Is Dehumidifier Water Distilled
Where Does The Water Come From In A Dehumidifier?
Can You Use Dehumidifier Water?
Can You Drink Water From A Dehumidifier?
How To Make Dehumidifier Water Drinkable or Usable?
If I Can’t Drink Dehumidifier Water, What Can I Use It For?
Can You Water Plants With Dehumidifier Water?
Can Pets Drink Dehumidifier Water?
Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Producing Water?
Dehumidifier water is not distilled. Distilled water is water that boils then turns back into water from steam vapor. A dehumidifier condenses moisture from the air into water, the water does not go through a boiling process. Distillation does not happen. Unlike distilled water, dehumidifier water is not pure or portable.
Where Does The Water Come From In A Dehumidifier?
The dehumidifier process is a two step process. There is condensation and an evaporator. Refrigeration or absorption are the two methods from which dehumidifiers get their water. An electric fan pulls hot air full of water over a cold surface. This is in refrigerating dehumidifiers. A frozen pipe or grill is the most common cause, and the water condenses on the grill.
In the summer or humid climates, it’s close to how water vapor condenses on the outside of a glass of cold water. The water from the dehumidifier collects in a collection tray or collection tank. The dry air then blows back into the room. [1]
In the summer or humid climates, it’s close to how water vapor condenses on the outside of a glass of cold water. The water from the dehumidifier collects in a collection tray or collection tank. The dry air then blows back into the room.
The air blows past a huge revolving cage. This cage has water-absorbing material during the absorption process. This cage traps a lot of the water vapor in the air and returns it to the room as drier air. [1]
Dehumidifier Two-Step Process
This is where the distillation process differs from the dehumidification process.
Distillation has a Three-Step process
Distillation involves:
- Heating the water.
- Water evaporates and water vapor rises.
- The water vapor passes into the condenser, where it cools and condenses. Liquid water drips into a beaker.
Can You Use Dehumidifier Water?
As we have seen above, dehumidifiers do collect water through the dehumidification process. It is similar to the distillation process but not quite. The biggest question is can you use this water? The answer is yes you can.
It isn’t recommended to drink dehumidifier water but it can be used for so many other things. Let’s have a look at what you can use dehumidifier water for.
Can You Drink Water From A Dehumidifier?
No, you can not drink water from a dehumidifier. For your health, we do not recommend this. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) warns that stagnant condensate can harbor biological contaminants. These include airborne contaminants such as mold, mildew, and algae. Particularly if the collection bucket doesn’t undergo regular cleaning.
The condensate drain can contain lead and other heavy metal residues. These could be from the dehumidifier’s parts. This is why we call it gray water, it may not be the same as black water from dirty pipes, but it is as harmful.
Dehumidifier water, unlike purified water, is never sterilized through boiling. This is why it is never recommended to drink dehumidifier water. The water quality can make you sick. This is the same for air conditioners. It is important for you to feel confident about your water source. [2]
How To Make Dehumidifier Water Drinkable or Usable?
You are probably wondering how you can make the water from your dehumidifier safe to drink. You could try to distill the water from your dehumidifier to make it more drinkable.
It is possible to distill water from the dehumidifier and drink it. This is because it goes through the condensation process. But to be on the safe side, make sure to purify the water distillation process. You must put the water through a filter (even coffee filters work). This is to ensure that no large particles have remained behind. Especially from the collecting container. Also, make sure you are filtering into a pristine dirt-free container.
As long as the water has boiled at temperatures as high as 165F, it is possible to become drinkable water. It is a long process and likely not so worth it. Also, remember that distilled water has no minerals, so it will not be good for you in the long run.
If I Can't Drink Dehumidifier Water, What Can I Use It For?
Even though we have seen that it may not be as wise to drink water from your dehumidifier. And you could feel like this is a waste, especially during this climate crisis era. You can still 100% make use of your gallons of water from your dehumidifier.
Cleaning
Instead of using tap water to clean windows or mop the floor. Use the condensed water vapor from your dehumidifier. You may also make an antibacterial cleaning solution by adding bleach or vinegar to this.
It can be used to clean windows, countertops, and even cars (no bleach required!). It can also work to hand-wash towels and delicate laundry.
Ironing
If you use a steam iron often, or even a regular clothes iron, you’ll use a lot of water. And if you’ve ever used one. You’re aware that using regular water creates mineral deposits in your pricey iron. So your recoverable water from the dehumidifier works well for your iron.
What is the solution? Water from the dehumidifier! Not only can you save water, but you’ll also save your steam iron from the mineral buildup.
Flushing the toilet
Another smart way to use your dehumidifier’s gallons of water is to flush your toilet with it. Raise the back of your toilet lid and dump the water inside. [3]
Can You Water Plants With Dehumidifier Water?
Watering your edible plants or consumable plants. You can use dehumidifier condensed water vapor or air conditioner water for this. Water collected from a dehumidifier is softer and more pH neutral than regular water. Many inedible plants prefer it. So for watering plants, be it in the garden, flowers, container plants, or house plants. [4]
Can Pets Drink Dehumidifier Water?
As water from a dehumidifier is not safe to drink for people, it is also not recommended for pets. It is not the same as distilled water and it still carries contaminants such as bacteria and mildew. Which builds up in the tank. These could make your pets sick. You could try and filter the water first using a water purifier, distill the water, and then give it to your pets. [5]
Another option you can try is if you cleaned the coils before you started. Put a decent furnace filter on the dehumidifier. This is to limit any air particulates from getting to the coils. then ran it through a sediment filter and carbon block. It would be a little bit purer for your pets. Also, make sure you test the catch basin water for any contaminants.
Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Producing Water?
If your dehumidifier isn’t producing water and the temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you may have a defective fan motor. To avoid frost or ice accumulation made by cold coils. A dehumidifier must have enough air flowing over the evaporator coils.
Remove the cover and inspect the fan area. If there is little to no air coming through the grill area and the filter is clear. Inspect the coils to ensure they are not clogged with lint or debris, and clean them as required.
Ensure the fan blade or blower wheel is secure to the motor shaft and that the fan motor rotates. Operate the machine in a fan mode only with care and keep an eye on the fan motor. It is faulty and would need replacing if it hums but does not rotate or rotates slow.
If the motor does not spin and makes no noise it could still be faulty. But it will need testing further by someone familiar with using a multimeter. They should be able to deal with live electrical circuits. [6]
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, dehumidifier water is not quite the same as distilled water. Distilled water is a lot purer as it leaves behind any contaminants. Distilled water is more of a water purification process. But it also leaves out important minerals needed to make it healthy to drink. I would suggest not taking any chances unless you have the time to distill and filtrate. And test the dehumidifier water before drinking; stick to bottled water.
A Dehumidifier is a very handy appliance to have in your home. It reduces humidity levels and helps to protect your family’s health and property. Look for one that fits your space and is ideal for the level of humidity in your home.
Check What size dehumidifier do you need to know which size to pick.
Then visit Dehumidifier Brand to get the perfect dehumidifier for you.
