The importance of a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier helps regulate the ideal humidity level in your home. In this blog, we will inform you how a dehumidifier works, how to choose the optimal dehumidifier to suit your specific circumstances and how a dehumidifier can be used in different rooms such as the bedroom, living room, bathroom and basement.
How does a dehumidifier work?
A dehumidifier reduces excessive humidity by trapping moisture from the air. There are several types of dehumidifiers, the two most common of which are the electric or condensation dehumidifiers.
Condensation dehumidifiers: This type of dehumidifier is equipped with a cooling element. The warm, humid indoor air is directed past the cooling element by a compressor. This cools the warm, humid indoor air in a very short time, causing the air to condense. This is because air can hold less moisture at longer temperatures. The condensed moisture is collected in the water tank or can be drained directly by connecting a drain hose.
Condensation dehumidifiers: This type of dehumidifier is equipped with a cooling element. The warm, humid indoor air is directed past the cooling element by a compressor. This cools the warm, humid indoor air in a very short time, causing the air to condense. This is because air can hold less moisture at longer temperatures. The condensed moisture is collected in the water tank or can be drained directly by connecting a drain hose.
What is the best dehumidifier for your situation?
When choosing the best dehumidifier for your situation, there are several factors to consider:
Size of room: The size of the room in which you want to use the dehumidifier is an important factor. Choose a dehumidifier that is suitable for the size of the room to effectively remove excess moisture.
Humidity level: Consider the current humidity level in the room and the level you want to achieve. The higher the humidity, the higher the dehumidifier's dehumidification capacity must be to reduce the humidity.
Noise level: The noise level of the dehumidifier is an important consideration, especially if you place it in a bedroom or living room.
Additional features: Dehumidifiers are often equipped with additional features such as: SMART controls, air-cleaning functions, automatic programmes and a timer. Decide which features are important to you when using a dehumidifier.
Living room dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can improve the indoor climate in the living room when there is excessive humidity. Excessive humidity can cause bacterial growth, mould growth and musty odours. The following factors may be important when choosing a dehumidifier for the living room:
Design: While functionality is important, you might also want a dehumidifier that matches your interior in terms of appearance. Various models and styles are available, from minimalist to modern.
Noise level: A dehumidifier with a low noise level is desirable for the living room. This prevents disruption of daily activities.
Dehumidification capacity: Make sure the dehumidifier has enough dehumidification capacity to effectively regulate the humidity in your living room. Here, the higher the current humidity, the higher the dehumidification capacity should be.
Energy consumption: The energy consumption of the dehumidifier is an important factor to consider.
Bedroom dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be particularly useful in the bedroom to create a healthy sleeping environment. Excessive humidity can lead to an uncomfortable sleeping environment and promote the growth of mould and dust mites. Consider the following aspects when choosing a dehumidifier for the bedroom:
Noise level: Choose a dehumidifier with a low noise level to avoid disturbing your sleep. Many Clean Air Optima® dehumidifiers offer a sleep mode or silent operation to keep noise to a minimum, so you can sleep undisturbed.
Dehumidification capacity: The dehumidifier should be suitable in terms of capacity for the size of the bedroom and the current humidity level. The higher the humidity, the higher the dehumidification capacity should be. The dehumidification capacity of a dehumidifier is indicated in litres per day (L/day), which indicates how much moisture the dehumidifier can remove in 24 hours.
Additional features: Some dehumidifiers offer additional features such as: a built-in hygrometer to measure the humidity in the bedroom, a timer to control the operation of the unit or an automatic shut-off function so the unit does not keep running unnecessarily when the desired humidity has been reached.
Basement dehumidifier
Basements are often damp spaces where mould and moisture problems can develop. A dehumidifier can help prevent these problems and improve air quality in the basement. Consider the following aspects when choosing a basement dehumidifier:
Dehumidification capacity: Choose a dehumidifier with sufficient capacity to effectively regulate humidity in the basement. The higher the humidity is, the higher the dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifier should be.
Temperature range: Dehumidifiers can be used within a certain temperature range. Basements are often not heated and therefore cold so it is important to use a dehumidifier that can withstand low temperatures. The efficiency in dehumidifying indoor air decreases at lower temperatures. Therefore, when temperatures are low, choose a dehumidifier with a high dehumidification capacity.
Drainage options: The moisture can be collected in a collection tray or via a continuous drain hose. Consider a dehumidifier with a large collection container (water tank 6.5 litres) such as the Clean Air Optima® dehumidifier models CA-705 Smart, CA-706 Smart and CA-708 Smart with 2in1 function for dehumidifying and air cleaning and continuous drain hose so you don't have to manually empty the collection container every time.
Bathroom dehumidifier
The bathroom is a room where a lot of moisture is produced, making it an ideal place for mould growth and other moisture problems. For this, it is important to have sufficient ventilation (e.g. open windows, mechanical ventilation) to remove this excess moisture. A dehumidifier can support in removing excess moisture faster and create a healthier indoor environment. Consider the following factors when choosing a dehumidifier for the bathroom:
Dehumidification capacity: The dehumidifier for the bathroom should have a high dehumidification capacity. A lot of moisture can build up in the bathroom so the dehumidification capacity needs to be high to get rid of it.
Resistant to damp conditions: The dehumidifier should be suitable for use in damp rooms such as bathrooms. These appliances are usually more resistant to the high humidity levels found in bathrooms.
Automatic switch-off: A dehumidifier with an automatic switch-off function can come in handy in the bathroom, so that the device does not keep running unnecessarily when the desired humidity has been reached.
In conclusion
A dehumidifier creates a healthier indoor environment when humidity is too high. As a result, a dehumidifier can prevent mould growth, bacterial growth, musty odours and damage to wooden interior parts. For indoor spaces, it is important to consider important factors of a dehumidifier such as the: dehumidification capacity, temperature deployment range, noise level and additional features.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I empty the collection tray of my dehumidifier?
This depends on the capacity of the collection tray and the amount of moisture in the room. Check the collection tray regularly and empty it if necessary. Some models have an indicator that shows when the tray is full.
How do I maintain my dehumidifier?
Maintenance of a dehumidifier generally includes regularly emptying the collection tray, cleaning/replacing the filters and checking the general operation of the unit. Refer to the manual of the specific model for detailed maintenance instructions.
Are there any health risks associated with using a dehumidifier?
In general, there are no health risks associated with using a dehumidifier, as long as you maintain and use it properly. Instead, it can contribute to a healthier living environment by keeping humidity at optimal levels and preventing mould growth.
What is the ideal humidity in your home?
The ideal humidity in the house is between 40% and 60%. This is a comfortable level for most people and helps prevent mould growth and other moisture-related problems.
Can I run my dehumidifier continuously?
It depends on the specific model and the conditions in your home. Some dehumidifiers have an automatic shut-off or a built-in hygrostat that switches the unit off when the desired humidity is reached. Refer to your device's manual for more information on continuous use.
