How to dispose of a dehumidifier

How to dispose of a dehumidifier?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 Dehumidifiers contain hazardous chemicals such as Freon or Chlorofluorocarbon gas, which can cause damage to the planet’s ozone layer and act as a greenhouse gas.

🚀 Recycling programs are available for dehumidifiers, and it is important to be a responsible citizen and recycle your dehumidifier consciously.

🚀 Common reasons for getting rid of an old dehumidifier include a drop in performance despite multiple services.

Dehumidifiers are essential appliances that can serve as useful in moisture-rich environments. Having a dehumidifier will help you to keep your household free from moisture and its allied problems like fungal growth, bacteria, dust mites, pest insects, rotting, etc. There are many advanced versions of dehumidifiers now available in the market, just like other appliances that keep getting better.

If you happen to have an older model or an old dehumidifier that is no longer efficient and you want to dispose of it, this article is for you.

There are some precautions that have to be considered when you want to dispose of an old dehumidifier. Just like most appliances, this equipment can also be subject to a recycling program rather than ending up in the trash.

Let us head to knowing more information, as a responsible citizen, on how you can recycle your dehumidifier and why there is a need to have it disposed of consciously.

Why you shouldn’t throw away your dehumidifier?

The reason why you should not throw away your old dehumidifier into the garbage or trash is because of the refrigerant it contains. As you know, dehumidifiers are appliances that remove extra moisture from the air by the process of condensation. To do this, the equipment draws in damp air into the unit, runs it over frozen coils, separates the moisture from the air, and sends back the dry air into the room. The moisture from the air is turned into the water via condensation, which the device will collect in the tank below.

Cooling this unit is done with the help of Freon or Chlorofluorocarbon gas, which is a refrigerant. This is the same gas that is also used in freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioners. All old appliances containing Freon require cautious disposal since it is characterized as hazardous waste.

Dehumidifiers contain some type of chemical refrigerant or Hydrochlorofluorocarbon gas (HCFC). They are hazardous chemicals that cause damage to the planet’s ozone layer and act as a greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere. Since they cause damage to the environment, any old appliance containing these gases must be recycled or disposed of carefully. Freezers, window air conditioners, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers are the most common examples. For this reason, there is a lot of emphasis from environmentalists and from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to practice recycling such items. Everyone is equally responsible to be conscious of preventing any further damage to the planet’s ozone layer.

Common reasons for getting rid of your old dehumidifier

There are several reasons why people determine to get rid of their old appliances. The most common one being an issue with their performance. Here are a few of the reasons why one might decide to get rid of an old dehumidifier.

» The model currently in use does not have the facility to function effectively in moisture-rich environments.
» A drop in performance despite multiple services.
» Failure to extract excess moisture and to keep away pest insects, dust mites, and other allergens in the environment.
» The cost of buying a new dehumidifier seems advantageous rather than spending on service (when there is severe damage to the internal parts of the unit and the service charges would be relatively expensive).
» You have an older model of the dehumidifier and you would like to try the latest companies and models.
» On the lookout for an advanced energy-efficient design. Prefer to conserve energy and prevent shelling money on bills from the utility company.
» A garage sale is on and you consider it a brilliant idea to sell the old dehumidifier for a small fee.
» Simply interested in community service and would like to donate the old dehumidifier that is no longer used.

How to dispose of your old dehumidifier?

Here are some means by which you can carry out the safe disposal of your old dehumidifier without causing damage to the planet’s ozone layer. Recycling dehumidifiers in these ways is not just safe for the environment and the landfill, but it will also bring satisfaction to your household for having taken a responsible step. Let’s take a look at the different options we have for safe dehumidifier disposal.

a. Donate to the needy

Donating is a wonderful step that always pays off. You can try to get in contact with public works in your locality or community to donate your old dehumidifier if it is still in good working condition. There are certainly several donating opportunities in any area that will gladly accept old appliances to be resued.

Look for your nearest Salvation Army or Goodwill that would help you to drop off the dehumidifier with them. Public works services like Salvation Army and Goodwill stores will have a specific department to contact those in need of particular appliances.

b. Talk to the dehumidifier customer support

Contact the customer support department of the company from where you purchased your dehumidifier. Discuss with them the various options they present to recycle the appliance carefully.

c. Ask your nearest appliance store

Contact your nearest retailers to sell the dehumidifier if it is in good working condition. They may either present you with a program to recycle the appliance (metal scraps removed before hitting the landfill), or they might be willing to pay a small fee and buy the appliance from you to be resued. Speak to your retailer on the services they have for dehumidifier disposal.

d. Make use of the bounty program

Consult with your utility company if they have any bounty program. In a bounty program, the appliance is checked if it is in good condition, and it will pay you to dispose of the appliance.

