Understanding Dehumidifiers: Benefits, Drawbacks, and How They Work

A dehumidifier is an appliance that reduces the moisture level in the air by extracting water to improve indoor air quality. Controlling indoor humidity is important for your health and home. According to research, the recommended indoor humidity level for your home should be between 40% and 60%. Excess humidity can cause many problems for your health and home. Humidity is common during spring and summer when there is more moisture in the air.

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air. While humidity levels can vary due to changing seasons, weather, energy use, air circulation, and other factors, most experts agree that keeping the relative humidity level between 30 percent and 50 percent is a good target, with 45 percent being best for comfort and health. According to Consumer Reports, humidity levels above 50 percent can harbor dust mites, mildew, and mold, which can trigger allergies and other health problems.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are two main types of dehumidifiers: compressor (refrigerant) and desiccant. Each operates differently and suits specific environments.

• Compressor Dehumidifiers: These are the most common dehumidifiers and are generally the most affordable. They work by passing the moist air over a chilled coil, causing condensation that draws the moisture into a collection tank. The air is then warmed by a heating coil and sent back out. They tend to be noisy and bulky and work best in warmer climates¡ªsince they use condensation, the air must be relatively warm when entering the unit.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These remove moisture using a desiccant wheel, which is then dried by an internal heater. The desiccant dehumidifier is quieter and tends to last longer than compressor dehumidifiers. You don’t have to empty a collection tank, and it doesn’t use refrigerant. Desiccant models tend to be more expensive, and they use a little more energy than compressor models.

The Dehumidification Process

A dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air, often balancing it in an indoor setting at around 30% to 50% humidity. It works by drawing in humid air and extracting the water. The majority of dehumidifier models are compressor dehumidifiers, which use refrigeration. They work by pulling air over cold coils using a fan. As the air cools, the moisture in it condenses into water droplets much like dew forming on grass. Conveniently, many modern models work automatically, turning on when humidity rises above a set level and shutting down as soon as the desired humidity level is reached.

Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers offer several significant advantages for improving your home’s comfort and your quality of life. Here are seven key benefits to consider:

• Reducing Excess Humidity: Dehumidifiers are specially designed to reduce humidity in the air. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high humidity, as excess humidity can promote mold growth and damage your home and belongings.
• Preventing Health Problems: Excessive humidity can lead to health issues such as allergies, respiratory irritation, and asthma attacks. By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier helps create a healthier indoor environment by limiting the growth of allergens and mold.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality: By reducing humidity, dehumidifiers help improve indoor air quality by cutting down on musty odors and limiting allergens like dust mites.
• Energy Savings: Less humid air is easier to heat or cool, which means your heating or air conditioning system will run more efficiently and use less energy. Therefore, using a dehumidifier can reduce your energy costs.
• Increased Comfort: By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier helps create a more comfortable indoor environment. You’ll feel more comfortable in your home, especially during the summer months when humidity is often higher.
• Reduced Risk of Structural Damage: Excessive humidity can cause structural damage to your home, such as cracks in walls, warping wood, and insulation problems. A dehumidifier helps prevent such damage by maintaining appropriate humidity levels.
• Faster Laundry Drying: If you like to air dry your clothes, you may notice that it takes a little longer for them to dry on humid and hot days. That’s because the moisture takes longer to evaporate from the fabric. A surprising benefit of using a dehumidifier is that your clothes can dry sooner, letting you put on your favorite outfits even when you’re pressed for time.

Drawbacks of Using a Dehumidifier

While dehumidifiers can improve the indoor air quality in your home, they are not right for everyone. Here are some dehumidifier disadvantages that homeowners should be aware of before purchasing one of these appliances.

