Dehumidifier mistakes
3 Key Takeaways:
🚀 To extend the life of any electronic equipment, it is important to pay attention to the owner’s manual.
🚀 When one neglects the instruction manual, mistakes are prone to happen.
🚀 An air filter in any equipment that deals with air cannot be neglected. A blocked air filter will tamper with the airflow and trigger allergies.
High levels of relative humidity cause a ton of damage. A damp room not just makes the ambiance uncomfortable with its moisture content but also causes several problems property with mold growth. A dehumidifier breaks this cycle of struggling with high humidity levels and works to remove moisture from the air.
It is not enough to simply own an efficient dehumidifier, be it the best commercial dehumidifier or portable dehumidifier; you must invest time and effort into proper maintenance. Most dehumidifiers fail to deliver to their full potential because they were not given proper care. In this article, we will take a look at the various mistakes customers make than can cause a dehumidifier to break down sooner than expected.
What causes dehumidifiers to fail quickly?
The reasons why a dehumidifier can fail quickly can be many. To extend the life of any electronic equipment it is important to pay attention to the owner’s manual. When one neglects the instruction manual, mistakes are prone to happen. When it comes to dehumidifier usage, an instruction manual might come with much important information like recommended electricity usage, how to connect the hose directly, necessary calculations to set the expected humidity level, correct operating temperature range, which is the reliable HVAC thermostat, usage of a sump pump, ideal operating range in colder areas, how to use the collection tank or water bucket, connecting to water pipes, usage of warning lights and indicator light, defrost mode, and more!
When we fail in following the rules in even one from the above list, mistakes are prone to happen. You might either end up with a unit that performs poorly or has caused more damage to your expected perfect atmosphere.
Here are the 7 worst dehumidifier mistakes you can make:
You aren’t checking and cleaning their air filters?
An air filter in any equipment that deals with air cannot be neglected. A blocked air filter will tamper with the airflow and trigger allergies. When the air filter in a dehumidifier is not checked for performance or cleanliness there will be disturbances in the airflow, both going into and going out of the dehumidifier. The unit will also struggle to extract moisture from the air and keep the air dry.
Dust mites and other allergy-like symptoms will increase when the dust has been allowed to accumulate in the filters. Too much outside moisture or inside the filter when not checked will be allowing rust to form. You can also reduce electricity usage when the filters are clean and the unit performs without exertion. You should either invest time in proper maintenance of the filters or opt for a replacement filter when required.
You’re not opening the windows and dehumidifying the outside as well, are you?
It is true that leaving windows and doors open will promote air circulation. This is necessary, but only within healthy limits. If you leave windows and doors open in an area where there is too much humidity and too much outside moisture, this will not help your dehumidifier to function efficiently.
Seeping in excess moisture from the outside will trigger allergies, promote mold growth, increase the dust mites, and sometimes even allow rust to form in water pipes and other different materials with iron components of the room. Most portable dehumidifiers and any typical residential model will not be equipped to handle higher humidity than they are supposed to. Even a few hours of running the unit beyond its capacity might seem like they are drying effectively in the beginning, but it will tamper with the unit and even spike the electricity use.
Have you checked to see if your outlet or electricity is faulty?
With a faulty power outlet being put to use, you will end up with wasted time and electricity use even if it is just for a few hours of running the dehumidifier. To have a perfect atmosphere the power supply must also be taken into consideration. Regularly most portable dehumidifiers are manufactured with defrost mode and cold area operation that varies in the threshold. To manage the ideal relative humidity to the best level, you must keep a close eye on how much equipment can handle and its power supply.
Is the machine rated for continuous operation?
Take note that buying an efficient dehumidifier does not guarantee it is equipped for continuous operation. How much equipment capacity is built in to handle a full length and high humidity operating range must be checked. A typical residential model that can handle 24-hour operation will have features to support it like full water bucket indicator light, a flooring system or floor drain plug, a correct operating temperature range that can be pre-set, a reliable HVAC thermostat, basement drain port, or facility to connect to sump pump flooring system, etc.
If your dehumidifier unit does not have any of the supporting features but you run it continuously to keep the air dry at all times, that is when a dehumidifier breaks down. You will also end with excessive drying and other troubles like dry skin (even your nose and nasal passage may dry out), respiratory problems, and severe allergic reactions.
There’s a problem with where you’ve placed the dehumidifier
If the higher humidity levels are not reduced, the unit fails to keep the air dry, and other allergy-like symptoms emerge, it could mean you have not placed the dehumidifier in the right place. Most portable dehumidifiers and even any commercial dehumidifier are purchased with the intent to be used in the basement where there is too much humidity. Extraction of moisture from the air will not take place as expected if the placement is off.
Basements are the best places to keep the unit where it can cover the most humid place and also empty the water from the collection tank with a basement drain facility. Improper draining of water will lead to mold growth, trigger allergies, dry your own skin, and even your nose, and lead to more respiratory problems. Basements are easy-to-use floor drains by unscrewing the drain plug from the drain port, where you can connect the hose directly.