In recycling, the hazardous chemicals are removed before the appliance can be recycled. This can be done with help from your local sanitation department. Your dehumidifier’s metal parts will be removed for further recycling and what remains of the appliance will go into landfill. You can determine the best way to recycle or dispose of your old dehumidifier after consulting with your public works officer or hazardous waste facility.

Tips to increase the life of your dehumidifier

✔ Clean the appliance as and when required, especially the air filters and the bucket which will collect the extracted water.
✔ Maintain the internal parts and the external body of the unit.
✔ Replace parts that can be reused even after service.
✔ Adjust the device to operate according to the humidity level and room temperature changes.
✔ Do not run the dehumidifier at a temperature under 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
✔ Do not overwork the dehumidifier.
✔ Pay attention to changes in performance, noise level, water leaks, etc., and fix an appointment for service at the earliest.
✔ Make sure that you have placed the dehumidifier in the right location to improve its performance and maintain the unit in good condition.

FAQ Section

1. Is a dehumidifier hazardous waste?

As aforementioned, the refrigerant contained within freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers; is made up of hazardous chemicals and it is illegal to just dump such items into the trash without removing the refrigerant.

Careful disposal of a dehumidifier must be carried out because of its contents.

2. Does Best Buy take old dehumidifiers?

No. It is unlikely that Best Buy will take old appliances that have to be recycled or disposed of carefully, owning to their hazardous waste content.

You can revisit the options discussed earlier if you want to dispose of sell or donate your old dehumidifier.

3. How do you scrap a dehumidifier?

→ The coolant is cautiously removed in a transfer station (carried out by a professional ONLY)
→ The other metal parts are removed.
→ Internal parts are removed.
→ Items that are in good working condition are recycled or reused.
→ The remaining parts of the dehumidifier are sent into landfills.

4. What are some ways to lower the use of CFCs and HCFCs?

When you hire services from the company to look into your appliances containing CFCs and HCFCs, ensure that they have the proper EPA Section 608 certification.

You can buy the latest equipment that uses non-ozone-depleting refrigerants.

Refitting your old appliance to accept non-ozone-depleting refrigerants will also help to lower the use of these harmful greenhouse gases.

Wrapping Up

Hope you found this article on ‘How to dispose of your dehumidifier?’ helpful. Whether you plan on recycling, sell it to companies with bounty programs, or simply donate it to those in need; make an environmentally conscious decision, rather than dumping it in the garbage.

How to recharge a dehumidifier

How to recharge a dehumidifier?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 Not all dehumidifiers can be recharged. You can recharge a dehumidifier only if it contains a refrigerant or coolant.

🚀 There are two main types of dehumidifiers: Condensate or Refrigerant Dehumidifiers and Desiccant Dehumidifiers.

🚀 Recharging a dehumidifier requires technical expertise. Most home and apartment owners will be unable to recharge their dehumidifiers by themselves on their own.

Our expert tips on how to recharge a dehumidifier.

When excess moisture content in the air ruins the health of our home and atmosphere, we turn to our dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are wonder devices that are equipped to decrease humidity and even improve air quality. Getting dry air that is free from too much moisture and fresh air that is not filled with allergens, is indeed possible with dehumidifiers.

When there is too much moisture indoors, you ought to invest in the right dehumidifier to protect your home and health from moisture damage. Apart from giving you a damp environment, excess moisture is also capable of leading to many fatal respiratory diseases (by simply aggravating the underlying issues). High humidity has to be brought under control for various reasons and this has been made possible by the different types of dehumidifiers.

The most modern dehumidifiers are also conscious of their energy consumption and ozone depletion potential. Energy-efficient models are manufactured to save energy. They are fully aware that some homes need to have a dehumidifier running for long hours to absorb moisture and control the humidity level effectively. In such cases, an energy-efficient rechargeable dehumidifier would be a great option.

Shop A Dehumidifier Here

‘How to recharge a dehumidifier?’ is a common question that many homeowners have. To understand how to recharge a dehumidifier, one has to realize that a lot of information and thought has to go into the process. To begin with, not all dehumidifiers can be recharged.

Let us keep reading to learn more about what goes into having a dehumidifier recharged and how to recharge a dehumidifier.

What type of dehumidifier can you recharge?

Before you consider having your dehumidifier recharged, you must be aware of the fact that not all dehumidifiers can be recharged. There are different types of dehumidifiers, and each of them pulls air-laden with moisture differently. Head over to your user manual to confirm whether or not you can recharge your unit.

