How Does a Dehumidifier Work? Your Dehumidifier Q's Answered

Have you ever entered a room and felt it’s uncomfortably damp or sticky? Or maybe you've seen mould growing on your walls or furniture, no matter how much you clean. If so, a dehumidifier could be just what you need.

In this guide, we’ll explain how dehumidifiers work and why they’re useful for your home. We’ll cover everything from their basic functions to the benefits they provide. Whether you want to improve your indoor air quality, protect your belongings, or just make your space more comfortable, this blog will give you all the information you need.

Let’s explore how dehumidifiers can help create a better living environment for you.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is an appliance designed to remove excess moisture from the air in your home. By lowering the humidity levels, it helps create a more comfortable and healthier environment. Dehumidifiers are especially useful in spaces prone to dampness, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

These appliances come in various sizes and capacities to suit different needs. From small units that are perfect for single rooms to larger models designed for whole-house use, there’s a dehumidifier to fit every space. Whether you want to prevent mould, reduce allergens, or simply make the air feel fresher, a dehumidifier can help achieve those goals.

How a dehumidifier works

Dehumidifiers work by pulling in humid air from a room, passing it over cooling coils where the moisture condenses into water droplets. This water is collected in a tank or directed to a drain, while the now dry air is reheated to a comfortable temperature and released back into the room. Through this process, the overall humidity level in the space is gradually reduced, creating a more comfortable and healthier environment.

Benefits of using a dehumidifier

Using a dehumidifier offers more than just a comfortable living environment; it also brings numerous benefits to your health and home. By effectively managing moisture levels, a dehumidifier can enhance air quality, protect your belongings, and even improve energy efficiency. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of incorporating a dehumidifier into your space.

Healthier air quality

A dehumidifier plays a crucial role in improving air quality by reducing excess moisture in your home. High humidity levels create an ideal environment for allergens such as mould, dust mites, and mildew to thrive. These allergens can trigger respiratory issues, allergies, and asthma symptoms. By lowering the humidity, a dehumidifier helps to inhibit the growth of these harmful substances, leading to cleaner, healthier air. With improved air quality, you can breathe easier and enjoy a more comfortable and safe living space.

Comfort

High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable, especially during warmer months. When the air is laden with moisture, it can feel warmer than it actually is, causing discomfort and even contributing to a sticky, clammy feeling. A dehumidifier helps by removing excess moisture from the air, making it feel cooler and more refreshing.

This not only enhances your overall comfort but can also reduce the need for air conditioning, as the space will naturally feel more pleasant at a lower temperature. By maintaining optimal humidity levels, a dehumidifier creates a more enjoyable living environment year-round.

Protection for your home

Excess moisture in your home can lead to significant damage over time, affecting everything from the structural integrity of your house to the condition of your furniture and electronics. High humidity can cause wooden furniture to warp, paint to peel, and metal surfaces to rust. It also promotes the growth of mould and mildew, which can damage walls, ceilings, and flooring.

By controlling the humidity levels, a dehumidifier helps to protect your home and its contents from moisture-related issues, preserving the longevity and appearance of your belongings and maintaining the overall health of your living space.

Odour reduction

High humidity levels often lead to the development of musty odours, typically caused by mould and mildew thriving in damp environments. These unpleasant smells can permeate your home, making it feel less fresh and inviting.

By removing excess moisture from the air, a dehumidifier helps to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, thereby reducing or even eliminating these musty odours. As a result, your home smells cleaner and feels more comfortable, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.

Energy efficiency

Using a dehumidifier can actually make your home more energy-efficient. When humidity levels are high, your air conditioning system has to work harder to cool the air, as the moisture makes the air feel warmer. By lowering the humidity, a dehumidifier reduces the strain on your air conditioner, allowing it to cool your home more effectively and efficiently. This can lead to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.

Additionally, maintaining a comfortable humidity level means you may not need to run your air conditioner as often, further contributing to energy savings.

How to choose a dehumidifier for your home

Choosing the right dehumidifier involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs. From the size of the area you need to dehumidify to the features that best suit your lifestyle, making an informed decision can help you get the most out of your investment. Here’s a guide to help you select the ideal dehumidifier for your home.

Size and capacity

When selecting a dehumidifier, it's important to consider the size of the area you need to dehumidify. Dehumidifiers come in various capacities, typically measured in pints of moisture removed per day. For small rooms or spaces, a unit with a lower capacity may suffice.

