Introduction
Bathrooms are temples of cleanliness, but they can often be plagued by mold. If left unchecked, mold will be an unsightly feature. It will also rot furnishings and can trigger health problems like allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Dehumidifiers are fantastic tools for preventing mold and keeping your bathroom spotless by absorbing moisture from the air. We will help you choose a humidifier that is appropriate for the size of your bathroom if you want it to perform correctly.
Types of Dehumidifier
Here are some of the dehumidifiers you can find in the market:
Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier
Small, powerful, and portable, the Pro Breeze Electric Dehumidifier is easy to use. In addition to a tank included in the dehumidifier that holds up to 9 ounces of water a day, it also manages the humidity in a room of 215 square feet. When the machine collects the maximum amount of water and needs draining, it will automatically shut off, and an LED light will turn on to notify you. When draining, the water tank easily separates to be poured out.
Key Specifications:
- Price: $80.00
- Brand: Pro Breeze
- Capacity: 3.3 Pounds
Pros:
- Curved unit
- Can track mold
- Removes window condensation
Cons:
- Small tank
- Built for small bathrooms
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Also read How Does a Ductless Bathroom Fan Work?
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Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier
Known for producing significantly less noise than other dehumidifiers, the Eva-dry Edv-1100 Electric Petite Dehumidifier greatly improves air quality while providing a great night’s sleep with its whisper technology. Simple to use, with a tank that is easy to remove, will hold up to 16 ounces, you can leave the machine running all day and drastically improve the air quality.
Key Specifications:
- Price: $60.00
- Brand: Eva-Dry
- Capacity: 16 Ounces
Pros:
- Modern design
- Is capable of drying humid bathrooms
- The tank is easy to carry and drain
Cons:
- You must drain the dehumidifier manually
- The pour hole is small
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Pure Enrichment PureDry Mini Dehumidifier
The Pure Enrichment PureDry Mini Dehumidifier can remove moisture from the air and add a modern touch to your home décor. A view from the back of the setup is where you find an on and off switch, a LED light to indicate when it is on, and another LED to show when it is full, Making it easy to operate.
Key Specifications:
- Price: $70.00
- Brand: Pure Enrichment
- Capacity: 27 Fluid Ounces
Pros:
- Includes an AC power adapter
- Target’s allergens that live on moisture
- Built for small bathrooms
Cons:
- No option to set humidity level
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Tenergy Sorbi Air Dehumidifier
The sleek design of Tenergy Sorbi Air Dehumidifier will make your air more comfortable and doubles as an air purifier. A unit that features a 33.8-ounce capacity tank can remove up to a whopping 35 ounces of moisture from your bathroom per day. It also comes with a HEPA filtration system, which is known as the best for removing every last allergy-causing particle from the air, so you can breathe easy while you get ready for the day.
Key Specifications:
- Price: $90.00
- Brand: Tenergy
- Capacity: 1000 Millilitres
Pros:
- The HEPA filter can trap about 99.97 percent of microparticles to help reduce allergens.
- Can get rid of dust mites, mildew, and mould, among other environmental triggers.
- Removes up to 750ml of moisture per day, assuming humidity levels around 80 percent.
Cons:
- Only high and low fan speeds
- Need to replace filters more often
- Container fills up very slowly
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Afloia Portable Dehumidifier
Perfect as a small bathroom dehumidifier, the Afloia Portable Dehumidifier has all the features you need for half the price of some of its competitors. It’s designed with a 16-ounce capacity tank and can pull up to 9 ounces of water from the air per day.
Key Specifications:
- Price: $40.00
- Brand: Afloia
- Capacity: 1.1 Pound
Pros:
- Low energy consumption increases efficiency
- 700 ml water tank removes 350 ml of moisture effectively
- Built-in Peltier Technology offers quiet operation
Cons:
- Water drips from the air vents
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What are the disadvantages of a dehumidifier?
There are some disadvantages of having a dehumidifier. Here are a few:
- Dehumidifiers can be loud and sometimes warm, making it quite annoying in the summer.
- Maintaining dehumidifiers is no easy task. You should clean them regularly.
- Constantly running a dehumidifier will increase your energy bill.
- A good humidifier can be pricey. If you want to reap the benefits of owning one, you need to splurge on a trusted and quality brand.
