Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment by reducing excess moisture in the air. With many styles and features available, navigating the dehumidifier market can be overwhelming. Whether dealing with dampness in a basement, preventing mould growth, or simply aiming to enhance your comfort, understanding the key information and tips regarding dehumidifiers will help you make the best choice. This guide will explore the types and essential factors to consider when selecting a dehumidifier.
What is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a household appliance that reduces and maintains the humidity level in the air by removing excess moisture. It draws in air, removes water vapour through condensation, and releases drier air into the room.
The Working Procedure of Dehumidifier
Air enters the dehumidifier through a filter and passes over either cold coils or a chemical substance. When the air hits a cooler surface, moisture condenses, like on cold windows. The water droplets collect in a tank that you need to empty regularly. You will hear a soft whirring sound when the dehumidifier is plugged in and switched on. This noise comes from a fan circling the air back into the room after removing moisture.
Understanding The Size & Tank’s Capacity
What defines a dehumidifier’s size? It’s not about its physical dimensions but rather how many litres of water it can remove each day, known as the extraction rate. This indicates how much moisture can be extracted from the air in 24 hours at a certain temperature. So, when a dehumidifier is labelled 12L, it can remove 12 litres of water daily. Although larger models are usually bigger, it’s important to know that size doesn’t always mean more capacity.
Water Tank Capacity
When choosing a dehumidifier, consider the size of its water tank. A larger tank fills up less quickly and needs to be emptied less often. The tank collects moisture from the air and is usually smaller than the unit's daily capacity. If you frequently leave the space unattended, a bigger tank is better. The tank holds between 2 and 6 liters (or 250 ml to 20 liters for a home model), with some versions providing continuous drainage options to meet larger capacity needs.
Extraction Rate
The extraction rate of a dehumidifier, expressed in liters per day, reflects the amount of moisture it can eliminate from the air within a 24-hour timeframe. A higher extraction rate signifies that the dehumidifier can effectively manage larger or more humid environments, expelling more moisture in a shorter period. Generally, manufacturers report the extraction rate based on standard conditions, often at 30°C and 80% relative humidity (RH).
Example
A dehumidifier rated for an extraction rate of 12L can remove up to 12 liters of moisture from the air over a 24-hour time period.
Size Recommendation Chart
|
Moisture Level |
Square Footage |
Recommended Dehumidifier Capacity (Pints) |
|
Mildly Damp |
Up to 500 sq ft |
10-20 |
|
Slightly Damp |
500-1000 sq ft |
20-30 |
|
Very Damp |
1000-1500 sq ft |
30-40 |
|
Wet |
1500+ sq ft |
40+ |
Types of Dehumidifier
Three primary types of dehumidifiers exist: refrigerant, desiccant, and whole-house. Each type employs a distinct method for moisture collection, which is detailed below. Knowing these differences will assist you in making a decision about which one to choose.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
A refrigerant dehumidifier works like a refrigerator. It cools a metal plate to condense moisture from the air. A fan then circulates air through the dehumidifier, which helps moisture condense on the cold plate. This moisture gets collected in the water tank, lowering the room's humidity to a normal level and putting the unit in standby mode until more dehumidification is needed.
These units work best in average room temperatures, but their performance drops in cooler areas. Ice can form on the cooling plates at temperatures as low as 65°F/18°C and below. Although they can still function in lower temperatures, this requires better components and features, increasing the cost. So, this type of dehumidifier may not be the best option if you use your dehumidifier often in cooler spaces. However, overall, the unit will be effective.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
A desiccant dehumidifier works differently than a refrigerant dehumidifier. It removes moisture from the air using a desiccant, which soaks up water. Many people recognise this from the small packets of silica gel, which are often included with cameras, computers, and other products.
How does it work?
- A dehumidifier uses a spinning wheel made from moisture-absorbing material to extract humidity from the air.
- As the wheel rotates, a section passes through warm air, drying out the material by removing absorbed moisture.
- This moisture collects as water, which can either be stored in a tank or drained automatically via a tube outside or through a drain hole.
- Generally, these dehumidifiers are smaller and lighter compared to those that utilise refrigerants.
A desiccant dehumidifier works better in cooler temperatures than a refrigerant model. This is a good choice for a cool space, like a garage or workshop.
Whole House Ventilation Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers with efficient ventilation systems effectively remove dampness and condensation from your home. They are cheaper to run than plug-in dehumidifiers, often costing less than a penny daily. A whole-house dehumidifier offers numerous benefits, including moisture control and improved indoor air quality. It helps prevent mould growth and protects your home from moisture-related damage.
How to Choose the Right Size Dehumidifier?
Selecting the right size dehumidifier helps ensure that your home maintains optimal humidity levels. Take into account the following factors when selecting a dehumidifier:
Consider the Room Size and Conditions
When choosing a dehumidifier for a room, don’t just focus on its size and capacity. Think about the specific conditions in your space. A smaller portable unit may work well if your rooms have low moisture. However, if the area is more humid, you will need a larger unit to reduce moisture quickly. If you're unsure about the humidity, use a hygrometer to check it accurately.
Extraction Rate
Dehumidifiers have labels showing how much water they can remove daily, usually marked as 8L, 10L, 12L, or 20L. It's essential to pick a dehumidifier with the right extraction rate for your home's size. An 8L desiccant model or a 10L/12L compressor unit is usually enough for a two-bedroom house.
Placement
Place the dehumidifier in a hallway with doors open and windows closed. If the hallway is narrow, choose a slim dehumidifier that fits against the wall, ensuring enough space to move around it.
Portability
You should choose lighter dehumidifiers, such as desiccant models, which are much lighter than compressor dehumidifiers. Alternatively, you might choose units with wheels and a handle for easier portability.
Energy Efficiency
Dehumidifiers usually use little energy, but their running costs must still be considered. Sometimes, spending more upfront on a dehumidifier can save you money on your bills later.
Noise Level
Choose models with a low noise level and a night mode to avoid disruptions during your routine and sleep. Good dehumidifiers make a gentle sound that blends in with normal background noise.
Conclusion
Understanding the features and functionalities of dehumidifiers is essential for selecting the right device for your needs. Whether you want to combat excessive humidity to protect your home or improve air quality, knowledge of key specifications such as capacity, energy efficiency, and maintenance can greatly enhance your experience. Considering the essential factors to choose the right dehumidifier for your space, you can make an informed choice which will lead to a healthier and more comfortable living environment for all.