However, for larger areas or whole-house applications, you'll need a dehumidifier with a higher capacity to effectively manage the moisture levels. Assess the square footage of the space and choose a dehumidifier that matches your needs to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

Humidity level

Assessing the current humidity level in your space is crucial when choosing a dehumidifier. If you live in a particularly humid climate or have areas prone to high moisture, such as basements or bathrooms, you might need a more powerful unit. Consider using a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home.

A higher-capacity dehumidifier will be more effective in managing extreme humidity levels, ensuring a comfortable and dry environment. For typical household use, a standard dehumidifier should suffice, but specialised units may be necessary for high-humidity situations.

Features

When selecting a dehumidifier, consider the features that will best meet your needs. Look for an adjustable humidistat that allows you to set and maintain your desired humidity level. An auto-shutoff feature is useful for preventing overflow when the tank is full. Continuous drainage options provide a hassle-free way to manage water collection by directing it to a drain, eliminating the need for frequent tank emptying.

Additionally, washable filters can save on maintenance costs by reducing the need for replacements. These features can enhance convenience and ensure the dehumidifier operates efficiently according to your specific requirements.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is an important factor when choosing a dehumidifier, as it impacts both your utility bills and environmental footprint. Look for models that are Energy Star-rated, which indicates they meet high energy efficiency standards. Energy-efficient dehumidifiers use less electricity to remove moisture, helping to reduce overall operating costs.

By selecting a unit with good energy performance, you can enjoy effective humidity control while minimising your energy consumption and contributing to a more sustainable household.

Noise level

Noise level is an essential consideration, especially if you plan to use the dehumidifier in living areas or bedrooms where quiet is important. Dehumidifiers can vary in how loud they operate, with some models being relatively quiet and others more noticeable. Check the product specifications for noise levels, usually measured in decibels (dB). Opting for a model designed to operate quietly can help maintain a peaceful environment while still effectively managing moisture levels in your home.

Your dehumidifier Q’s answered

Have questions about how dehumidifiers work or their maintenance? Here, we address some common queries to help you better understand how to use and care for your dehumidifier effectively. Whether you're wondering about operational costs, mould prevention, or seasonal use, these answers will provide the clarity you need.

How often do I need to empty the water tank?

The frequency with which you need to empty the water tank of your dehumidifier depends on several factors, including the unit's capacity and the humidity level in your space. In highly humid conditions, you may need to empty the tank daily. Some models, however, feature continuous drainage options that allow the water to be directed to a drain, eliminating the need for manual emptying. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific guidance based on your model and usage.

Can a dehumidifier help with mould?

Yes, a dehumidifier can help with mould prevention. By lowering the humidity levels in your home, a dehumidifier creates an environment less conducive to mould and mildew growth. Mould thrives in damp conditions, so reducing moisture can significantly inhibit its development. Regular use of a dehumidifier can help keep your indoor air dry, preventing mould from forming and improving overall air quality.

Is it expensive to run a dehumidifier?

Modern dehumidifiers are designed to be energy-efficient, so running one typically doesn't incur high costs. The expense largely depends on the unit's power consumption and how frequently it operates. Energy Star-rated models are particularly efficient and can help keep electricity costs low. While there may be some cost associated with running a dehumidifier, it is generally modest compared to the benefits of improved air quality and protection for your home.

Can I use a dehumidifier in winter?

Yes, you can use a dehumidifier in winter. In fact, it can be quite beneficial during this season. Winter indoor humidity levels can still be high due to heating systems, which can cause condensation on windows and contribute to mould growth. A dehumidifier helps manage moisture levels, preventing condensation and maintaining a comfortable, dry indoor environment. It’s a useful tool year-round to keep humidity in check and protect your home from moisture-related issues.

Do dehumidifiers need maintenance?

Yes, dehumidifiers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the water tank as needed, cleaning or replacing the filter periodically, and checking the coils for dust and debris. Regular maintenance helps the unit operate efficiently, prolongs its lifespan, and maintains air quality. Following the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines will keep your dehumidifier running smoothly and effectively.

The range of dehumidifiers at Briscoes

A dehumidifier can make your home more comfortable and healthier by reducing humidity. It helps with better air quality, protects your belongings, and can even save on energy costs. Choosing the right dehumidifier for your needs will enhance your living space.

Interested in improving your home environment? Check out Briscoes for a great selection of dehumidifiers.