What Does A Dehumidifier Do And How Does A Dehumidifier Work?

By Travis Baugh

Dehumidifiers are crucial appliances for maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home. They are specifically designed to remove excess moisture from the air, resulting in a more comfortable and healthier living environment. So, what exactly do dehumidifiers do, and how do dehumidifiers work?

What Is A Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance designed to reduce and maintain the level of humidity in the air, creating a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment. It works by drawing in moist air from the room, which then passes over cold coils within the unit. As the air cools, the moisture condenses into water droplets, which are collected in a tank or directed through a hose to a drain. The now dehumidified air is reheated slightly and released back into the room.

What Does A Dehumidifier Do?

Humidity from cooking, bathing, showering, outside air, normal breathing and perspiration can build up inside your home, affecting both comfort and indoor air quality.

So, what does a dehumidifier do to help? Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, helping to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Keeping humidity under wraps can improve the quality of the air you breathe by helping keep mold, dust mite matter and some allergens under control.¹ It can also protect against warping or structural damage to wood flooring or furnishings.

Your air conditioner or heat pump also dehumidify your home during the cooling process. A whole-home dehumidifier draws additional moisture from indoor air for increased comfort from your cooling system and helps it run more efficiently.

How Does a Dehumidifier Work?

Dehumidifiers are essential for reducing the moisture levels in indoor spaces. They operate by extracting excess humidity from the air, thereby controlling moisture content and enhancing comfort. Understanding their working mechanism can help you make better decisions regarding their usage and advantages.

How does a dehumidifier work? One primary process involved in dehumidification is condensation and moisture extraction. When warm, humid air enters the dehumidifier, it passes over a series of cooling coils. These coils cool the air, causing condensation. The moisture in the air then collects on the coils and drips into a collection tank or is drained away. This process effectively reduces the humidity in the room.

There are various types of dehumidifiers, each with a unique mechanism for extracting moisture. Refrigerant dehumidifiers use a refrigeration cycle to cool the air and condense moisture, while desiccant dehumidifiers use a drying agent to absorb moisture from the air. Both types are effective in controlling humidity levels and can be selected based on your specific needs and preferences.

Dehumidifiers also offer the convenience of humidity control settings and automated operation. Most models allow you to set the desired humidity level, typically between 30% and 60% 1, according to your comfort. Once the set humidity level is reached, the dehumidifier will automatically shut off and turn on again when the humidity rises above the set level. This automated operation ensures optimal moisture control without constant manual adjustments.

By understanding how dehumidifiers work and the different types available, you can choose the right dehumidifier for your needs. Whether you need moisture control in basements, bathrooms, or other indoor spaces, a dehumidifier can help create a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

What Are Dehumidifiers Used For?

Dehumidifiers are used for:

Reducing Humidity: Lowering indoor humidity levels to create a more comfortable living environment.
Preventing Mold and Mildew: Inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew by reducing moisture in the air.
Addressing Allergens: Reducing allergens such as dust mites and mold spores that thrive in high humidity.
Protecting Property: Reducing moisture damage to furniture, electronics, and building materials.
Improving Air Quality: Reducing musty odors and creating healthier indoor air.
Improving HVAC system efficiency: Dehumidifiers can enhance the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by reducing the burden of excess humidity. Available in various sizes and capacities, dehumidifiers can be portable for specific rooms or integrated into HVAC systems for whole-house humidity control.

Maintaining ideal humidity levels is crucial for a healthy indoor environment. ASHRAE recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 60%. Levels above this range can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and dust mites. ¹

To determine if a dehumidifier is necessary for your space, consider the size of the area and its usage. Additionally, if you live in a humid climate or have experienced recurring humidity problems, a dehumidifier can be a valuable investment to maintain comfort and protect your home.

How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last?

Dehumidifiers typically have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, though this can vary based on several factors.

The quality of the dehumidifier is a primary determinant; high-quality models from reputable brands are generally built to last longer. Usage patterns also significantly impact the lifespan. A dehumidifier that runs constantly in a very humid environment will likely wear out faster than one used intermittently in a moderately humid space.

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of a dehumidifier. Cleaning the filter and coils, as well as ensuring the unit is free from dust and debris, can prevent operational strain and improve efficiency. Many dehumidifiers come with washable filters, which should be cleaned every few weeks. Emptying the water collection bucket regularly and checking the unit for any signs of mold or mildew can also prolong its lifespan.

In summary, while dehumidifiers generally last 5 to 10 years, proper care and maintenance can maximize their lifespan. Investing in a quality unit and following recommended maintenance practices can ensure efficient operation and longevity.

Connect With Carrier On A Dehumidifier For Your Home

Carrier offers a range of high-quality dehumidifiers designed to effectively control humidity levels and improve indoor air quality. Our dehumidifiers are energy-efficient, quiet, and easy to use, providing you with the peace of mind you deserve. Your local Carrier dealer can help discuss the best dehumidifier option for your home and answer any outstanding questions you have on what a dehumidifier does and how a dehumidifier works.

¹ https://www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/humidity-control-resources

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