How do I dehumidify my bathroom naturally?
Even though the best way to dehumidify a home is by using a dehumidifier, these machines can be relatively expensive to buy, not to mention the amount of energy they typically require. In addition, they can sometimes make the air in a home too dry, which creates a new set of problems. Fortunately, there are a few natural methods of dehumidifying a building.
- Absorb the Moisture: Positioning pots of calcium chloride in problem areas of your home can show a quick reduction in humidity levels as it naturally absorbs moisture in the air and is relatively cheap.
- Residence Should Be Ventilate: Improved ventilation is perhaps the simplest and cheapest technique to minimize humidity. One of the most effective methods is to open doors and windows as often as possible. Installing extraction fans in sections of the house that are particularly prone to high humidity levels is also a bright idea.
- Don’t keep indoor plants: Plants release moisture into the air, affecting humidity levels directly and significantly. Therefore, you should move all of your live potted plants outside.
- Fix Leaks: If you suddenly notice watermarks or rings on your walls, there’s a chance that you have a leaky pipe somewhere. In this case, the best thing to do is to call out a plumber to investigate.
Leaks under your home may also be to blame for high humidity levels, so check under floorboards for cracked pipes or a particularly high water table.
Caring tips for bathroom dehumidifier
There are six key points to keep in mind when owning a dehumidifier:
Size of the Dehumidifier
Not all dehumidifiers are created equal. One factor determining how well your dehumidifier performs is the type of dehumidifier you purchase. You need a dehumidifier that accurately meets your needs.
Keep an eye out for your Dehumidifier Settings
Did you know one of the essential steps of using a dehumidifier properly is calibrating your settings correctly? That’s right! When using a dehumidifier, you have to understand how to optimize relative humidity.
DO NOT Put Your Dehumidifier Against Walls
Where you place your dehumidifier can affect how well it performs. Finding the perfect setup location is all part of how to use a dehumidifier properly.
Remember that dehumidifiers operate by sucking in the damp air. They then remove excess humidity and discharge the dehumidified fresh air. So, if you place your dehumidifier against a surface that blocks the intake or exhaust vents, you reduce the positive effects of your unit.
Where to place a Dehumidifier is crucial. You want to place your machine in an area with good air circulation so the unit can efficiently work. It is recommended to put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces.
Pro-tip: Positioning your dehumidifier will also be impacted by its capacity, size, and draining capability. Keep in mind that you will need to be able to access it to dump the reservoir. If it continuously flows from a hose, remember there must be a nearby drain that it can reach.
Weather Can Impact Your Dehumidifier
If you run your dehumidifier through different seasons, you understand firsthand how challenging it can be to regulate humidity. There usually aren’t problems with running the device during warmer months because there is typically more moisture in the air. However, during the winter, you have to consider two things about how to use a dehumidifier to dry a room:
- Your device attracts moisture, and if it gets too cold, the water your machine collects could potentially freeze and damage it.
- If you experience freezing winters, you may want to consider dehumidifiers that rely on silica or charcoal desiccants.
- If you’re running a dehumidifier during cold winters, it can damage the device. So always be aware of your unit’s settings when the seasons change.
Maintenance on the regular is important
Regular maintenance and care are an essential part of using a dehumidifier. By upkeeping your unit and ensuring it dehumidifies your air correctly, you can breathe better in no time.
Always make sure to:
- Clear your filters regularly to avoid the build-up of dust and other particles that may
- hamper their effectiveness
- Dust the outside of the unit, especially near the intake and exit vents
- Empty the water reservoir periodically
- Check your coils to ensure proper functionality
Furthermore, give your device a break now and then. Your motor is constantly drawing in and spewing out air. Try turning it off for 20 minutes throughout the day so that your machine isn’t overworked and can work harder for you.
Dehumidifier Safety Tips: Water & Electricity
Like any other appliance, safety is always a concern whenever using a dehumidifier. In the case of dehumidifiers, you have a device that contains water and is plugged into an electrical outlet. That being said, you should always be aware of dehumidifier safety instructions. Dehumidifiers, for example, must be connected directly to a grounded 3-prong wall socket. Do not use an extension cable, surge guard, or multi-outlet converter to power the unit.
