A dehumidifier is commonly used in homes these days just like an air conditioner, even though they're best fitted for workplaces with a large concentration of people such as offices, clinics, and hotels. They can also be placed in basements or garages.
A dehumidifier may be very familiar to almost everyone, but a lot of people know much less about the broad range of its uses and benefits. Before anything else, let's give you a basic explanation as to what is a dehumidifier.
What Are the Uses of a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an air compressor just like air conditioners, except that it takes moisture out of the room instead of cooling it down. So the internal mechanism is more or less the same, except that it's a dehumidifier instead of an air conditioner.
The following are the uses of dehumidifiers:
1. Stop Condensation
Condensation can form on glass, metal, or almost any surface in your room. It is due to the temperature differences between the inside and the outside of a room.
Electronic types of equipment are prone to get damaged by condensation or dampness. This is because electronic devices are sensitive to high humidity or humid climate.
A dehumidifier can lower the temperature of your interior, causing condensation to form at a slower rate and making it less likely for dampness to accumulate on your glass.
It can also prevent any windows from fogging up and water from dripping on your floors.
Related Article: Condensate Dehumidifier
2. Hinder The Growth of Dust Mites
Humid air is the best breeding ground for dust mites. Dust mites feed on dead skin that humans shed every day. So if you let the humid environments stay at your home or office, it will be an invitation to these little critters to make themselves at home.
Dehumidifiers are designed to lessen the moisture in the air. So when you operate it in a room or area and is efficient enough to remove 20% of the moisture content of the air, then surely dust mites will have less breeding ground to thrive on.
3. Disturb Mold Growth
If there is too much moisture in your home or office, then you are at risk of developing mold and mildew problems on walls and other surfaces.
These may start showing up as visible spots but if left unattended for a long time, they can cause damage to the structure itself. This will cost you a lot of money to fix and still, you may not be able to remove all of them.
So if you use a dehumidifier, the air quality would be better as it will remove such excessive moisture and would make sure that your place stays mold-free.
Related Article: Dehumidifier Help With Mold: How to Run and Top 5 Best
4. Eliminate Smells and Odors
Humidity in the air can cause unpleasant smells and a dehumidifier is just what you need to get rid of them. It can definitely help remove moldy odor, musty odors from some material, and even pet odors too!
Also, when mold flourishes in an environment it gives off a musty smell. This is not only unhealthy but also unpleasant to the senses. It can cause respiratory infections and other health problems such as headaches and nausea.
So if your place develops mold or mildew because of excess relative humidity levels, you should do something about it before they spread their defense mechanism.
Having a dehumidifier is one of the best ways to do it. It will help you eliminate the excess moisture in the room and prevent molds from developing further as well as getting rid of any musty smell that already exists.
Related Article: Dehumidifier Help With Dank Smell
5. Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms
People who have allergic rhinosinusitis or asthma would benefit a lot from using a dehumidifier. The equipment helps in keeping the air clean and makes it easier for people to breathe.
It also reduces other allergy symptoms such as allergies, hay fever, itchy eyes, irritated throat membranes, and sneezing. This is because of the elimination of dust mites and other allergens brought about by using a dehumidifier.
Related Article: Dehumidifiers for Allergies: Benefits, Side Effects, & How to Use
How to Use a Dehumidifier?
The first step in knowing how to use a dehumidifier is to check on the model. Manufacturers of this equipment provide a manual that contains information on how to use it.
It's also recommended that you stick to the instructions provided by manufacturers even if you're well aware of how to use the dehumidifier especially when it comes to selecting and using the proper settings for your equipment.
Related Article: How to use a dehumidifier? (7 TIps)
When to Use a Dehumidifier
It's best to use the dehumidifier regularly especially during humid seasons or days that you know it will be more prone to wetness and excess moisture. In doing so, your equipment will last longer and will be able to provide you more benefits than if it were used occasionally.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Musty Smell in Your Home
If you detect a musty smell in your place, there is likely too much moisture in the air. This can result in mold growth especially when it's associated with dampness in those areas.
You need to do something about it and getting a dehumidifier can help you get rid of any harmful substances in the air which cause a bad smell.
There Is a Condensation on Your Windows
Living in a humid environment can make you see condensation on your windows. This sign is telling you that moisture is already building up especially when there is poor air circulation, no air conditioners or other cooling systems in place to keep the room cool.
You just need to use a dehumidifier to eliminate such problems and at least dry up the excess moisture before it causes more harm. It would improve the quality of the air you breathe daily.
Common Occurrence of Leaks in Your Basement
If you notice that your basement is prone to leaks and it's happening more often than before, it may be an indication that there is too much moisture in the air.
