Dehumidifiers are a must-have in many homes, but if you’re not taking the right precautions, they could be doing more harm than good. For instance, did you know that operating your dehumidifier at too high of a temperature can lead to premature wear and tear?
In this post we will discuss how operating temperatures work with dehumidifiers, what to do when it seems like your unit is running too hot or cold for comfort (or if you just want to ensure everything is working properly), and some other tips for making sure your home stays as comfortable as possible all year long. We hope our insights help you make an informed decision about which model is best for your needs!
Dehumidifier Temperature Minimum Guidelines
Residential dehumidifiers should be used in normal room temperatures. "Normal" means a temperature between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit for most residential areas. If your dehumidifier has a different ideal operating range, you should use that as an approximation for your area's typical temperature.
Efficiency and performance do suffer if they are used in extreme cold or hot temperatures, so you won't be getting the most out of your dehumidifier if you set it to a temperature range that is too hot or cold.
Dehumidifiers should never be placed near heat sources such as furnace vents, fireplaces or baseboards. The heat will put unneeded wear and tear on the machine and could cause damage.
The best dehumidifier operating temperatures are ideal ranges for the units to work at maximum efficiency and capacity. It's not a safety issue, since most residential units are designed to run safely at much lower temperatures.
Ideal Dehumidifier Operating Temperatures
The ideal operating temperature for refrigerant dehumidifiers is between 70 and 90 degrees F.
Best Dehumidifiers for Different Temperature Ranges
Residential Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant dehumidifiers work best in temperatures above 60 degrees F. These dehumidifiers are the most affordable solution for basement or crawl space humidity problems where temperatures stay above 60 degrees F year-round.
A standard basement or crawl space dehumidifier removes between 8 and 12 pints of moisture a day at full capacity.
Heavy-Duty Commercial Dehumidifiers
These heavy-duty commercial dehumidifiers work in temperatures as low as 41 degrees F, but efficiency decreases as the temperature decreases. For example, a desiccant dehumidifier designed for use in temperatures 41 to 95 degrees F will only remove about 15% more humidity than its refrigerant counterpart, but will cost twice as much because of its dehumidifier heat pump technology.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers work more efficiently than refrigerant dehumidifiers in cold temperatures. This is because the desiccant wheel requires heat and absorbs moisture from the air, while the refrigerant coil must be cooled below ambient temperature to condense water.
In other words, it takes a lot less energy for the desiccant wheel to reach its optimal temperature of around 80-degree F than it does for the refrigerant to be cold enough. So you can run a desiccant dehumidifier more efficiently in colder temperatures.
Additionally, desiccant dehumidifiers can remove moisture from the air even if it’s above 80 degrees F because they absorb moisture right from the air.
LGR (Low Grain Refrigerant) Dehumidifiers
LGR dehumidifiers are a newer technology that uses refrigerant but it's in a lower state of physical matter than traditional refrigerants.
They provide a more efficient process for dehumidification because they have the ability to remove condensate at much lower temperatures. They also work more quietly and are easier to maintain than standard refrigerant units.
For this reason, we're seeing a rise in popularity of LGR units in difficult drying situations – specifically those that require operation in temperatures consistently below 60 degrees F.
The only downside is they are quite pricey compared to standard refrigerant dehumidifiers and don’t operate as efficiently at higher temperatures.
Bottom Line: LGR dehumidifiers are a good choice if you live in a cold, challenging environment and need to operate your dehumidifier year-round.
Dehumidifier Temperature affects relative humidity and Air Temperature
The dew point is the amount of water water in the air, relative to full saturation of the air. With little change in the temperature, the air has to lower relative humidity. In a 60°F room, the humidity drops to 48% without water being removed. 100% relative humidity means the air can't hold any more water vapor than half the water vapor it's capable of holding.
Most people find between 40% and 60% RH to be ‘comfortable” The ideal conditions are based on what kind and how much dehumidification, ventilation, and heating/cooling systems would work best in the space you have.
Temperature and Dew Point
Dew point is the point at which water vapor condense into liquid water. The dew point can tell you the comfort level of the space and the method of dehumidification needed to remove water.
Temperatures are important for maintaining the proper level of relative humidity. Proper temperature control, ventilation, and moisture control will keep the conditions where you want them where they are needed to meet desired conditions.
For example, the Midwest, which sees “sticky’s” weather, in this case, it is easier for Arizona than Midwest where Arizona is more dry and more dryer than Midwest, with a cooler than Midwest. So Arizona is there could be lower relative humidity.
However, the Southwest tends to have higher relative humidity in hot humid areas, where the Midwest has a moderated range of temperature and moisture.
The right conditions will allow you to set your ideal level of comfort for years to come.
What is humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is measured by exposing a “saturated” cake of salt to the air and recording how much it loses weight over time. This is called a psychrometer, and will be used to measure relative humidity (RH) at any given temperature. Extremely high humidities can cause condensation, respiratory illnesses and mold growth.
Humidity variations
Humidities up to 80% RH can cause mild illness, while humidities of 90% or above may increase the risk of mold formation in older buildings. Of course, indoor humidity levels are largely dependant upon outdoor weather conditions. Rising humidity can contribute to a variety of health problems like allergies, asthma and is highly recommend that you use a home dehumidifier.
Relative humidity
Relative humidity means relative humidity is expressed how much water vapor (moisture) is in the air depending upon the current temperature. When temperature rises, the amount of water vapor the air can hold increases. When the area around you is excessively humid the moisture can react and affect nearby materials, promote unhealthy air, encourage dust mite growth, and affect your body. Ideally the comfort range in which most people feel pretty good is about 30% to 60% approximately.
Test Your Warm Air Humidity Level
Not ready to buy a dehumidifier? Calculate your ideal dehumidifier size and test your humidity level to determine the best option for you.
In Summary (Avoid Temperature Drops!)
Traditional dehumidifiers work better at warmer temperatures and dry climates. They're built to pull moisture from warm, humid air.
