Understanding Dehumidifiers: Benefits, Drawbacks, and How They Work

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

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture and humidity 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 goal, with 45 percent being best for comfort and health. According to Consumer Reports, humidity levels above 50 percent can host dust mites, mildew, and mold, which triggers 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 usually the most affordable. They work by passing the damp air over a chilled coil, using condensation to suck the moisture out into a disposal tank. The air is then reheated by a warming coil and sent back out. They tend to be loud and bulky and work best in warmer climates¡ªsince they use condensation, the air must be relatively warm upon entering the machine.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These work by removing the moisture via a desiccant wheel, which is then dried with an internal heater. The desiccant dehumidifier is quieter and tends to last longer than compressor dehumidifiers. You don’t have to empty a disposal tank, and it doesn’t require refrigerant. Desiccant versions tend to be pricier, and the dehumidifier energy usage is a little more than compressor humidifiers.

The Dehumidification Process

A dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air, often balancing it in an indoor setting at around 30% to 50% humidity. It succeeds by drawing in humid air and extracting the water content. The majority of dehumidifier models are called compressor dehumidifiers, which work through refrigeration. They function 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, a number of 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 ambient air. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high humidity, as excess humidity can promote mold growth and cause damage to your home and belongings.
• Preventing Health Problems: Excessive humidity can lead to health problems such as allergies, respiratory irritation, and asthma attacks. By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier helps create a healthier indoor environment by reducing the proliferation of allergens and mold.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality: By eliminating humidity, dehumidifiers help improve indoor air quality by reducing unpleasant odors and preventing the spread of allergenic particles and 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 consume less energy. Therefore, using a dehumidifier can potentially reduce your energy costs.
• Increased Comfort: By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier helps create a more comfortable and pleasant 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 of 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 is taking longer to evaporate off the fabric. A surprising benefit of using a dehumidifier is that your favorite clothes can dry out sooner, letting you throw on your favorite fits even when you’re in a time crunch.

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 surprisingly loud. This noise isn’t usually a problem 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 consume electrical power, and although they reduce humidity effectively, they cost you energy. Large units or those used for areas with high moisture will consume more energy. This will be a disadvantage for thrifty homeowners since the appliance continuously runs to maintain the desired humidity.

• Maintenance Requirements: Dehumidifiers are work¡ªyou must dump, clean, and refill the water-collection tank and also (some models) clean the air filter regularly. To prevent yourself from running down the hallway toward the bathroom, spilling dirty water, you can reduce your maintenance requirements by installing a drain hose that empties collected water into a floor-level drain.
• Heat Emission: Dehumidifiers also tend to blow warm air out of the back of the unit. While the amount of heat typically is minimal, you can keep it out of the room you’re in by facing the back of the dehumidifier into a doorway.
• Not a Complete Solution: Dehumidifiers do have some disadvantages that you should be aware of before purchasing. Firstly, these humidity-reducing 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 deal with any issues caused by poor insulation.

Comparison of Dehumidifier Types

Best Places to Use a Dehumidifier

Rooms or spaces with low or little ventilation exposed to much moisture are ideal for a dehumidifier. Put the unit closest to the water source. Here are the best places to use a dehumidifier in your home:

• Crawlspaces: Crawlspaces with dirt floors are exposed to moisture in the ground, encapsulated crawl spaces have zero ventilation, and any water seepage can be a breeding ground for mold or mildew.
• Bathrooms: If your bathroom is an interior bathroom with no window or only a tiny window or it has a poor exhaust fan, consider a dehumidifier so mold and mildew do not become problematic.
• Basements: Basements are usually poorly insulated; moisture seepage through the ground and walls is common. Problems with the home’s foundation, leaking pipes, plumbing overflows, exterior weather, or flooding can increase humidity in a basement, making dehumidifiers for basements a sound investment.
• Laundry Room and Kitchen: Wherever there is water is the potential for higher humidity, especially with leaks, poor seals, or any standing water.
• Garages: Non-temperature-controlled garages are often replenished with outside air, especially if you store your car in it and experience rainy or inclement days. If you store items in your garage, you will 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 suffers from 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 are 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 in the absence of 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-sized 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 necessary 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 colder climates, as compressor models may 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.