Dehumidifiers
How to use a dehumidifier…
Condensation
If you haven’t seen our video yet of the basics of how to stop condensation please have a look by clicking the icon.
Which dehumidifier should I buy ?
Before you can use a dehumidifier you need to buy a dehumidifier, and before we consider size, capacity and running costs let me tell you about the two main types you should consider for home use.
What is the best dehumidifier ?
- A Mechanical condensing dehumidifier – The most common dehumidifier, it typically has a cold and hot coil, a fan is used to circulate air around a very cold surface created by the cold coil. Once the moisture is frozen to the cold coil it is heated so that the melt water can be collected by an in built tray or bucket for disposal.
- A Desiccant dehumidifier – ( Desiccant a substance that promotes drying pronounced Des-ic-cant ) Typically using Zeolite which absorbs water like a silica gel, a fan is used to drive the moist air through a wheel of rotating Zeolite which is then evaporated, condensed and collected for disposal.
Which dehumidifier is the best ?
Although both types of dehumidifier will work a Desiccant dehumidifier will probably be the most effective in a real world setting as it’s more efficient. Working effectively from only one degree centigrade ( 32F ) upwards, it will extract more moisture than its older counterpart, for example a 7 litre ( 14 Pint ) rated Desiccant will extract more water than a 30 litre ( 63 Pint ) a day rated compressor based dehumidifier.
What to look for when buying a dehumidifier
Apart from choosing a design style, size and tank capacity that you think will suit your home, look for economy and quietness, especially if you plan on sleeping in the same room. Get one with a humidistat built in if possible, this will mean you can set the desired humidity level and leave it too keep running.
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run ?
Typical power consumption is between 150 to 800 Watts meaning around 2 pence to 7 pence per hour. Dry air is also far easier to heat, so there will be a considerable energy saving to take into account when working out the cost of running a dehumidifier.
Drying clothes with a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be one of the best way to dry clothes …
If a typical tumble dryer uses 2000 to 2500 watts per 2 hour cycle, that energy may be better used running a dehumidifier next to the laundry, the dehumidifier could even blow warm dry air over your clothes if position correctly. Some dehumidifiers even come with a built in laundry function for that purpose.
Where’s the best place for a dehumidifier
When trying to think of where to put a dehumidifier try near the source of the moisture, or on route to the rooms where condensation is noticed. This can be in a room next to a kitchen or bathroom or in a hallway or on a landing. Also try a mid point in your property between the kitchen and bathroom, some fine tuning may be required.
How long to run a dehumidifier
Normally problems with condensation are seasonal, obviously how much off time, or how many months of the year you will have to use a dehumidifier will be down to individual circumstances and occupancy levels. Experimentation may be required, no house or circumstances are the same unfortunately.
Want to learn more about dehumidifiers on Wikipedia ( link opens in new window )
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