TYPES OF DEHUMIDIFIERS
If you live in a high humidity area, you already know the problems it can cause. You’ve battled mold and mildew, laundry that takes forever to dry, dripping pipes, blistering paint, and that dank, musty smell that seems to permeate the whole house. You probably know that a dehumidifier would relieve those problems…but how can you be sure you’re buying the right one for you? Before you plunk down your hard-earned money, read this article and discover what you need to know before you buy a dehumidifier.
First, you need to know that there are three common types of dehumidifier, which are better suited for different areas:
1. Mechanical dehumidifiers use a small fan to pull the damp air over a refrigerated coil, which then condenses and drips into a reservoir, and is reheated and sent back out dry. They work best in areas of over 45% humidity, and not very well in cold areas, so if you’re in a warm climate this is your best choice.
2. Desiccant dehumidifiers uses silica gel or other material to remove moisture as a vapor from the air and dry it. Because no condensation is produced, they are ideal for cooler climates and even sub-zero areas.
3. Electronic dehumidifiers use a heat pump and work by condensing the water from the air. They are generally compact and don’t have a compressor, so are great to use in smaller areas and places that you want quiet, like a bedroom.
Next, you need to understand what capacity you need. Dehumidifiers are rated by the pints of water the unit will remove in a 24-hour period. They usually come with 25, 40, 50 and 60 pint capacity. You can get a humidity gauge to see how humid your area is, and select a unit that way. Even better is to determine the square footage of your room and use a dehumidification chart to figure out how much power you need. For example, in a 500 square foot room that is moderately damp, you’d need a dehumidifier that removed at least 10 pints of water per day. These charts can be found online, or check with a representative at the store.
Now that you know what you need, there are other features that you should look for in a dehumidifier:
- Automatic on-off will sense the moisture level in the air, and turn the unit off if it is not needed to save energy.
- Signal light and Shutoff, so the unit will alert you when the collection bucket is full of water, and turn itself off if you aren’t home. This prevents overflows.
- Hose attachment that connects to the tank and lets you drain the unit, usually into a floor drain
- Wheels, so you can easily move the unit into different areas as needed
Finally, consider cost. Buying a dehumidifier online can seem daunting because of shipping, but generally you’ll get yourself a better deal over shopping at a retail store. Even with shipping, you can often save between 10%-25% over retail prices. Shop around and compare.
Another thing to consider regarding cost is how long you will need the dehumidifier. If you only need it for a month or so, like to clear the air after a large leak or flood, you can get away with a less expensive model. If you live in a humid area, either part of the year or year-round, it’s worth spending more for a better, longer lasting unit.
Dehumidifiers are equally useful for gun safes as safes are also full of humidity. Image below shown is one of the dehumidifier for gun safe
First, you need to know that there are three common types of dehumidifier, which are better suited for different areas:
1. Mechanical dehumidifiers use a small fan to pull the damp air over a refrigerated coil, which then condenses and drips into a reservoir, and is reheated and sent back out dry. They work best in areas of over 45% humidity, and not very well in cold areas, so if you’re in a warm climate this is your best choice.
2. Desiccant dehumidifiers uses silica gel or other material to remove moisture as a vapor from the air and dry it. Because no condensation is produced, they are ideal for cooler climates and even sub-zero areas.
3. Electronic dehumidifiers use a heat pump and work by condensing the water from the air. They are generally compact and don’t have a compressor, so are great to use in smaller areas and places that you want quiet, like a bedroom.
Next, you need to understand what capacity you need. Dehumidifiers are rated by the pints of water the unit will remove in a 24-hour period. They usually come with 25, 40, 50 and 60 pint capacity. You can get a humidity gauge to see how humid your area is, and select a unit that way. Even better is to determine the square footage of your room and use a dehumidification chart to figure out how much power you need. For example, in a 500 square foot room that is moderately damp, you’d need a dehumidifier that removed at least 10 pints of water per day. These charts can be found online, or check with a representative at the store.
Now that you know what you need, there are other features that you should look for in a dehumidifier:
- Automatic on-off will sense the moisture level in the air, and turn the unit off if it is not needed to save energy.
- Signal light and Shutoff, so the unit will alert you when the collection bucket is full of water, and turn itself off if you aren’t home. This prevents overflows.
- Hose attachment that connects to the tank and lets you drain the unit, usually into a floor drain
- Wheels, so you can easily move the unit into different areas as needed
Finally, consider cost. Buying a dehumidifier online can seem daunting because of shipping, but generally you’ll get yourself a better deal over shopping at a retail store. Even with shipping, you can often save between 10%-25% over retail prices. Shop around and compare.
Another thing to consider regarding cost is how long you will need the dehumidifier. If you only need it for a month or so, like to clear the air after a large leak or flood, you can get away with a less expensive model. If you live in a humid area, either part of the year or year-round, it’s worth spending more for a better, longer lasting unit.
Dehumidifiers are equally useful for gun safes as safes are also full of humidity. Image below shown is one of the dehumidifier for gun safe