So you should try to fix the source or prevent further buildup of moisture by using a dehumidifier which can help regulate temperature and dry up any wet surfaces.
You Like to Air-Dry Your Laundry
Air-drying your laundry helps keep the items you wear and the entire environment healthy. It can also help reduce dryer load from shrinking and stretching as well as help save money on your electric bill.
If you prefer to air-dry your clothes after washing them, then it's not a bad idea if you also air-dry half of your load while using a dehumidifier for the other half. You'll enjoy clean and healthier laundry, free from harmful chemicals.
A Family Member Has Lots of Allergies
If you have a family member who suffers from allergies, it's best to use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture in the air. This way, the body is less prone to developing allergies and other allergic complications.
Foods Get Moldy Quickly
If you've noticed that your refrigerated food has developed molds within a few days, then it's time to get a dehumidifier. This equipment helps reduce moisture in the air and eliminates any excess humidity from building up where there are already wet areas.
Related Article: How Do I Know I Need a Dehumidifier?
7 Benefits of a Dehumidifier
1. Improve Air Quality
Dehumidifiers clean the air inside your room by removing excess moisture, causing dirt particles to settle down instead of floating around in the air. This keeps harmful bacteria from spreading easily to other parts of your room.
A dehumidifier can be used in any room or area in your home to help improve the indoor air quality, especially if you have been hypersensitive to allergies.
It can remove moisture buildup from the air making it a little easier on your lungs and respiratory tract as you inhale such dryer air.
With cleaner air, you can enjoy breathing the healthier fresh air possible inside your home.
2. Protect Valuable Belongings
Dehumidifiers can also help protect your treasures from damage by environmental factors.
This is good especially if you have items such as books, heirlooms, paintings, or electronics that are prone to damages. A dehumidifier will prevent them from getting too damp from the moisture in the air making them last longer and helps maintain their new appearance.
3. Create a Healthier Environment
The best place to live in is where you are comfortable and healthy, which means that the air must be clean and mold-free at all times. This can only happen if you will be able to control the relative humidity levels of your home or office using a dehumidifier.
4. Portable and Convenient
Dehumidifiers are so portable that you can bring them wherever you need them. You don't have to worry about its weight because the newest models are light and compact enough to be carried anywhere. While dehumidifiers used to occupy big spaces, nowadays they're not only powerful but also more portable and convenient.
5. Energy Efficiency & Helps You Save Money
If you use a dehumidifier, it is energy costs efficient as it will lower the relative humidity levels in your home which means you will have to use your air conditioning and heater less often which can save you up to 30 percent of your household expenses every month.
It's the best equipment to use in your home if you want it to be more energy costs efficient. It's even better than an air conditioner because it will not only dehumidify the air but cool it off at the same time.
6. Automatic Shut-Off Saves You Time and Energy
This is the most helpful feature of a dehumidifier. The equipment automatically switches off when it reaches the desired humidity levels that you have set with its digital controls.
This takes away your worries about overusing and damaging your machine or wasting energy every time you forget to switch it off once its job has been accomplished.
7. Auto Defrost Saves You Time
Newer models are designed with an Auto Defrost feature that automatically shuts off the dehumidifier (and cuts power) when your frozen or frosted-up coils start to melt.
This not only saves you time from having to manually defrost them with a hairdryer but also helps extend your appliance's life as well.
Dehumidifier Uses FAQ
Can Dehumidifier Water Be Used to Water Plants?
Not all the water that comes out of your dehumidifier is bacteriologically safe to use for watering plants. If the water from the dehumidifier is below 50ºF, then you can use the water to water your plants.
But if the temperature is above this level, do not use it for watering your plants because bacteria can be present and may cause diseases to your potted or container plants.
Can You Dry Clothes in a Wardrobe by Using a Mini Dehumidifier?
The answer is yes. Just place your wardrobe outside and put a little dehumidifier inside it. It will gather the moisture from clothes and circulate dry air around them, helping you in drying your clothes faster.
You can also use this method if you are living in places where there is no electricity or gas supply for a laundry machine. This is just one of the many uses of mini dehumidifiers.
In Places Where Water Is Scarce, Could a Water Collected by Dehumidifier Be Potable?
The water collected by a dehumidifier is not potable. It contains bacteria and minerals so it should not be used for drinking purposes. The best thing that we could do with this water is to discard them.
Summary
An appliance like a dehumidifier is very useful. It is clear to see that this equipment can prove to be useful for people in many ways. It can be used to improve the overall quality of one's environment, as well as in saving time and energy. It is for these benefits that dehumidifier has become a popular household appliance. It is truly an investment worth making and enjoying.
