The way you install your dehumidifier will have an impact on how powerful it is. When setting up your new device you have to consider some factors. These factors include location, drainage, and proper maintenance. When you put your dehumidifier in the right place, it will remove moisture from the air. This will help you avoid costly repairs.
Dehumidifier installation can be easy. Unless you are going for a complex system like a whole-house dehumidifier. Here is how you set up a portable dehumidifier.
Choose The Right Type And Place For It
Types
There are two main types of dehumidifiers that you can get for your home. There is the Refrigerant dehumidifier and the Desiccant dehumidifier. The refrigerant dehumidifier is more common and the desiccant dehumidifier is ideal for low-temperature spaces. These two are then defined again into different types which include:
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers
- Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers
- Dehumidifiers With Drain Hose
- Self-Draining Dehumidifiers
- Air Purifier Dehumidifiers
- Quiet Dehumidifiers
- Humidifier-Dehumidifier Combo
- Air Conditioner Dehumidifiers
- Dehumidifiers For Mold
- Portable Industrial Dehumidifiers
- Low-Temperature Dehumidifiers
- Battery Powered Dehumidifiers
- Compact Dehumidifiers
- Commercial Dehumidifiers
- Baby Dehumidifiers
You can be more specific when you are looking for which type to best suit your space.
Area
You need to look at the area you want to use the dehumidifier. Here is a table to help you gauge what sort of dehumidifier you need.
Moisture
Moisture levels also play a big part in picking the right type of dehumidifier. You need to get the right one to clear the amount of moisture in your space.
Decide On A Drainage System
Bucket or tank
Dehumidifiers operate by extracting moisture from humid air and condensing it. This water is then collected in an internal drip tray or tank. This tank comes with different capacities depending on how large your dehumidifier is. You have to manually remove the tank to empty the water. Most modern dehumidifiers have an auto-off switch for when the tank is full.
Self-Draining
Some models have a motorized pump that drains the tank’s water. It’s a useful function that eliminates the need to clean the drip tray yourself. The dehumidifier would need to be near a sink or drain, which is a significant disadvantage.
Attach a water hose to the dehumidifier’s drain pump hole if you want a model with a motorized pump. Then, insert the other end of the drain hose into a sink, drain, or drainage pipe. Often use the water hose or tube that came with your unit. This hose’s length will correspond to the machine’s rated pumping distance.
Pumps and hoses
Some dehumidifiers do not come with an in-built pump to automatically pump the water out. But you can buy a pump and hoses separately. You can then attach it and use that to drain your dehumidifier.
Choose Your Desired Humidity Level For The Setting
Comfort Benefits of ideal humidity
High humidity creates a very uncomfortable environment in your home. For you to enjoy the comfort benefits of using a dehumidifier, you need to set the humidity level.
Modern dehumidifiers allow you to set your desired humidity level and once it reaches that level the device will switch off.
For you to feel more comfortable the ideal humidity should be between 35 and 50% (relative humidity). This will make you feel less hot and sticky, it’s easier to breathe and you will sleep better at night.
Health Benefits of ideal humidity
High humidity causes many health issues. Health issues come from mold, mildew, and dust mites caused by constant moisture. For mold and dust mites to thrive, the humidity should be above 65%.
So for your health to be protected, maintain humidity levels of between 30% to 50%.
Maintain The Dehumidifier Often
Cleaning steps
Step 1: Unplug the dehumidifier.
Turn your dehumidifier off and unplug it from the socket before you begin cleaning it. This means that touching the device is safe.
Step 2: Clean the outside
Dehumidifiers pull air in through pipes. This can cause a considerable amount of dust and dirt to accumulate. The outer casing catches larger particles that attempt to penetrate the dehumidifier.
To clean the exterior, wipe it down with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or grime accumulated. If the dry cloth isn’t working, dampen it a bit. You may need to apply some elbow grease as well.
Step 3: Clean the tank
The removed moisture goes into the dehumidifier’s tank or reservoir. It’s critical to empty this as soon as it’s complete, but it’s also necessary to clean it often. As a result, if you don’t clean it well, mold will grow inside the tank.
Mold growth or mildew in the tank has the potential to spread into the air and your house.
To clean and sanitize the reservoir, it must first be dry. Fill it with clean water, warm water, and one or two squirts of liquid soap or dish soap, and fill it up to a quarter of the way. Scrub it with a towel, making sure to get into the corners.
After scrubbing, drain the water collection tank. Spray it with pure vinegar; the smell will linger until it dries. Allow the vinegar to sit for up to 10 minutes before wiping the tank down with a damp cloth and allowing it to dry. Replace it in the dehumidifier until it is dry. White vinegar works as a natural disinfectant.
If your dehumidifier drains to a nearby drain through a hose, the hose may have mold. As a result, you can take the hose out and flush it with white vinegar.
