Dehumidifiers help control humidity in homes, reducing the presence of mould and condensation on walls and windows. They are also helpful for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions, as high humidity can trigger these problems.
They are often used to reduce moisture in the air that promotes allergens and can be especially helpful in rooms where water is used, such as bathrooms or laundry rooms, which can be a breeding ground for dust mites, mold and mildew. They can also help to discourage insects such as cockroaches, silverfish and spiders from moving in or coming back after being expelled.
The way they work is simple but effective. They draw in air, filter it and cool the air so that it condenses on a surface inside the machine, which drips into a reservoir. Then a reheater slightly heats the air and exhausts it back into the room much drier than when it entered the unit.
It’s important to choose a model that is suitable for the room it is being used in. Ideally, it should be able to remove at least four pints of water per day in a 24-hour period. If the room is very damp, you might need to consider a larger capacity unit.
Some models also have a Humidistat function, which allows you to set a precise relative humidity target. This will allow you to avoid over-drying the air and help reduce energy costs, as they will use less power to operate when the humidity is below a certain level.
They can be particularly useful in rooms where people are often more likely to develop allergy symptoms, such as children’s bedrooms or those with asthma. Besides lowering the air humidity, a dehumidifier can also remove some of the spores and debris that cause these issues.
When choosing a dehumidifier, make sure you buy one that meets Energy Star requirements and that has an EF rating (energy factor) of at least 3. The higher the EF number, the more water it will remove from the air per kilowatt hour of electricity it uses.
The best dehumidifiers will have a removable water tank that you can fill and empty manually or with the aid of a pump. Some will also have a warning light to let you know when the bucket is full, which will help you avoid having to empty it too frequently.
These units will also save you money on your utility bills, so look for a model that meets Energy Star’s standards and has a high energy factor. You may also want to look for a model that has a frost sensor, which will prevent frost from forming on the coils if the temperature falls below 65 degrees.
If you’re not sure which model is right for your home, you can always call us to discuss it in person. We can help you find a dehumidifier that will suit your needs, and give you the best advice to make the most of it.