STAR