You can recharge a dehumidifier only if it contains a refrigerant or coolant. Most modern dehumidifiers are rechargeable, nevertheless, do not forget to get a confirmation on the same.

There are basically two main types of dehumidifiers- Condensate or Refrigerant Dehumidifiers and Desiccant Dehumidifiers. The stand-alone dehumidifiers that are used at homes, to collect water from the air, is also known as a refrigerant dehumidifier or condensate dehumidifier. To regulate high humidity at low temperatures, one can resort to desiccant dehumidifiers. A desiccant dehumidifier uses the absorption method. Both these types contain coolants which means you can recharge a dehumidifier of this type.

A whole-house dehumidifier, on the other hand, is more of a central unit system which is similar to a central refrigeration system. You can have your whole house dehumidifier installed with the HVAC system to have a smooth flow in controlling increased humidity levels.

The older dehumidifiers that were manufactured earlier could be recharged with user-friendly recharging kits that were available online. But these recharge kits are not an option anymore, you would not find them in a local hardware store.

The reason why you cannot find a recharging kit in any hardware store is the strict environmental regulations that are in place owing to the dangerous chemicals used in coolants. The coolants produce chemicals that are found to play a significant role in ozone exhaustion. Due to this ozone depletion potential that these chemicals have, many safety precautions are being placed upon using recharging kits, in the older units especially.

The new dehumidifier models that are now available are conscious of the chemicals they use and emit. If you have to recharge a dehumidifier at your home, you just contact a reliable HVAC agency, who will provide you with a recharge kit and necessary chemicals to refill the coolant.

Older dehumidifiers or older units make use of Freon, which is a refrigerant that finds itself in the list of dangerous chemicals. Since these contribute to ozone exhaustion the new dehumidifier has been modified and comes with strict environmental regulations. Hence, only an HVAC company can help you with the refill if you have a dehumidifier that can be recharged at home.

When should you recharge a dehumidifier?

Recharging a dehumidifier needs some thought and planning. You cannot recharge a dehumidifier as and when you please, nor should you do it often since it will affect the life expectancy of the unit. The coolants produce chemicals in the air, like Freon, which are hazardous to the environment.

Moreover, sometimes the cost expected to be spent on a recharging kit and to refill a dehumidifier might turn out to be way higher than purchasing a new dehumidifier. Hence, you will have to carefully evaluate the cost of recharging vs purchasing a new unit.

The following are some conditions that will help you to judge if a recharge is necessary.

Indoor humidity level

If your dehumidifier has been running for a few hours but still you do not find any effect in the moisture levels, you will have to get the unit checked. Is the fan motor trouble-free and there is no sign of a blockage, and all seems to be well with your device; yet, the dehumidifier running does not absorb moisture from the damp environment? This could mean you have to know how to recharge your dehumidifier quickly before the problem escalates.

Recharging the dehumidifier might help to control the moisture levels and humidity levels of the room in which the device is placed.

Lack of dry air

Does dry air come out via the exhaust pipe when you have the dehumidifier running? If yes, your device is alright. In the same sense, if there is no dry air coming out of the exhaust pipe, rather the air is still laden with water vapor, then it means your unit has issues with the refrigerant.

Lack of condensation

The internal compressor or internal coils are the ones responsible for the condensation of water vapor into liquid; which gets collected in the tray. It pulls air laden with moisture and carries forth the process. If this process of condensation is not happening and the tray is dry, your device’s refrigerant or coolant is at stake. You have to recharge your dehumidifier quickly.

Control panel

The modern dehumidifiers that are now available in the market come with a light indicator facility in the Control Panel for most functions that need to be kept track of. If the machine’s Control Panel has a light indicator that turns to RED, denoting that the coolant needs to be recharged, you must do so with delay.

How to recharge a refrigerant dehumidifier?

Once you have ruled out that there is no trouble with the fan motor or any other internal parts of the unit, and you have confirmed that only a recharge will help; you have to contact a reliable HVAC agency. Dehumidifiers cannot be recharged like other home appliances, that simply need to be plugged into an electrical source. The process to recharge a dehumidifier with a coolant or refrigerant is similar to that of an air conditioning unit and refrigerator.

Consult with the HVAC company on what refrigerant your dehumidifier will require. There are specific coolants for different appliances. R-22 is the refrigerant that the old dehumidifier models used. Most modern dehumidifiers use R-410A. You can check your manual or label to confirm the type of coolant your dehumidifier needs.

