How to choose and use a dehumidifier
Does the air in your house seem heavy and humid? A portable dehumidifier may be just what you need. But what kind should you choose, and how do they work? Follow our guide.
The right humidity level for your home
The relative humidity level in a room varies from season to season and is measured with a hygrometer. The ideal target is 30% in winter (at a room temperature of -15°C) and 60% in summer. Too much humidity in the air can cause problems for the house itself (e.g., stained surfaces, mould) and affect the comfort of the people living in it (e.g., allergies, asthma).
There are a number of things you can do every day to mitigate the problem of excess moisture in the air, including running the range hood, bathroom fan, air conditioner...or a dehumidifier.
Practical tips on buying a dehumidifier
The CAA-Quebec Residential Advisory Services can assist you in choosing a dehumidifier for your home, but here are a few things to think about:
- Price: The cost of a dehumidifier may vary depending on its capacity and features.
- Volume: This is measured in U.S. pints or litres and refers to the amount of water discharged per day (one U.S. pint equals approximately 1/2 litre of liquid). The capacity of the most common models on the market (e.g., those designed for basements) ranges from 12 to 35 litres (28 to 72 pints) per day. For other rooms, plan on approximately 1 quart or 0.5 litre per 150 sq. ft. area for a house under 2,000 sq. ft. with 8 ft. ceilings.
- Energy efficiency: Choose an Energy Star certified model (with a minimum integrated energy factor of 1.3 to 2.8 litres/kWh). You should also read the ÉnerGuide label to see how much energy it uses.
- Features: vous apprécierez un appareil muni:
- Control buttons and an electronic hygrometer
- Automatic shut-off to prevent overflow
- Drain system
If you don’t want to have to empty the reservoir, see if your dehumidifier has a rear outlet. You can connect a drain hose to it and then route the water to a floor drain.
How dehumidifiers work
Much like an air conditioner, a dehumidifier is a fan and a compressor connected to two coils (one hot, one cold) in which a cooling liquid circulates.
The fan draws the ambient air into the cold coil, which cools and dries the air out upon contact. The water droplets that are produced (condensation) flow into a reservoir. The dehumidified air then goes through the warm coil where it regains its initial temperature by capturing heat released by the compressor, fan motor, and refrigeration process. The fan that drew the air in then releases the dehumidified air back into the room.
How to maintain and use your dehumidifier
Your dehumidifier will operate best if you:
- Clean the filters periodically (every two weeks at first, then as needed)
- Vacuum the coils at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall
- Close the windows in your home to keep it from drawing in outdoor air, especially when the humidity is high or it’s raining
Finally, if the noise from the dehumidifier disturbs you, install it somewhere like the laundry room—away from the living spaces in your home.
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