How Does A Dehumidifier Work

Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be found in many homes, businesses, and more. Some people might spend quite a bit of money in order to install a dehumidifier in their home. For those that must use a dehumidifier regularly, there is no doubt that they make the overall environment much more comfortable to be in. Sweat evaporates much more easily, the air may even seem cooler. But how does a dehumidifier work?

When to Buy a Dehumidifier

First, let’s talk about how you can tell when you need to invest in a dehumidifier. For some, there is no doubt that they feel they need a dehumidifier in their space. This may especially be true if they are looking at making a generally damp area (like a basement or garage) into a more livable area. If you notice that your floors squeak a lot, and that your doors, cabinets, and windows stick, you might look into getting a dehumidifier. If you have a mold allergy, and you suspect mold may has started growing in your home, you may want to purchase a dehumidifier. Or, if you notice any water stains in your home, condensation on windows, or any wood actually rotting, you want to purchase one of these machines. They help those with allergies, bad, congestive coughs, and can deter pests, like insects.

How a Dehumidifier Works

Most dehumidifiers, big or small, work on the same simple principal. A fan pulls in air from outside the dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers are equipped with one or more cooling coils. The air is then moved over these cooling coils by the fan. The cooling effect of these coils cause the air to condense, somewhat. Water forms on the cooling coils, and drips downward into a pan to be contained. The air is then reheated and pushed back out into the open space. Through this process, dehumidifiers literally gather water from the air. Most dehumidifiers have automatic shut-off pans that shut them off when the water pans need to be emptied. There are many uses for the water from these machines.

Uses for Water from Dehumidifiers

As mentioned above, there are several uses for the water from dehumidifiers. Generally, this water is seen as grey water (waste water that can be reused). This water should not be used for human consumption, nor should it be used to water edible plants. You could simply pour it down the drain, or use it to flush your toilets. However, the most efficient way to use this water is probably by using it to water nonedible plants in your home. Think about using this on houseplants, as well as any plants outside that need watering. Some dehumidifiers do not have to be emptied, but, instead, run into a drain.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Mechanical dehumidifiers are the most typical types of dehumidifiers, and follow the process described above.

Desiccant dehumidifiers normally use a form of desiccant to remove moisture form the air. The air simply passes over the desiccant, which removes moisture from the air.

Ionic membrane dehumidifiers may be used in areas where humidity must be very carefully controlled.

Electronic dehumidifiers also exist. They are very quiet, but inefficient.

Air conditioners dehumidify the air by passing it over cooling coils, then putting it back into the air. This is why air conditioners must recycle the air they produce, or it drips out. In some cases, these can be used as makeshift dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers are available in smaller sizes, for only one room, or are available for very large spaces, like museums, factories, or laboratories.

Dehumidifier Buying Guide

More and more people are now buying dehumidifiers to try and make work and home environments more comfortable. By reducing the humidity in rooms, they are able to reduce the risk of people getting health problems and also reducing the damage that can be done to household items. With the help of a dehumidifier, people can keep humidity levels nicely balanced. Here we will look at what exactly a dehumidifier does, exactly what kind you will need depending on what situation you are in, and the various features that come with each machine.

Basically speaking, a dehumidifier is an appliance that reduces the amount of humidity in the air. You may choose to buy one for health reasons or because you are trying to eliminate a dank smell from your home or office. Excessive moisture in the air can cause condensation, which has the ability to disrupt a person’s sleeping pattern. An overly humid environment can also make a person very uncomfortable, and increases the risk of health conditions like asthma and allergic reactions.

Dehumidifiers take in the air around them, pass it through the machine itself while removing the moisture, then expel it again as drier air. The process starts with air being taken in by the fan in the machine, which then forces the air over cold coils which remove the moisture. The moisture that is taken from the air then drips down into a container which has to be emptied at various times, depending on how you have set the machine up. The drier air then leaves the machine and mixes back with the air in the room.

The majority of dehumidifiers can sense when the moisture levels in the air are too high, and so will turn themselves on and off accordingly. They also come with signal lights that tell you when the water container has been filled, and come with attachments so then emptying it is a simple task. The machines are quite often built so then they suit any weather conditions. Frost sensors stop the machine from becoming faulty during very cold conditions, and you can also adjust the speed at which the fan spins so then it suits your personal preference.

The size of dehumidifier you want really depends on how much moisture you have in the air, or how much you wish to dispose of. The best way to figure that out is by getting a humidity gauge and measure how much humidity is in the air. It all sounds a little scientific, but it’s the best way of figuring out what size dehumidifier you will need. You can buy units that hold from 25 to 60 pints.

When you first buy a dehumidifier, the best thing to do is allow it to run while on its driest setting for a few cycles. This will allow the machine to stabilize the room before it has to get to work removing the moisture from the air. After that you should be able to set the machine to whichever level you desire. Just remember that while the machine is running to not leave any doors or windows open, as the air being expelled from the machine will just escape. Always make sure that the airflow to the dehumidifier is never blocked, so make sure there is a little of space around the machine’s vents. Keep the coils and the bucket clean as often as possible so then it can capture air with ease.

Given all the benefits that are available when you have a dehumidifier, it’s hardly surprising that more and more people are buying them for their homes and their places of work. Too much moisture in the air can make people uncomfortable or worse still suffer from health problems, so a simple machine like a dehumidifier can go a long way to making people feel a little more comfortable with their surroundings. And with the variety of sizes available, literally anyone can be catered for, no matter how much moisture is in the air or how big a space it is required for.

Compact Dehumidifiers

Compact dehumidifiers are a great option for small spaces such as bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, small kitchens, and other spaces with a small cubic footage. Many of these listed are reasonably priced (some on sale right now), quiet, compact, and even wireless.

Eva-dry Renewable E-333 Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

The Eva-dry Renewable E-333 Wireless Mini Dehumidifier is a great little compact dehumidifier that you simply plugin and it removes moisture from the air. Reasonably priced and small to boot this is a great option for small spaces.

Eva-dry E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifier

Another great little mini compact dehumidifier is also by Eva-dry. The E-500 of course is less powerful than some of the larger units reviewed on this website. But none the less is a great small dehumidifier for rooms of 500 cu ft or less.

Eva-dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier

The Eva-dry Electric Petite Dehumidifier is very quiet and lights. It is ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, closet, and other small spaces that can build up moisture. Something to note, this unit does not come wireless like the above mentioned units.

Gurin Electric Compact Dehumidifier

This dehumidifier is quiet and compact. It does well in small bedrooms and closet spaces. ind useful in their workplace.