Dehumidifiers are designed to regulate the humidity of the air in a room. There are portable models and others that are installed permanently, but all reduce the relative humidity of a room and help keep allergens and the causes of respiratory problems under control in general; in this way the house is overall more comfortable.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Choosing the Model
Step 1. Choose the right dehumidifier based on the size of the room
The area of the room is in fact the first factor that you must take into consideration when choosing a dehumidifier model. Measure the square meters of the room and check the specifications on the machine.
Step 2. Check the capacity
The dehumidifiers are divided according to the surface of the room in which they must operate but also according to the humidity levels present. This value is calculated as the amount of water (in liters) extracted from the air in 24 hours. This is to ensure that the room in which it will operate reaches an ideal degree of humidity.
- For example, a 20-22 liter dehumidifier should be installed in a 45m2 room that smells of mold and is damp. Consult a buying guide to understand which model is right for you.
- The dehumidifiers can extract about 20 liters of water from a room of 230 square meters in 24 hours.
Step 3. Use a large dehumidifier for the basement or a particularly large room
In this way you can eliminate humidity from the environment faster. You also won't have to empty the tank very often. The other side of the coin is represented by the costs of electricity, since the bigger the machine, the more electricity it consumes.
Step 4. Purchase a special dehumidifier for certain types of rooms
If you need to control the humidity in a "SPA" type room, in the area of an indoor swimming pool, in a warehouse or in another specific space, then you should rely on a product specifically designed for your needs. Go to an air conditioner installer for advice on this.
Step 5. Purchase a portable model
If you plan to move the dehumidifier from one room to another frequently, it is worth buying a portable one. This type of machine is equipped with wheels at the base and has a limited weight. Its advantage is that it can be placed in different places in the same room.
If you need to dry multiple rooms in your home, you can consider installing a dehumidifier in your HVAC system instead of buying multiple appliances
Step 6. Consider what features your model should have
Modern dehumidifiers have various functions and settings and, generally, the higher their cost, the more “optional” they have. Some of these features are:
- Humidity regulator: This function allows you to control the humidity percentage of the room. Set the ideal level you prefer and when the machine's internal hygrometer detects that the room has reached this percentage, the dehumidifier switches off.
- Internal hygrometer: this is the tool that detects the percentage of humidity in the environment and helps you to correctly set the dehumidifier and maximize its effectiveness.
- Automatic shutdown: Many models switch off by themselves when the room reaches the set humidity level or when the tank is full.
- Automatic defrosting: if the dehumidifier is used a lot, ice could form on the coils, with consequent damage to these elements. A “defrost” function protects the machine fan by melting the ice.
Part 2 of 5: When to Use It
Step 1. Use the dehumidifier when you feel the room is humid
Environments with a musty smell and a “wet” feeling have a high level of relative humidity. The dehumidifier restores an acceptable percentage of humidity; if the walls are wet to the touch, consider using this appliance more often.
If your home has been hit by a flood, you must use the dehumidifier constantly
Step 2. Use the dehumidifier to improve health problems
People with asthma, allergies or colds benefit greatly from a dehumidifier. A room with adequate humidity promotes better breathing, opens sinuses, reduces cough and cold symptoms.
Step 3. Use the dehumidifier in the summer
In regions with a humid climate, summer can be unbearable; the dehumidifier improves comfort inside the house by controlling the relative humidity level.
The dehumidifier works in synergy with the air conditioning system, allowing the latter to be more effective, efficient and keeping the environment comfortable. This "collaboration" also allows you to reduce your bill costs
Step 4. In the colder months, use only a certain type of dehumidifier
Those with compressor are not very efficient when the air temperature drops below 18 ° C. In winter there is a greater chance of ice accumulating on the coils, hindering the dehumidifier's work and causing damage.
Drying dehumidifiers are effective for cold environments. If you need to dry a particularly cold room, these models are the solution for you
Part 3 of 5: Installation
Step 1. Allow air to circulate around the machine
Most models are positioned close to a wall only if equipped with an air outlet on the top. If yours does not have this feature, make sure there is plenty of space around the dehumidifier. Do not lean it against the wall or a piece of furniture: good air circulation allows the dehumidifier to work at its best.
Try to leave 15-30cm of space around the dehumidifier (on all sides)
Step 2. Place the tube carefully
If you have decided to install a water drainage pipe, place it so that it remains stationary in the sink or tub without falling. Check it from time to time to make sure it hasn't moved and is draining properly down the sink. You can use twine to attach the hose to the faucet if you can't block it otherwise.
- For your safety, the hose must not be near electrical sockets or cables.
- Use the shortest tube possible, so you minimize the risk of stepping on or tripping over it.
