Maintaining a comfortable humidity level in your home is important for both your health and the condition of your home.
In this article, we'll explore the factors to consider when deciding if you need a dehumidifier in every room and provide helpful tips for managing humidity throughout your home.
How to Decide if Your Dehumidifier Is Sufficient for Multiple Rooms
The first thing to consider is the size and capacity of your dehumidifier unit.
The standard capacity of a dehumidifier is the amount of water it can extract in 24 hours when the humidity is 60%, and the temperature is 65°F.
However, you might even need a 90-pint dehumidifier or larger if the relative humidity (RH) in your home is struggling to stay below 70%. It's also important to consider the size of the room or rooms you want to dehumidify.
However, if you have multiple smaller rooms or a multi-level home, you may need more than one dehumidifier to control the humidity adequately.
What Is the Size or Capacity of Your Dehumidifier Unit?
The size or capacity of your dehumidifier unit is an important factor to consider when deciding if it is sufficient for multiple rooms. On the other hand, a smaller unit may not be able to keep up with the moisture removal needs of a larger space.
It's important to find a balance and choose an appropriately sized unit for your needs.
Connecting Rooms
If you have multiple rooms that are connected, such as a living room and dining room, you may be able to get away with a single dehumidifier. However, it's important to consider the size of the space and the humidity levels in each room.
Adjoining Rooms
If you have multiple rooms that are not connected, such as a bedroom and a bathroom, you may need multiple dehumidifiers to control the humidity in each space effectively. A whole-house dehumidifier may also be a good option, as it can provide more comprehensive humidity control for your entire home.
What Is the Equivalent Area of Rooms You Want to Dehumidify?
When deciding how many dehumidifiers you need, it's important to consider the total square footage of the rooms you want to dehumidify.
A dehumidifier's capacity is typically measured in pints of moisture removed per day, and it's recommended to choose a unit with a capacity of at least 20 pints per 500 square feet of space.
For example, if you want to dehumidify a living room that is 400 square feet and a bedroom that is 300 square feet, you would need a unit with a capacity of at least 40 pints (800 square feet / 500 = 1.6, rounded up to 2 x 20 pints).
How Many Rooms Do You Want to Dehumidify?
It's also important to consider how many rooms you want to dehumidify when deciding the number and size of dehumidifiers you need. However, if you want to dehumidify multiple rooms or your entire home, you may need to use multiple dehumidifiers or invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. A whole-house dehumidifier is a single, central unit installed in your home's HVAC system and can provide comprehensive dehumidification for your entire house.
How to Assist Your Dehumidifier With More Than One Room
There are several ways you can assist your dehumidifier in controlling the humidity in multiple rooms:
- Keep doors and windows closed: To keep humidity levels consistent throughout your home, it's important to keep them closed as much as possible.
- Use exhaust fans: Exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen can help remove excess moisture from these high-humidity areas and assist your dehumidifier in controlling the overall humidity in your home.
- Seal any air leaks: Air leaks around windows and doors can allow moisture to enter your home and make it more difficult for your dehumidifier to maintain the desired humidity levels.
- Monitor humidity levels: A hygrometer can help you keep track of humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier as needed.
Can One Dehumidifier Work in Multiple Rooms?
A single dehumidifier can work in multiple rooms, but it depends on the size and capacity of the unit as well as the size and humidity levels of the rooms. It's important to consider the specific needs of your home and choose a dehumidifier that is appropriately sized for your needs.
Do You Need A Dehumidifier In Every Room?
It's not necessarily necessary to have a dehumidifier in every room of your home. However, it's important to consider the humidity levels and any issues with excess moisture in each room. On the other hand, if you have a well-ventilated room with low humidity levels, a dehumidifier may not be necessary.
How Many Dehumidifiers Should We Use for the Whole House?
The number of dehumidifiers you need for your whole house will depend on the size and humidity levels of your home as well as your specific needs and preferences. A whole-house dehumidifier may be a good option if you want comprehensive humidity control throughout your home. It's important to consider the size and capacity of the dehumidifiers you choose and ensure they are appropriately sized for your needs.
Choosing the Size of Dehumidifier
When choosing the size of your dehumidifier, it's important to consider the square footage of the space you want to dehumidify and the humidity levels. As a general rule, you should choose a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 20 pints per 500 square feet of space. It's also important to consider the type of dehumidifier you choose. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and choose the type of dehumidifier best suited for your needs.
Summary
deciding whether or not you need a dehumidifier in every room of your home depends on a variety of factors, including the size and capacity of your dehumidifier unit, the size and humidity levels of the rooms you want to dehumidify, and any other issues with excess moisture in your home. It's important to carefully consider these factors and choose a dehumidifier that is appropriately sized and capable of effectively controlling the humidity in your home.
References:
- https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-dehumidifier-4684237
- https://www.hunker.com/13414192/how-to-calculate-the-size-of-a-dehumidifier-needed-for-a-room
- https://www.thespruce.com/ways-to-assist-your-dehumidifier-1923656