Buying Guide: Features to consider while choosing a dehumidifier
Do I Need a Dehumidifier?
Several warning signs may indicate your home needs a dehumidifier. These include foggy windows and the sensation of sweaty skin. A heavy, wet atmosphere in your home or the detection of a musty smell are also warning signs. Even if you have home air conditioning, a dehumidifier may still be necessary. Running dehumidifiers in basements or using a bathroom dehumidifier is a good idea because air conditioning alone may not be enough to remove the dampness in these spaces. A dehumidifier helps maintain an ideal relative humidity (RH) level. During the summer months, a 50% RH is recommended. In the winter months, it’s acceptable to stay as low as 30% RH, especially if you have condensation on the windows.
Dehumidifiers and How They Work
To remove moisture, dehumidifiers use a fan to force air over coolant-filled coils. Depending on the model you use, the moisture will either drip into a basin or be pumped out of the machine. The space is then re-circulated with drier air.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier
In an entryway, a low-profile dehumidifier. When choosing a dehumidifier, there are various variables to consider: The size of square feet of the area you want to dehumidify, The technique you want to employ to get rid of the water the dehumidifier has collected (bucket/basin or pump)—the unit’s energy efficiency. Dehumidifiers vary according to pint-removal capacity every 24 hours. The following guide will help you choose the right capacity model for your needs. The numbers listed are in pints per 24 hours.
How to Use a Dehumidifier
Follow your owner’s manual setup instructions. When unpacking the item and removing the packing tape, keep the bucket in place. Make sure the float switch isn’t stuck in the internal bucket. Set the RH level to the dry (highest) setting possible when initially using your dehumidifier to stabilize the room’s humidity. Set the unit’s automated humidistat to the desired setting after a few cycles. The RH values on most systems range from 30 percent to 90 percent.
Also remember:
Maintain unrestricted airflow. Units with vents on top may sit flush against a wall. Units with vents on the back and sides require 6 inches of circulation space from walls and furniture.
Keep the air filter clean by checking it regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow and affects the unit’s performance.
Plug the dehumidifier into an appropriate ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Never remove the third prong from any plug.
Caution
To avoid the possibility of shock, always unplug the unit before cleaning or emptying the container.
Dehumidifier Features
Depending on the unit, your dehumidifier may have a(n):
- Internal Pump
- Direct Drain
- Filter Indicator
- Auto-Humidistat
- Auto-Defrost
- Auto-Reset
- Drain Options
Dehumidifier Energy Performance
Energy performance is rated by the amount of water extracted every hour versus the amount of energy consumed to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dehumidifier do I need for a small bathroom?
Bathrooms have a compact space, and you won’t need a large dehumidifier. It is, however, essential to consider the tank size. Since it will be extracting a significant amount of moisture, the tank has to be emptied quite often. A 30-pint dehumidifier is an ideal size for most bathrooms. They generally have a reasonably-sized tank, some even a continuous drain option.
Where should a dehumidifier be placed in a bathroom?
You should place it in an area with the best possible airflow. Dehumidifiers should be placed in a location where they can quickly draw air and expel hot, dry air and where there are no obstacles that could obstruct proper airflow.
Is it better to get a bigger dehumidifier?
Generally, it is a good idea to buy a dehumidifier that is slightly larger than the requirement. Problems only arise if the size of your unit is larger than usual or recommended. However, if your dehumidifier is a lot bigger than the recommended size, it may increase effectiveness, efficiency, and convenience or reduce it.
How often should I empty the water tank in my Dehumidifier?
To collect the water removed from the air, all portable dehumidifiers feature a water collection container, commonly referred to as a tank or a bucket. To keep the general size of the dehumidifier down, these buckets are relatively small and must be emptied at least once a day.
Can I use a humidifier and dehumidifier at the same time?
Both devices, the humidifier, and dehumidifier help to improve indoor humidity levels. The difference is that the humidifier increases humidity level in dry indoor air, and the dehumidifier decreases it in case of high moisture level. However, using both at the same time isn’t advised as they defeat the purpose of each other.
Wrapping Up
A bathroom dehumidifier is a fantastic appliance for anyone suffering from damp or mold issues. While they are helpful all year round, they are especially essential for the entire house in the autumn and winter months as they are proven to be the wettest.