Step 3. The dehumidifier must be placed away from sources of dust
Avoid placing it near places where a lot of dust is formed (for example in rooms where wood is worked).
Step 4. Install the machine in the wettest room
This is typically the bathroom, laundry room or basement. These are the typical environments where the dehumidifier is installed.
It is also excellent on a boat, when it is left moored at the port
Step 5. Mount the dehumidifier in a room
The most efficient way to use this appliance is to install it in an environment with closed doors and windows. You can also place it in the dividing wall between two rooms, but in this way you reduce its efficiency and force it to more effort.
Step 6. Place it in the center of the room
Most are wall mounted, but there are also portable models. If possible, leave it in the center of the room so its action will be better.
Step 7. Install the dehumidifier in your heating and air conditioning system
The larger models are designed to be part of your HVAC system and are sold with an anchoring kit and other installation accessories.
In this case, you must rely on a specialized technician to carry out the installation
Part 4 of 5: How to Use It
Step 1. Read the manual
Do not miss any pages, so you will know all the specific instructions for the care of your model. Keep it handy so you can refer to it whenever you need it.
Step 2. Measure the humidity level in the room with a hygrometer
This is the specific tool for measuring the humidity value of the air. The ideal relative humidity should be between 45 and 50%. A higher level could cause the proliferation of mold but humidity below 30% contributes to the formation of structural damage to the house such as cracks in the ceiling or between the parquet boards.
Step 3. Insert the plug into the power socket
Make sure the plug has three poles and is polarized. Do not use an extension cable. If you don't have a suitable power outlet, call an electrician to install it.
- Always disconnect the dehumidifier from the power supply by always grasping the plug, never pull the cable.
- Make sure the cable does not bend or get pinched.
Step 4. Turn on the dehumidifier and adjust the settings
Depending on the model, you can adjust the relative humidity level and monitor the hygrometer. Run the machine until it reaches the degree of humidity you want.
Step 5. Let it run for several cycles
The first time you use the machine it is also the most productive. During the first hours, days or weeks of operation, it will eliminate most of the water present in the air. After this first "massive intervention" you will only have to worry about maintaining the relative humidity level you want without having to drastically lower it.
You can set the degree of humidity you want when you turn on the machine
Step 6. Close the doors and windows of the room
The larger the space, the greater the workload of the dehumidifier; if you close a room with the machine inside, it will only remove the humidity from that room.
If you have decided to operate it in the bathroom, also consider what are the sources of humidity: close the toilet lid
Step 7. Empty the water tank frequently
Dehumidifiers produce a lot of water, based on the relative humidity of the environment. If you haven't connected a hose to drain the liquid into the sink, you will need to empty the tank very often. The machine switches off automatically when the tank is full to avoid overflows.
- Unplug the dehumidifier from the power outlet before accessing the tank.
- Check the water level often if the room is very humid.
- Always refer to the instruction manual to understand the approximate frequency with which you need to empty the tank.
Part 5 of 5: Cleaning and Maintenance
Step 1. Read the manual
Do not miss any pages, so you will know all the specific instructions for the care of your model. Keep it handy so you can consult it whenever you need it.
Step 2. Turn off and unplug the dehumidifier
Before cleaning it and proceeding with maintenance, it is important to disconnect the electrical connection to avoid being electrocuted.
Step 3. Clean the water collection tank
Remove it from its housing and wash it with warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth.
- Clean this item regularly, at least once every two weeks.
- If a bad smell remains in the tank, add an “odor-absorbing” tablet. This product is available at home improvement stores and dissolves in water as the tank fills.
Step 4. Check the main reel every season
The dust that accumulates can hinder the effectiveness of the tool, making it less efficient and putting it under strain. Dust can also block the dehumidifier completely causing serious damage.
- Clean the bobbin every 2-3 months to make sure it is free from dust and dirt that would otherwise circulate throughout the machine. A cloth is enough to do this.
- Check that there is no ice buildup on the reel itself. If you find ice crystals, make sure that the dehumidifier is not placed on the floor, which is the coldest part of the room. Put it on a shelf or chair.
Step 5. Check the filter every 6 months
Disassemble the air filter and inspect it for damage. Make sure there are no holes, tears or other damage that could reduce its effectiveness. Depending on the filter model you may be able to clean and reinstall it, some in fact simply need to be replaced. Check the use and maintenance manual for details of your model.
- The air filter is usually located behind the grille door of the appliance. Open the front panel and remove the filter.
- Some manufacturers recommend a more frequent check of the filters, also based on the use of the machine. Always refer to the instructions in the user manual.
Step 6. Wait 10 minutes before turning the dehumidifier on again
Avoid operating it for short times, make sure it lasts a long time by turning it on only after it has "rested" for at least 10 minutes.