R-22 is referred to as Freon. Earlier, the air conditioning units, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers used only R-22. Since Freon is a Hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), it was adding to ozone exhaustion. Due to this, you cannot find an air conditioner or dehumidifier recharge kit containing R-22 readily available in the market as it used to be.

R-140 A is a Hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC), which does not bring about ozone destruction. This was found to be a better alternative to Freon, both in terms of reliability and performance. Research suggested that R-140 A could handle higher pressure and absorb more heat. This will enable the compressor to run in cooler conditions. It is possible to use R-22 even for a dehumidifier that is designed for only R-140 A. However, for this, a different pressure gauge will have to be used. Using a different pressure gauge will prevent leaks and damage to the unit.

Here is a step-by-step guide on the process undertaken while recharging a dehumidifier.

» Get ready by preparing the gas can with R-22 or R-140 A, and all the essential equipment to open the dehumidifier.
» Detach the cable from the power supply. Bolt all the unbolts. Remove the back part of the top part out.
» Reach the compressor, remove it and you will see a hose.
» Take your gas can, connect it to the hose for a couple of minutes until the gas transfers to the compressor.
» Once the recharge is done you can remove the can and bolt all the parts into their respective places correctly.

What to do when recharging doesn’t work?

If there is no change in the humidity levels even after recharging the dehumidifier, check if you have identified the problem correctly. If there is an issue with the internal compressor, internal coils, fan motor, or even the new coolant, then the recharge may not work. If you have not assembled the device perfectly, the recharge will not work again.

Remember to take professional assistance at the earliest to isolate the problem and resolve it.

Safety considerations while recharging a dehumidifier

All electronic devices come with a set of safety precautions when they are being handled. Here is what you have to remember when you recharge a dehumidifier.

• Keep children away
Ensure you keep the gas cylinders out of reach of children. The coolants and refrigerants are dangerous chemicals that are unsafe to have around children.

• Heat resistance surface
The device will be emitting a lot of heat while the recharge is taking place. Hence, it is advisable to keep in on a surface with good heat resistance. In order to prevent overheating and damage to the coils, it is better to leave the device uncovered. A surface with heat resistance and a bare dehumidifier will help the generated heat to escape.

• Upright position
Another key precaution to remember is that the charger is standing upright. A fire might break out unless the charging socket is at the top. Ensuring that the charger is standing upright will also make sure that the chemicals transfer safely from the can into the device.

• Wear a mask
Last but not the least, it is never safe to inhale hazardous fumes from dangerous gases. The transfer and recharge will emit dry air, moisture, and fumes. Keep on a face mask the whole time to avoid inhaling them. Safety goggles will also do you good by preventing itchy dry eyes.

FAQ Section

1. How long do dehumidifiers last?

If you have a device that is well taken care of and recharged only when necessary and proper; it may last for 2 to 5 years. Some homeowners have also reported that they have had units that have lasted in good condition for 10 years; with recharge cycles in between when absolutely essential.

2. How much does it cost to get a dehumidifier recharged?

On average, a dehumidifier unit repair or recharge can cost anywhere between $50 to $200. However, this cost will vary based on the type of dehumidifier, recharge cycles, the coolant type used, the issue with the unit, HVAC company, and other relative factors.

3. What are the best long-lasting dehumidifiers in the market?

There are plentiful dehumidifier brands available in the market. Like portable dehumidifiers, silica desiccant units, etc. The typical room temperatures, area coverage essential, and amount of humid air in the place will help you to access the kind of model you require.
Frigidaire, Homelabs, Waykar are among the best long-lasting models in the market.

4. Can refrigerant be added to a dehumidifier?

Yes! It is possible to recharge a dehumidifier model with a refrigerant if its model permits that.

On the other hand, you cannot add a coolant into a silica gel or silica desiccant dehumidifier unit since its mechanism is different. Silica gel can be recharged by reheating for a specified amount of time. You cannot add any refrigerant to this model apart from silica gel.

5. How to fix the dehumidifier compressor?

A dehumidifier compressor is easy to be fixed. If it is blocked or clogged with debris; from the dust particles and dirt that are trapped, you will find a hindrance in the function of the coils. You can vacuum the accumulated particles to fix this.

Other common fixes that arise might require you can replace the motor if the issues persist (and if necessary), look into fuses suffering electrical damage, replace or check the tripped overload switch, etc.

6. Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?

Yes. A refrigerant leak is harmful to one’s health and the environment. The complications that arise from this include difficulty breathing, headaches, nausea and vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and coughing.