Step 4: Clean the filter
The air filter is critical for protecting the dehumidifier’s internal components. it also filters the dry air. The dehumidifier will not operate if the air filter is dirty. If it has grime, the air cannot move through.
Consult the user manual if you’re not sure where the filter is. It may be in the back of some units, allowing you to slide it out after removing the tank. After removing the filter, check it to see if you need to replace it. Dehumidifiers use washable or reusable filters. Even these need replacing at some stage.
If it’s still available, give it a fast clean with a vacuum to cut loose dirt or dust. Then, make a cleaning solution with warm water and a mild detergent in a wide pan.
Put the air filter in the solution and soak it for 10 minutes. Before bringing it back into the dehumidifier, make sure it’s completely dry.
Step 5: Clean the bucket filter
The bucket filter catches any impurities that make it into the dehumidifier. This small filter is not in all dehumidifiers. But, if yours does, it’s essential to clean it to prevent clogs.
Take it out and clean it under warm water. After that, let it dry before reinstalling it.
Step 6: Plug it in
It’s time to bring everything back together after you’ve washed all the pieces and let them dry.
To test whether the dehumidifier is working, plug it into an outlet and turn it on. Next, look at the display to see if there are any errors. Finally, let the machine operate for a few hours. Thereafter you can check the reservoir and humidity to see if everything is working.
Maintaining steps
1.) Carefully read your owner’s manual.
Different maintenance recommendations will apply to other brands and models. For information on items like positioning and draining, consult your owner’s manual.
2.) Place Your Dehumidifier Properly
To get the most out of your dehumidifier, make sure to do the following:
Avoid Obstructions. Most models suggest a distance of at least 6-12 inches from walls and furniture. This ensures enough air intake and exhaust.
Make sure your dehumidifier is on a level surface with no obstructions in the air intake.
It would be best if you closed all doors and windows in the region where your dehumidifier is operating. Otherwise, the dehumidifier would have to work hard to remove moisture from the air. Higher energy bills will result as a result of this.
Room Temperature: Dehumidifiers work best in 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher rooms. If you’re using one in a harsh setting, look for a device for that environment. An example would be a commercial-grade desiccant dehumidifier).
Your dehumidifier controls the humidity in your house. It makes it healthier and more comfortable.
3.) Replace your air filter.
Most dehumidifiers have an air filter. This eliminates harmful airborne particles like dust and other allergens. The following is the filter:
Removes impurities for cleaner, healthier air while preserving the dehumidifier’s internal components.
Air doesn’t move as well through the dehumidifier if the filter isn’t clean. It also applies if the filter needs replacing, making it work harder.
Replace your dehumidifier’s air filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps to maintain the highest performance.
4.) Make sure the water tank is free of debris.
Emptying the dehumidifier’s water storage tank often. But this does not always guarantee a clean water tank. If you don’t clean the water tank often with soap and water, it can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Keep an eye on the water tank of your dehumidifier and remove any debris that is in there. Even if it appears clean, give it a thorough cleaning with soapy water and dry it before using it again.
5.) Keep moisture at bay.
Make sure the control panel does not get wet. Wipe it down with a damp cloth as desired.
6.) Do not use the compressor for a short time.
It’s not a smart idea to turn the dehumidifier on and off often. After waiting at least 10 minutes, restart the dehumidifier. The elapsed time will cause the pressure in the system to equalize. This protects the compressor.
The compressor will overheat if you turn on and off the dehumidifier too fast. This may trip your circuit breaker.
Look for dehumidifiers with an automatic delayed start mechanism. This protects the compressor from damage caused by short-cycling to prevent short-cycling.
7.) Inspect the condenser coils for frost or ice build-up.
In colder climates, frost or ice will develop on the condenser (or cooling) coils. This causes the dehumidifier to malfunction or cause excessive damage.
Dehumidifier Life Cycle
A dehumidifier has a life cycle. It is not a device that lasts for a long time. The lifespan of a dehumidifier is three to five years.
- Buy – when you buy your dehumidifier, it is new and at its peak of efficiency. It will run but the moment you start to use it begins its decline
- Maintain- As you use your dehumidifier, it will need maintenance and cleaning. This helps to keep it working efficiently and to last longer. However, it is still declining.
- Fix- There may come a time when your dehumidifier stops working. It could need recharging or repairing. You can do this yourself or get an HVAC specialist to do it for you. But you need to weigh whether repairing is worth it or replacing is a better option. More cost-effective.
- Replace- After some time of use and maintenance, your device will reach its full decline. Here due to wear and tear, it may begin to break down and need repairs. It will no longer be worth repairing and it will be time to let it go and buy a new one.
For all the information on dehumidifiers, guides as well as reviews, learn more.
Final Thoughts
Installing a dehumidifier is not a complicated process. You need to make sure that you have the right type of dehumidifier for your moisture issue and in the right size. Be aware of your area and how much moisture is in it. This will guide you on how best to install and where. If you are not sure, you can consult an HVAC specialist near you.
