Whole-house dehumidifiers are an easy way to improve the air quality in your home and prevent mold and mildew growth. A dehumidifier unit can make a big difference in your quality of life if you live in an area with periods of high humidity or have allergies or asthma.
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies. HEPA filters are one of the most important tools for removing mold.
How effective are dehumidifiers at preventing mold?
Dehumidifiers can remove moisture but they can't actually kill mold spores or active mold growing on surfaces. These units also can't do anything about mildew in kitchens and bathrooms. However, when included with other interventions, it can absolutely help prevent mold in the home.
Should a whole house dehumidifier run all the time?
Should you keep your dehumidifier running all the time? In order to achieve the ideal indoor relative humidity levels of 35 to 50 percent, it is recommended that you run a dehumidifier for 12 hours a day.
What's better for mold air purifier or dehumidifier?
Both an air purifier and a dehumidifier can help with mold but in different ways. A dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air, which can prevent mold growth. On the other hand, an air purifier can remove mold spores and other allergens from the air, helping to improve indoor air quality.
Can I leave the dehumidifier running at night? Yes, we recommend using a dehumidifier 24hrs, however, be aware that there will always be a noise generated from the machine when it is operating.
Can you dehumidify too much? There is a chance of dehumidifying your home too much with a dehumidifier, especially if you are leaving your dehumidifier running for several hours on a timer unattended. Over-dehumidifying your home can lead to an increased chance of respiratory illnesses and dry and cracked skin.
How long does it take to dehumidify a whole house?
Lower capacity dehumidifier models that remove 70 to 80 pints per day cost around $1,500. On average, a whole-house dehumidifier can remove up to 98 pints of water per day (ppd). So, if a house requires 50 ppd to be removed, the dehumidifier could remove the full amount in 12 hours.
Should I turn off my whole house dehumidifier in the winter?
However, turning off your dehumidifier for the winter helps you save money by preventing the equipment from running unnecessarily. After all, your home stays more comfortable in the winter if the relative humidity is a bit higher.
According to the EPA, the optimal indoor RH is between 30-50%. Once your relative humidity level rises above 50-60%, there is enough moisture in the air to allow mold and mildew to flourish. At 70% RH and above, mold formation is practically to be expected.
What should the humidity be in your house to prevent mold?
Sometimes, humidity or dampness (water vapor) in the air can supply enough moisture for mold growth. Indoor relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 60 percent -- ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible. Low humidity may also discourage pests (such as cockroaches) and dust mites.
A whole-home dehumidifier controls the moisture indoors and helps air conditioners create the ideal humidity level to stop mold in its tracks! Healthy humidity levels in a home are between 30 and 50 percent for most of the U.S. In Birmingham, a realistic level with air conditioners is closer to 50 or 60 percent.
When relative humidity (a temperature-dependent measure of water vapor in air) becomes elevated indoors, building materials and furnishings absorb the moisture. Those damp materials can then provide a good place for mold to grow.
Where should a whole-house dehumidifier be installed?
Unlike a portable dehumidifier that sits in a room, a home dehumidifier is of a much higher capacity and treats the home's entire air volume rather than just a small area. These whole-home dehumidifiers are installed on the return duct of the HVAC unit and work alongside the heating and cooling unit.
We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.
How much does it cost to add a dehumidifier to HVAC?
The cost to hire an HVAC pro to install a whole-house dehumidifier is $1,300 to $1,700, but some high-efficiency models cost $1,600 to $2,800. However, if you decide to take on the project yourself, you can skip labor costs altogether—which typically amount to $500 to $700.
A home should have a relative humidity of 30% to 60%. Above 60% and you have what's considered “high” humidity. Besides being less comfortable, high humidity causes a host of other problems in your home, including: Growth of fungus and mold in various parts of the home.
What is the best time of day to run a dehumidifier?
If you're concerned about spending too much on your electricity bill, you can try calling your energy company and asking about the “best times.” Usually, the best times to run your unit, that will save you money, is between 10 pm and 7 am — this is when less people are consuming energy, which drives down the rates.
The ideal humidity range for a home should be between 40% and 60%, as anything outside of this range could lead to several problems such as respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and eyes, or even mold growth.
Although the energy consumption for small and medium-sized dehumidifiers is relatively low, long-term usage (especially older, less energy-efficient models) can add up to be quite a substantial amount. This is compounded by the fact that most dehumidifiers run 12 to 24 hours daily.
How much water should a dehumidifier collect in a day?
A dehumidifier should collect a certain amount of water each day - generally, around 10-20 pints of water per 24-hour period. This should require you to empty most dehumidifiers daily or bi-daily when in operation.
For now, we leave you with this simple one: use a dehumidifier during the spring, summer and early fall to keep moisture at bay, but unplug and stow it away during the winter to prevent damage to your unit.