7. What else can we do if a dehumidifier does not work properly but charging?

‣ Follow instructions given in the maintenance guide.
‣ Fix internal coils if they fail to produce a cold environment to pass the humid air over them.
‣ Check motor, fan, electrical circuits, compressor, and other internal parts.
‣ Defrost the unit if necessary.
‣ Check if there are any blocks in the air filters and clean them.
‣ Ensure the position of the device is not too close to the wall outlet.
‣ Drain the unit as and when required.

8. Can you use R-134A in a dehumidifier?

Yes. It is considered to be a better refrigerant or coolant. However, it must be used only in units designed to contain it. It is not recommended you transfer an R-134A into an R-410A unit, since this is a better choice. Mixing is never advised.

Wrapping Up

Hope we have covered all your doubts and concerns regarding recharging a dehumidifier. Do let us know if you have recharged a unit before and how did it work for you. Share with us, your experience in the feedback form.

About The Author

Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.

Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you

Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 A dehumidifier cannot dehydrate you. It removes moisture from the air, not from the human body.

🚀 Dehydration occurs due to reasons such as too much humidity, severe heat, physical exertion, underlying health problems, and not enough fluid or liquid intake.

🚀 Using a dehumidifier is safe and can save you from many health problems caused by high indoor humidity levels.

High humidity levels bring different kinds of trouble to your home. The problems that arise from high indoor humidity level does not just stop with mold growth, mildew, damp floors, and ceilings; it also leads to an increase in the content of dust particles, dust mites, skin dryness, allergies, difficulty to breathe and certain respiratory diseases, and more complex health problems. A high humidity level is capable of diminishing the air quality in an entire room.

This is where dehumidifiers step in, to help you out in maintaining a healthy and normal level of relative humidity by working to remove excess moisture from high humidity environments. When you extract excess moisture from the air, you also remove the favorable conditions for mold, mildew, dust, other allergens, and the negative effects of increased humidity levels.

The common question that also makes people wonder is this; ‘If a dehumidifier is equipped to give you dry air in a room, can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?’. It is natural to question the idea and safety behind using a dehumidifier when it works to draw out excessive moisture. When it is capable of giving dry air, low humidity, and extract moisture from damp areas; can a dehumidifier dehydrate you as well?

The answer is NO.

Using a dehumidifier is safe and saves you from many health problems. A dehumidifier cannot lead to dehydration. This occurs for other reasons and you can avoid dehydration, even when you have a dehumidifier running in other ways. Let us head to know more on why the answer to your question ‘Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?’ is NO.

What are the real causes of dehydration?

The reasons why dehydration occurs are; too much humidity, severe heat, physical exertion, underlying health problems, not enough fluid or liquid intake. These are the main reasons why dehydration takes place.

When your body does not get enough water or fluids that it requires to carry out daily functions, you are going to naturally feel dehydrated. Your body will grow weak, tired, and exhibit other symptoms of dehydration.

High indoor humidity does cause dehydration. Handling too much humidity can be done only by extracting excessive moisture. In order to make this possible and give you a low humidity room, you have to consider using a dehumidifier. Invest in the right energy-efficient dehumidifier to control humidity and remove excess moisture from the air.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

There are many symptoms that can help you to identify dehydration in your body. If you feel dehydrated or if you notice any of these symptoms rising, immediately drink enough water.

1. Change in colour of urine to dark yellow or orange
2. A drop in urine output
3. Chapped lips
4. Dry throat and dry cough
5. Dry skin
6. A drop in secretion in the mucus membranes
7. Weakness or tiredness, dizziness
8. Fatigue to carry out physical activities and the body’s internal functions.

Does dehumidifier cause dehydration?

As aforementioned, No. A dehumidifier does not cause dehydration. Rather, helps in the regulation of the humidity level, thereby preventing you from facing dehydration as a result of high humidity.

You cannot be dehydrated when you use a dehumidifier. However, there are certain odd conditions that can give you a dry cough, dry skin, or sore throat while using a dehumidifier. If you are not using the right capacity dehumidifiers, it can go ahead in carrying out excess levels of moisture absorption. Prolonged use of dehumidifiers, especially sleeping next to one with a mouth open; can certainly cause you to wake up with a sore throat or cough or dryness in your throat, skin dryness, etc.

This is also the case with any air conditioning environment. If you are exposed to an air conditioner that is blowing out extremely cool air, and you are right under it for hours together, you will feel dehydrated. An air conditioner can also give you the effect of dehydration, although it does not work to make you dehydrated.

Managing incorrect humidity levels with dehumidifier to avoid dryness?

The ideal relative humidity level that is comfortable and healthy for a living space is between 40% to 50%. When moisture levels go beyond that, dehumidifiers have to step in to regulate the humidity level.

