One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners is whether or not a dehumidifier should run constantly. The answer, as with so many things, is it depends. In this post, we’ll explain what factors you need to consider when deciding on whether or not to run your dehumidifier all the time.
How a dehumidifier works
A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air. It does this by drawing in humid air and passing it over several coils.
As the air passes over the coils, the moisture in the air condenses on the coils and is collected in a tray or bucket. The now dry air is then passed back into the room.
Factors affecting the duration of the dehumidifier
You need to take a few factors into account when deciding whether or not to run your dehumidifier.
Climate
If you live in a naturally more humid climate, you may find that you need to run your dehumidifier for longer periods than someone who lives in a drier climate.
The temperature of the room
If the temperature in the room is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the air is too cold for the dehumidifier to work effectively. In this case, it’s best to turn off the dehumidifier and let the room warm up a bit before turning it back on.
The humidity level of the room
You’ll need to measure the humidity level in the room with a hygrometer to know whether the dehumidifier is needed. If the humidity level in the room is below 30%, there’s no need to run the dehumidifier. In fact, running the dehumidifier in a room that’s too dry can actually make the air quality worse. However, if the humidity level is greater than 60%, you’ll need to run the dehumidifier.
The size of the room
The larger the room, the more humidity it can hold. For this reason, you may need to run a dehumidifier in a large room.
The number of people in the room
The more people in a room, the more moisture they’ll add to the air. If you have a lot of people in a room, you may need to run the dehumidifier.
The activity in the room
If people are cooking, showering, or doing laundry in the room, the humidity level will be higher than if they’re just sitting and watching TV.
The type of your dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers come with different features. For example, some dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat that will automatically turn the dehumidifier on and off based on the room’s humidity level. Others have a manual dial that you’ll need to adjust yourself.
The size of dehumidifier
The larger the dehumidifier, the more moisture it can remove from the air. A small dehumidifier will have a smaller tank and will need to be emptied more often than a larger dehumidifier. .
Your personal preferences
Some people prefer to keep the humidity level in their home on the lower side, while others are more comfortable with a higher level. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what humidity level is better for you and your family.
Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier on all night?
Yes, it is safe to leave a dehumidifier on all night. It’s often recommended as the best way to use a dehumidifier. The air is typically more humid at night, so running the dehumidifier then will be more effective at reducing the humidity level in the room.
If you are going to run a dehumidifier all night, you need to notice some things:
An automatic shut-off feature
We recommend getting one with an automatic shut-off feature. This way, you don’t have to worry about the dehumidifier running out of water and shutting off on its own.
Noise level
Some dehumidifiers are quite noisy, so if you plan to run it all night, you may want to consider a quieter model.
Energy efficiency
If you’re running the dehumidifier for long periods, you’ll want to make sure it’s energy-efficient. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a high electric bill.
Water capacity
You’ll need to empty the water tray or bucket of a dehumidifier frequently if you’re running it all night. Some dehumidifiers have a larger capacity than others, so you may want to consider one of these models if you don’t want to constantly empty the water tray.
How to optimize a dehumidifier’s performance
There are a few things you can do to optimize the performance of your dehumidifier:
Increase the temperature in the room
The warmer the air, the more moisture it can hold. By increasing the temperature in the room, you’ll be able to reduce the humidity level more effectively.
Use a fan
A fan will help circulate the air in the room and allow the dehumidifier to work more effectively.
Empty the water tray or bucket regularly
If you don’t empty your dehumidifier’s water tray or bucket, it will eventually stop working. The water will prevent the dehumidifier from drawing in more air.
Clean the filter
If the filter of your dehumidifier is dirty, it will be less effective at reducing the humidity in the room. Therefore, make sure to clean the filter regularly to ensure optimal performance.