Top mounted air discharge is another feature to look for. Most portable dehumidifiers manufactured today have top-mounted air discharge that allows the unit to be placed against the wall. If your dehumidifier does not have this you must keep it away from walls and other different materials that can support mold growth, dust mites, and allergic reaction.
It is not set at the correct humidity level
Regularly most portable dehumidifiers built now come with a humidistat that can be adjusted to maintain the ideal humidity level, which is between 30% and 50%. You should adjust your unit to maintain the humidity between 30% to 40% for the temperature range in colder areas.
It is important to make all necessary calculations with respect to the temperature range and the humidity of the damp room to run the dehumidifier effectively. Setting the incorrect humidity level is not just wasted time but can also lead to mold and mildew, respiratory problems, and other allergic reactions like dry skin, stuffy nose, etc.
Have you purchased a Peltier model yet?
Remembering to reduce electricity usage while running the dehumidifier is good for both the environment and your savings. Do not simply stop your focus on getting a good grain depression. Having a model with Peltier technology is easy and efficient. A Peltier dehumidifier or thermoelectric dehumidifier is easy to find nowadays and you must look into models that will meet your need.
Although air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems come with filters to clean air, only an air purifier unit will have a true HEPA filter. The contents air purifier can come with is advanced and of various types. To get the cleanest air and the best indoor air quality even in damp environments, you must get air purifiers and not dehumidifiers. However, a dehumidifier with HEPA air filter is an excellent choice to handle humidity levels in humid environments and still give you indoor air that is dry and free from mold growth and mold spores, dust mites, musty smell, etc.
Things to avoid mishaps with dehumidifiers:
Dehumidifiers should be purchased according to their size
The best way to ensure that your dehumidifier performs well is to invest in the right size. Keeping the air free from excess moisture and drying effectively, removing allergens that cause respiratory problems, and all the problems that come with a humid environment can be avoided by finding the right size of the dehumidifier.
Buying a dehumidifier with an extended warranty is a good idea
A unit that comes with an extended warranty policy makes it easy when you need repairs or a thermostat for temperature range adjustment, replacement filter, warning lights, or any other service. You will save yourself the trouble of wasting money on repairs that can be covered by an extended warranty.
Invest in a dehumidifier from a reputable brand
Do thorough research to find the right unit to meet your requirements from a reputable brand. Invest in a unit that will not just function efficiently but will also last long.
You should have your house sealed up.
Fixing leaks and cracks from the ceiling, floor, and windows, and sealing other sources of moisture can improve the performance of your dehumidifier. You will not just achieve good grain depression but will also be able to extend the life of your dehumidifier.
The use of extractor fans in bathrooms is recommended
Using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen can help to drive out excess moisture and humidity from building up. It can also reduce the need of running your unit at all times.
Spend $10 on a humidity monitor.
A small price on a humidity monitor can be of big help. If your dehumidifier unit does not come with a humidity monitor preinstalled, you can always get one to make the work easier.
Are modern dehumidifiers a joke?
No. Modern dehumidifiers are built with plentiful features that make it simple to maintain the ideal relative humidity level of a space. They also help to prevent and restore the damages caused by excess moisture content in the air.
FAQ Section
1. Can dehumidifiers cause damage?
Dehumidifiers can cause damage when they are not used correctly. Excessive use of a dehumidifier when the humidity is also within the ideal limits can cause problems to both property and health.
2. Find out if your dehumidifier is affected by the dehumidifier recall
You can check the nameplate sticker located at the back of the unit to learn if your dehumidifier unit is a part of the recall.
3. Can you dehumidify too much?
Yes, you can dehumidify too much when the humidity levels are not monitored. You can prevent this from happening by investing in a whole house dehumidifier or in a unit that comes with a humidistat device to keep track of the humidity.
4. Do you know why it is so important to maintain your dehumidifier?
A poorly maintained dehumidifier will not function effectively. You must maintain your dehumidifier unit regularly, especially the air filters that deal with the air directly.
You can use warm water to wipe down the exterior body of the unit to remove dust accumulation. The air filters, if they are reusable, can also be cleaned with liquid soap and warm water. It is also beneficial to hire a professional to check and service all the internal and external parts of the unit as and when required. This will help your unit to maintain its capacity and performance.
That’s a wrap on this article. We trust you are now aware of the mistakes that can happen while using dehumidifiers. Share with us your experiences of using dehumidifiers and the mistakes you have made and how you have rectified them, or think on should avoid them.
Wrapping Up
That’s a wrap on this article. We trust you are now aware of the mistakes that can happen while using dehumidifiers. Share with us your experiences of using dehumidifiers and the mistakes you have made and how you have rectified them, or think on should avoid them.
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.