When the humidity in the room is not maintained to cater to the needs, that is when too much drying action takes place. You will end up sitting in an environment with extremely dry air that can make breathing difficult and even trigger allergies and respiratory diseases.

There are some ways in which you can ensure your dehumidifier does not overdo its job. Here is how.

✔ Most dehumidifiers come with a built-in humidistat. This equipment is going to help you in monitoring the current humidity level of the room. This is extremely important and can help you to avoid problems with dry air and incorrect humidity.

✔ If your dehumidifier does not have a built-in humidistat, install one.

✔ Put thought and planning into purchasing the right capacity dehumidifier for your room size. The room size is an essential aspect to consider before using a dehumidifier.

✔ The size of the room, the amount of excessive moisture, damp spots, temperature, and relative humidity, expected energy costs or electricity bill, auto shut-off features, etc.; many dehumidifiers are purchased based on these criteria. When you pay attention to these details you will be using a dehumidifier that exactly suits your requirement.

✔ Properly clean the dehumidifier from time to time to avoid freezing the water vapor inside the device. Just like all home appliances need maintenance, so does a dehumidifier, and more so since it deals directly with the air that you breathe in. An unclean device cannot carry out its function accurately and will have trouble maintaining the RH levels.

✔ Place the dehumidifier in the right space for proper functioning.

FAQ Section

1. Can dehumidifiers cause headaches?

Dehumidifiers cannot give you headaches directly, but dry air does. When there is dry air around in the environment, it will bring about the drying of the mucus membranes. When you inhale dry air and it passes through these membranes, it is going to be inflamed and painful, eventually leading to headaches. Ensuring that you use a dehumidifier to dry out the air appropriately can settle this issue.

2. Is it bad to sleep next to a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers manufactured nowadays are energy efficient and fire hazard-free models, safe to keep inside a bedroom as well. You will have a peaceful and trouble-free sleep when you got a dehumidifier to monitor the humidity around you and improve the air quality.
However, pay attention to things like the distance of the extension cord from your bed, and signs of smoke coming from the dehumidifier, and other safety measures that you will follow for other home appliances.

3. Where should a dehumidifier be placed in a bedroom?

To permit a dehumidifier make the best use of its potential, the place where it is located in any room matters. The location of the dehumidifier has an influence on its performance. The closer it is to the source of dampness, the better is the moisture absorption and the humidity level regulation.

National Sleep Foundation agrees that when you keep humidity level under control in a bedroom has a positive impact on the quality of sleep that one has. Just like how you enjoy the comfort from cold air coming from an air conditioner to handle the heat; having a dehumidifier in the bedroom to bring down the humidity level also helps.

A central position of the dehumidifier is always recommended in any room it is placed in. However, in a bedroom, you can either do the same or keep it in close proximity to the source of dampness or moisture. If there are leaks or cracks through which moisture escapes into the room, the dehumidifier can be placed close to them in order to fix the issue.

If you happen to have a bathroom inside the bedroom, keep the dehumidifier next to the bathroom door.

4. Does a dehumidifier dry out skin?

If the humidity level drops way under the ideal level, a dehumidifier certainly can give you dry skin, cracked heels, and chapped lips. If you fail to adjust the humidistat, both during the summers and the winters, to balance out the ideal RH; you will end up having an extremely low humidity room. This will cause issues like skin dryness, itchy eyes, and other topical symptoms of moisture in the body.

5. How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry out a room?

Well, the answer to this question depends on the size of the room and the humidity level dealt with. While using a dehumidifier for the first time, it might take up to 12 hours for the device to start functioning properly. After which it has been noticed that it can take about 17 minutes to 20 minutes to dry out a 50 square feet area; when expected to bring down the humidity from 90% to 40%.

6. Can dehumidifiers cause sore throat issues?

As aforementioned, a dehumidifier can trap the allergens from the air, improve air quality and help you to eliminate allergies; including those of the throat. Also, it is very important to set the humidistat for correct dehumidification settings to prevent sore throat issues.

Wrapping Up

Hope you found your answers to the question ‘Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?’. Let us know in the mail how you have known dehumidifiers to handle high humidity without causing dehydration. Check our website for more dehumidifier buying guides, inside information on latest dehumidifiers and expert tips on maintaining your dehumidifier.

About The Author

Why does my dehumidifier blow hot air

Why does my dehumidifier blow hot air?

3 Key Takeaways:

🚀 Dehumidifiers naturally produce heat as a result of the dehumidification process.

🚀 When the room’s moist air passes through the reheating coil, hot air is naturally produced and released back into the room.

🚀 The ideal operating temperature for refrigerant dehumidifiers is between 70 to 90 degrees F. If your dehumidifier is producing too much heat, you should check for a lack of airflow.

