How could a dehumidifier help you this winter?
As the winter months arrive, most of us retreat inside. With temperatures dropping outside, though, comes the potential for humidity levels to rise inside your home, leading to damp conditions that can threaten the comfort and hygiene of your cosy sanctuary.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using dehumidifiers during the winter, look at how they work and how best to use them, and assess their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
What is a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an appliance designed to reduce humidity in indoor spaces and then maintain optimal humidity levels. It extracts excess moisture from the air in order to prevent problems associated with high humidity. (A humidifier, on the other hand, puts moisture into the air to increase humidity levels when the air is too dry).
The most common type of dehumidifier is the refrigerant or compressor dehumidifier, which uses a fan to draw in moist air and pass it over a set of cold coils. As the air cools, the moisture condenses on the coils and collects in a reservoir, and dry air is expelled back into the room. The water collected can be manually emptied or automatically drained.
Desiccant dehumidifiers have a desiccant wheel that extracts moisture from the air, and an internal heater that condenses the water and collects it in a tank. They operate more quietly than refrigerant models.
Is a dehumidifier useful in cold weather?
Absolutely! Contrary to popular belief, dehumidifiers are not only for warm climates. In fact, they can be especially beneficial during Australia’s chilly months when the way we heat our homes can actually make the air more humid.
A relative humidity level of between 30% and 50% is generally recommended for optimal comfort and prevention of mould growth. If you want to check the humidity levels in your home before getting yourself a dehumidifier, you can test the air using a simple device called a hygrometer, which measures humidity levels (you can pick these up from the hardware store).
There are several benefits to using a dehumidifier in winter:
- Preventing condensation and mould: During cold weather, most people use gas heaters, portable heaters or reverse cycle air conditioning to warm their homes. When the warm air from the heating system comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows and walls, it cools down rapidly, leading to increased condensation and creating the perfect environment for mould growth, mildew, dust mites and dampness. By reducing moisture levels, a dehumidifier can minimise condensation and the problems it can cause.
- Enhancing indoor air quality: During winter, we tend to tightly seal our homes in an effort to retain heat. While keeping all windows and doors closed and using draught excluders is a smart move for keeping the warmth in, it can lead to stale air and the buildup of dust, pet dander, and other allergens. A dehumidifier can help remove some of these particles, improving the overall air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory issues.
- Increasing comfort: High humidity levels make a cold environment feel even colder. By reducing moisture in the air, a dehumidifier creates a more comfortable living space, allowing you to stay warm without feeling clammy or damp.
- Protecting belongings: Cold and damp conditions can be bad for your clothes, furniture, electronics, and musical instruments. Excessive moisture can cause mould, rust, and other forms of damage. By using a dehumidifier, you can keep your stuff in tip top condition.
How to use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are simple to set up and use.
- Unbox and position it: Open the box, unwrap your new dehumidifier and plug it in in an area where moisture tends to accumulate, such as a basement, bathroom, laundry room, or area with poor ventilation. Make sure there is enough space around the unit for air circulation.
- Set the desired humidity level: Most dehumidifiers allow you to set a target humidity level. Once set, the dehumidifier will automatically activate when the humidity exceeds that level and turn off when it reaches your chosen range, which will likely be somewhere between 30% and 50%.
- Empty the water: Depending on the design, the room it’s positioned in, and your preference, you can either manually empty the reservoir of water each day, or connect a drainage hose, which will allow for continuous operation.
- Maintain it: Clean the unit's filters and coils regularly to ensure optimal performance.
How much power does a dehumidifier use?
The power consumption of a dehumidifier varies depending on its size, capacity, and use. It is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, a medium-sized dehumidifier may consume around 0.5 kWh per hour of operation. To calculate the cost of running a dehumidifier, multiply the power consumption by the cost per kWh charged by your electricity provider. This rate varies slightly across providers and regions in Australia, but averages around 29 cents per hour.
So, if the cost of power was 29 cents per kWh, running a dehumidifier for 8 hours per day would cost approximately $1.16 per day (0.5 kWh x 8 hours x $0.29). Energy efficient models and smaller units may well use less power.
What size dehumidifier do you need?
Dehumidifiers are rated by the amount of moisture they can remove per day, measured in litres, so you’ll notice that they usually have this included in their name, or at least their specifications, e.g. Ausclimate NWT Medium 20L Dehumidifier. This capacity is based on the size of the area that needs dehumidifying:
- Small rooms (up to 50 square metres): 10-15 litres
- Medium rooms (50-150 square metres): 15-25 litres
- Large rooms or whole homes (over 150 square metres): 25+ litres
To calculate the size you need, measure the length and width of the space you want to dehumidify and multiply them to get the square metres.
It’s also worth considering other things that may affect moisture levels, such as lots of people in the house showering in the mornings and generating lots of steam, which might make you want to choose a larger capacity dehumidifier.
What’s the difference between an air purifier and a dehumidifier?
Both appliances improve indoor air quality, but in different ways. While a dehumidifier targets excess moisture in the air, an air purifier primarily removes allergens and pollutants from the air, making it ideal for people with allergies or asthma. Depending on the unique needs of your home, and the people living in it, you may want to use both devices in your home.
Get rid of the damp this winter
As winter descends, maintaining appropriate humidity levels becomes crucial for a comfortable and healthy living environment. By using a dehumidifier, you can prevent condensation, protect your home and belongings, improve indoor air quality, and enhance overall comfort. Remember to choose the right size dehumidifier, place it strategically, and set the desired humidity level for optimal results. With proper use, a dehumidifier can be an essential tool to combat excess moisture during the winter months and maintain a cosy and healthy home throughout the year.
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