What is a dehumidifier used for?
Are your windows cloudy in the morning due to condensation? Do you smell a strong odor when your house is closed and without ventilation for a few hours? Have you discovered mold on some walls or ceilings? You probably have a moisture problem and you didn't even realize it. If you want to solve the problem, you have to use a good dehumidifier.
Do you really know what it's for? In this article we will tell you everything a dehumidifier can do for your health and your comfort as well as for the maintenance of your home. Find out how it works, the models that are available, all the advantages and disadvantages of having one and why it is a necessary and profitable investment.
In this buying guide you will find:
What is a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is simply a equipment that removes moisture from the air. What we call "humidity" is nothing more than the presence of water vapor in the air and is expressed in relative humidity.
Dry air has a normal moisture content which allows the formation of moist air. When this value is too high, water can condense and this is how we see, for example, moisture forming on windows and walls.
What is relative humidity?
The humidity in the air is called relative humidity (RH) and is represented as a percentage. The ideal values for our comfort and well-being are between 40% and 60% RH. With these values, it prevents the growth of microorganisms
The low heart rates increases the evaporation of moisture from the membranes of the nose and throat, dries the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and dries the skin and scalp.
On the other hand, the heart rates in excess, limits the evaporation of body sweat through the skin, which is why we stay sweaty and uncomfortable.
Types of dehumidifiers
As you can see, dehumidifiers seek to alter the humidity conditions of the air to provide you with greater comfort. For this, the dehumidifier works by applying different principles, so there are different types of dehumidifiers:
- Refrigerant dehumidifiers: Separates moisture from the air. They use a refrigeration cycle that promotes the condensation of moisture.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers: they eliminate moisture by water absorbent thanks to materials of hygroscopic nature, which quickly absorb water from the air.
When to use a dehumidifier?
There are clear symptoms that determine the need to consider using a dehumidifier in your home. We have :
- La lingering odor musty.
- From the almost complete water condensation on walls and windows.
- Mold formation on walls, cabinets and furniture.
- Presence of respiratory diseases persistent, cough, etc.
- Proliferation unusual spiders, moths or cockroaches for example.
- Allergic flare-ups persistent.
- Presence of corrosion in mechanical equipment.
- Malfunctions of electronic equipment.
Advantages and disadvantages of dehumidifiers
You should know that there are many studies that show how humidity affects our health and promotes the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. It is for this reason that dehumidifiers have become an essential tech accessory in our homes.
We have listed all its advantages and also see, if there are any disadvantages:
Benefit
- Prevents the proliferation of dust mites limiting the relative humidity to less than 50%.
- Removes mold and allergy problems.
- Design a comfortable environment.
- Prevents the development of bacteria, viruses and fungi as well as infections and respiratory diseases.
- Reduces the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses.
- Reduces allergy symptoms.
- Eliminate bad odors due to moisture buildup.
- The dehumidifier requires no installation It is practical and easy to transport.
Disadvantage
- Depending on the model it can be noisy especially if it is of the refrigerant type.
- Expels hot air during operation, thereby increasing the ambient temperature.
- Increases electrical energy consumption.
- May require a regular check of the water tank and the air filter.
How does a dehumidifier work?
There are mainly two types of mechanisms to remove water vapor from the air, but the most widely used is refrigeration condensation. This practice is similar to that used by air conditioning systems or home refrigerators.
Dehumidify by refrigeration
They take advantage of the fact that warm air contains more water than cold air. As it cools, the water will condense to maintain the balance of the gas mixture.
To dehumidify the humid air, a fan draws it into the equipment and the air is forced through tubes through which a refrigerant circulates.
In this process air cools and water condenses.
To complete the process, the cold, dry air passes over the compression system and is heated before being released.
Dehumidify by absorption
Similar to a refrigerated dehumidifier, the moist air passes through the desiccant material, which is usually silica gel. In this step moisture is absorbed and dry air is released.
Dehumidifier tips and best practices
When you first start using a dehumidifier, be sure to place in the middle of the room which has humidity problems, allowing air to circulate freely.
Also follow these tips to ensure proper use and long life of your equipment:
- Clean regularly the box and the air intake and discharge grille. All the dust is trapped on this part and this way you will prevent it from entering the equipment and clogging it.
- If equipped with an air filter, consult the user manual to clean the filter before connecting the equipment, following the recommendations.
- Empty the water tank and wash it frequently to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
- If your equipment is not intended for intensive use, only turn it on for prudential time. With 2 or 3 hours a day, this can be enough to regulate the ambient humidity.
- Install a hygrometer to measure the ambient humidity and get advice on its use. It will allow you to monitor the humidity level in the house and optimize the use of the dehumidifier.
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