Ask any allergist and they'll tell you: Excessively humid air in your home is not healthy.
Anything greater than 60 percent provides the perfect atmosphere for mold and dust mites to thrive, which can cause nasal congestion, eye irritation, sneezing, cough, and even wheezing.
Too much humidity can also cause problems in your home, such as warping or cracking wood furniture and floors, encouraging mold growth on carpets, and allowing rust to build up in toilet flushes and water pipes. A dehumidifier can help you reduce humidity in the air, but it is only effective if you use it correctly. Today we tell you the most common mistakes you should not make with your dehumidifier, in addition to what you should take into account before buying one.
5 mistakes you make with your dehumidifier
You don't set the correct humidity level
The optimal level of relative humidity is between 30 and 50 percent. Aim 30 to 40 percent in colder areas during the heating season.
If the humidity is higher than that, it can generate mites, mold and damp , and cause allergies. Keep in mind that it's also important to make sure that the humidity in your home doesn't drop too low, which can lead to dry skin, itchy eyes, and other allergy-like symptoms.
The best way to control your humidity is to monitor the levels through a reliable HVAC thermostat. You can buy one for a price of between 50 and 300 €. A cheaper option is a hygrometer, which you can buy for just ten euros online or at your local pharmacy.
You don't choose the right place or size
The basement is usually ideal for a dehumidifier because the humidity there is usually the highest. If you can reduce it there, you can generally reduce it throughout your home. Another reason why the basement is a good idea is that it usually has a drain, so you can easily empty the dehumidifier.
You don't want the water to stay there, as that in itself can create mold, which can trigger allergies and other respiratory problems.
To empty a dehumidifier , find the drain port on the back, unscrew the drain plug, connect a hose, and let it drip directly into the basement drain.
If you choose to put your dehumidifier in the kitchen or bathroom , put your hygrometer somewhere else, as the temporary humidity from cooking or showering can make it seem like your home has higher humidity than it actually is. This in turn can dry out your home, which can dry out your own skin, hair, eyes, and even your nose and throat, making you more susceptible to respiratory problems.
Most portable dehumidifiers have top mounted air discharge and can be placed against the walls, but if yours doesn't have it, make sure to place it away from the walls and furniture, so the air can circulate freely .
You leave windows and doors open
Enclosing the space allows your dehumidifier to run more efficiently.
If it is in your basement and you leave a window open to the outside in a high humidity region, all you are doing is getting the water outside the house, which will not help you at all. It also allows external allergens such as pollen or mold to enter.
You don't empty it regularly
Most portable dehumidifiers use a removable plastic bucket and warning lights to indicate when the bucket is full and needs to be emptied.
There's usually an automatic shutdown when the bucket is full, so you won't have to worry about bucket overflow. But if the water in the tank is left for a long period of time, it could cause mold to start growing in your dehumidifier. This could trigger an allergic reaction or, even if you don't have allergies, irritate your lungs.
If you're having trouble remembering whether to empty it or not, consider purchasing a dehumidifier that comes with an accessory that allows you to hook a hose directly to the reservoir. This can be directed to a floor drain or sump pump, so there is no need to empty it.
You don't clean it enough
While your dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air, it also attracts things like mold, moisture, bacteria, pollen, and dust, which means keeping it clean is a must. Try to clean it weekly.
Most new models have an indicator light that tells you when it's time to clean it. Follow the manufacturer's advice found in the instruction manual.
But don't forget to disconnect it, and clean all its parts: the tank, the air filter and the tank filter, with soap and warm water. This is because moisture in the air can begin to build up inside them, which can encourage mold growth. Let it air dry before you start again, and vacuum any residual debris with your small vacuum cleaner if you can.
What should you know before buying a dehumidifier?
Before buying one, keep these three considerations in mind:
Find an ecological model
You can expect to pay between € 10 and € 15 a month to have a typical residential model, and many consume more than 1,000 kWh of energy per year. But you can reduce electricity use, and cost, by investing in an eco-friendly model.
These models must meet certain guidelines to obtain an ecological seal of approval. For dehumidifiers, that means they use more efficient cooling coils, compressors, and fans to remove the same amount of moisture as a similar-sized conventional unit, but they use almost 15 percent less energy.
Measure your space
You'll want to get a dehumidifier that's the right size for the room, so be sure to measure the space. A wet room of less than 440 square meters generally only needs a 30-liter dehumidifier, while a larger space may require 50 or even 70 liters.
When in doubt, choose the larger size, as you can set it lower and therefore reduce electricity usage and reduce your electricity bills.
Make arrangements to reduce humidity
Even the most efficient dehumidifier will not work well if you have too much outside moisture leaking into your home. Try to do the following simple home improvements:
- Extend gutter downspouts away from the foundation of your home and make sure both are clear and open.
- Make sure your tumble dryer is adequately ventilated outdoors.
- Repair any leaking outside faucets.
- Use fans in your kitchen and bathrooms.
- If your home has central air conditioning, install an air conditioning vent in the wettest space in your home (usually your basement). This will help dehumidify and improve air flow between the wettest parts of your home and the driest parts.