Why is hot air coming out of my dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier blowing hot air is nothing new or an issue of concern (unless it is very hot air above the set limits). When the room’s moist air passes through the reheating coil, hot air is naturally produced. This hot air is released back into the room.

As a result of the dehumidification process, the unit can remove moisture and hot air from the room. However, it also sends ack warm air into the room. Remember, warm air and not humid air. This is normal. If your dehumidifier is blowing out cool air into the room, it requires attention. An air conditioner has the duty of blowing cool air or cold air into the room, not dehumidifiers. There could be a mechanical problem with the unit.

This is what happens on your device. Moist air enters the dehumidifier and undergoes a process of condensation. The moisture from the air is removed when the refrigerant condenses the air that entered the unit. The water droplets from condensation are collected in the bucket and the cold air is heated and sent back to the room.

Do all dehumidifiers create heat?

Yes, all dehumidifiers do! Apart from the result of the function; dehumidifiers or any machine that is run continuously radiate naturally produced heat.

This heat will seem less when it is a large room and come across as too much heat if it is a small room.

What temperature should the air be coming out of a dehumidifier?

It has been recorded that the ideal operating temperature for refrigerant dehumidifiers is between 70 to 90 degrees F.

Try checking these 6 things if your dehumidifier is producing too much heat

a. Lack of air flow

Dehumidifiers are devices that are designed to work in areas with good air flow. If your dehumidifier is blowing too much hot air, poor air flow can also be a reason.

Objects too close to the unit that is blocking the air flow can make dehumidifiers work harder, leading up to overheating. Within the same room, just change the location of the dehumidifier. Place the unit in the center of the room to check if there is an improvement. The device constantly radiates hot air still? Arrange for a service team to rule out any mechanical problem.

b. If dehumidifier has a refrigerant

Just like air conditioners, dehumidifiers also need a cooling cook or refrigerant that will cool down the ring or surface over which the air passes. Removing moisture from the air via condensation happens here, and the water droplets fall into the drip pan or bucket.

If the dehumidifier’s compressor or motor is running hot, the unit will also be hot. There are dehumidifiers that come with error codes to hint that the device is out of refrigerant or overheated.

Dehumidifiers without a refrigerant will run continually without shutting down automatically. If this happens, turn off the dehumidifier and call for a service person to take a look at the refrigerant leak. Most people will have the unit recharged with the refrigerant to fix the issue.

c. If unit is hot

Is there too much heat coming from your dehumidifier? There are several factors that can explain why your unit is heated. When it becomes obvious that the comfort level in the room is not normal and the device is overheated, most people rush to the manual to check what is wrong or they turn off the unit. This is a good step since most dehumidifiers will just need some time to cool down from a stressed compressor. An overworked compressor can cause the unit to seize up, hence pay attention to it.

Here are a couple of reasons why the unit is hot:

1. Faulty internal electrical components that need replacement
2. Some mechanical problem in need of service
3. Issues with the fan motor or compressor
4. Using a small dehumidifier for a larger room, overworked beyond capacity
5. The control board is hot from some electrical issue.
6. Most dehumidifiers nowadays generate error codes for their issues. If your dehumidifier does that, check what could be the concern to fix it.

d. Broken dehumidifier components

As it goes with any device for that matter, broken components of the dehumidifier will hinder the unit from maintaining the humidity level in the house, there will be a drop in how much moisture they extract from the air, and you will have a dehumidifier blowing hot air.

e. Tray is full

A dehumidifier blowing hot air into the room can sometimes also result from a full bucket. Most dehumidifiers will turn off automatically when this happens, but when they do not it leads to problems. If there is a malfunction in the fan mode, the unit keeps working even after a full tank.

In this case, the air drawn into the unit is warmed up even before it gets to cool down. Hence the unit will be blowing hot air into the room and will not lower the humidity level either. For cases like this, turn off the device, drain the tank, clean it up and, then run it again.

f. Wrong humidity settings

The relative humidity of living space will keep differing. It is recommended that you keep a close watch on the thermostat and humidistat to ensure that they are set to maintain the temperature and humidity to suit your comfort level.

Dehumidifiers will blow out heated air when they are overworked. When dehumidifiers are not set to the right humidity settings in line with the room, this will put pressure on the device.

FAQ Section

1. Should I run my dehumidifier on low medium or high?

You can set your dehumidifier to 30% to 60% for the comfort range you desire. The target that most of the people hit is 45%. To keep away dust and dust mites from thriving, you can set dehumidifiers to 50% and below.