• Noise Levels: Depending on the type of dehumidifier you have, they can be quite loud. This noise isn’t usually an issue if the dehumidifier is located in a basement, but if you plan to place a dehumidifier in a living space or bedroom, select a model that’s quiet enough for those environments.
• Energy Consumption: Dehumidifiers use electricity, and while they reduce humidity effectively, they add to your energy use. Large units or those used for areas with high moisture will use more energy. This will be a disadvantage for budget-conscious homeowners since the appliance continuously runs to maintain the desired humidity.
• Maintenance Requirements: Dehumidifiers require upkeep—you must empty, clean, and refill the water-collection tank and also (on some models) clean the air filter regularly. To avoid carrying dirty water to the bathroom, you can reduce your maintenance by installing a drain hose that empties collected water into a floor-level drain.
• Heat Emission: Dehumidifiers also tend to emit warm air out of the back of the unit. Although the amount of heat is usually minimal, you can keep it out of the room you’re in by pointing the back of the dehumidifier toward a doorway.
• Not a Complete Solution: Dehumidifiers have some downsides that you should be aware of before purchasing. First, these humidity-control devices do not address the source of the problem: they simply take care of the symptom (i.e. too much water in the air). As such, they won’t fix issues caused by poor insulation.

Comparison of Dehumidifier Types

Best Places to Use a Dehumidifier

Rooms or spaces that are poorly ventilated and exposed to high moisture are ideal for a dehumidifier. Place the unit close to the moisture source. Here are the best places to use a dehumidifier in your home:

• Crawlspaces: Crawlspaces with dirt floors are exposed to ground moisture, encapsulated crawlspaces have little ventilation, and any water seepage can be a breeding ground for mold or mildew.
• Bathrooms: If your bathroom is an interior room with no window or only a small window, or it has a weak exhaust fan, consider a dehumidifier so mold and mildew do not become problematic.
• Basements: Basements are often poorly insulated; moisture seeping through the floor and walls is common. Foundation problems, leaking pipes, plumbing overflows, outside weather, or flooding can increase humidity in a basement, making a basement dehumidifier a sound investment.
• Laundry Room and Kitchen: Anywhere there’s water is a potential spot for higher humidity, especially with leaks, poor seals, or any standing water.
• Garages: Unconditioned garages often bring in outside air, especially if you store your car in them and on rainy days. If you store items in your garage, you’ll want a dehumidifier to keep mold and mildew at bay.

Signs You Need a Dehumidifier

Signs that you could use a dehumidifier include:

• Someone in your home regularly has severe respiratory allergies or symptoms such as a runny nose or cough.
• One or more areas of your home have a musty smell.
• Your clothes smell damp or moldy even after they’re freshly cleaned.
• Condensation on the interior glass, water beading on a window, or what looks like a fog or vapor on the glass are typical signs of too much moisture in the room.
• Water stains on walls or ceilings without a leaky roof or a dripping pipe.

Best Product Recommendations

Here are some highly rated dehumidifiers available on Amazon that can help you manage indoor humidity effectively:

• Midea 50 Pint Dehumidifier: Ideal for large spaces like basements, this ENERGY STAR-certified model removes up to 50 pints of moisture per day. Shop on Amazon
• Frigidaire 35 Pint Dehumidifier: A compact option for medium rooms, this model is quiet and efficient. Shop on Amazon
• hOmeLabs 22 Pint Dehumidifier: Perfect for small spaces, this portable unit is easy to move and maintain. Shop on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dehumidifier completely eliminate mold?

No, a dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth by reducing humidity, but it cannot eliminate existing mold. Professional mold remediation is needed to remove mold safely.

How often should I empty the dehumidifier’s water tank?

This depends on the humidity level and the tank’s capacity. In high-humidity areas, you may need to empty the tank daily. Some models offer continuous drainage options to reduce maintenance.

Are dehumidifiers safe to run continuously?

Yes, most modern dehumidifiers are designed for continuous use, with auto-shutoff features when the desired humidity level is reached or the tank is full. Ensure proper maintenance to avoid issues.

Do dehumidifiers help with allergies?

Yes, by reducing humidity, dehumidifiers limit the growth of allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew, which can alleviate allergy symptoms.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a cold climate?

Desiccant dehumidifiers are better suited for cold climates, as compressor models can struggle in low temperatures. Check the model’s operating temperature range before purchasing.

Conclusion

Dehumidifiers are powerful tools for managing indoor humidity, offering benefits like improved air quality, reduced allergens, and protection against structural damage. However, they come with drawbacks such as noise, energy costs, and maintenance needs. By understanding how they work and choosing the right type for your environment, you can create a healthier, more comfortable home. For more information on maintaining optimal indoor air quality, visit EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Guide.