2. Are dehumidifiers a fire hazard?

All electronic appliances are fire hazards when they are not handled with care. If there is any serious electrical issue, temperature fluctuations that aggravate the problem, too much heat from the machine that is neglected, a mechanical problem that is swept under the rug, etc., your dehumidifier can definitely be a fire hazard.

Models that were manufactured between 2003 to 2013 have been recalled, after having been labelled as unsafe. The recent models are greener, environmentally safe, and also advanced to be user-friendly and safe.

3. Should you close windows when using a dehumidifier?

Yes! It is not a great idea to have temperature changes and fresh moisture coming in via the open doors and windows continually, while your dehumidifier works to lower the humidity in the room. Cold or warm temperature or air; either of these blowing into space is going to hinder the performance of the device.

Always keep the windows and doors closed when you run a dehumidifier for the best results. Whether you run the dehumidifier for humidity and moisture control, or you run it to keep away dust, dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens- keep the windows closed no matter what the purpose is.

4. Should you use a dehumidifier year-round?

Just like the climate and temperature change all year round so does the humidity. Adjust the humidity settings on the humidistat and thermostat accordingly to maintain the desired level for that particular climate.

Be it a small dehumidifier or a large one; they cannot run below 60% be it in any climate. This will cause the coils to freeze up.

5. What brand dehumidifier should you buy?

Based on the level of moisture and humidity control you need, pick the size of dehumidifier your space needs. Is it a small dehumidifier or a large whole-house dehumidifier? After this, you can go through the best brands and the features they contain.

Homelabs is one of the most sought-after dehumidifier brands in the USA.

Wrapping Up

With this, we have reached the end of the post. Hope you have found the answer to your question, ‘Why does my dehumidifier blow hot air?’. Let us know about how you handled a dehumidifier that blows too much hot air. Also check our website for more detailed reviews on latest dehumidifiers.

How to dispose of a dehumidifier?

3 Key Takeaways:

Why you shouldn’t throw away your dehumidifier?

Common reasons for getting rid of your old dehumidifier

How to dispose of your old dehumidifier?

a. Donate to the needy

b. Talk to the dehumidifier customer support

c. Ask your nearest appliance store

d. Make use of the bounty program

Tips to increase the life of your dehumidifier

FAQ Section

1. Is a dehumidifier hazardous waste?

2. Does Best Buy take old dehumidifiers?

3. How do you scrap a dehumidifier?

4. What are some ways to lower the use of CFCs and HCFCs?

Wrapping Up

How to recharge a dehumidifier?

3 Key Takeaways:

Our expert tips on how to recharge a dehumidifier.

What type of dehumidifier can you recharge?

When should you recharge a dehumidifier?

Indoor humidity level

Lack of dry air

Lack of condensation

Control panel

How to recharge a refrigerant dehumidifier?

What to do when recharging doesn’t work?

Safety considerations while recharging a dehumidifier

FAQ Section

1. How long do dehumidifiers last?

2. How much does it cost to get a dehumidifier recharged?

3. What are the best long-lasting dehumidifiers in the market?

4. Can refrigerant be added to a dehumidifier?

5. How to fix the dehumidifier compressor?

6. Is a refrigerant leak dangerous?

7. What else can we do if a dehumidifier does not work properly but charging?

8. Can you use R-134A in a dehumidifier?

Wrapping Up

About The Author

Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?

3 Key Takeaways:

What are the real causes of dehydration?

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Does dehumidifier cause dehydration?

Managing incorrect humidity levels with dehumidifier to avoid dryness?

FAQ Section

1. Can dehumidifiers cause headaches?

2. Is it bad to sleep next to a dehumidifier?

3. Where should a dehumidifier be placed in a bedroom?

4. Does a dehumidifier dry out skin?

5. How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry out a room?

6. Can dehumidifiers cause sore throat issues?

Wrapping Up

About The Author

Why does my dehumidifier blow hot air?

3 Key Takeaways:

Read more on why does a dehumidifier blow hot air.

Why is hot air coming out of my dehumidifier?

Do all dehumidifiers create heat?

What temperature should the air be coming out of a dehumidifier?

Try checking these 6 things if your dehumidifier is producing too much heat

a. Lack of air flow

b. If dehumidifier has a refrigerant

c. If unit is hot

d. Broken dehumidifier components

e. Tray is full

f. Wrong humidity settings

FAQ Section

1. Should I run my dehumidifier on low medium or high?

2. Are dehumidifiers a fire hazard?

3. Should you close windows when using a dehumidifier?

4. Should you use a dehumidifier year-round?

5. What brand dehumidifier should you buy?

Wrapping Up

About The Author

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