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Choosing a Dehumidifier
Before choosing a dehumidifier for your home/office, it is important that its water extraction capacity should meet the requirements of the area size where it is going to be installed. As a rule of thumb, a 20L room dehumidifier will handle 1-2 rooms up to 80sqM and are capable of removing large quantities of water efficiently. Dehumidifiers work best in temperatures from 5-35ºC and use very little power costing approx 55c/day to run.
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Facts on humidity levels
The relative humidity of air (RH) in your room indicates the moisture content in the air. Higher the RH, the more water vapour in the air. Generally, 50 to 65 percent RH makes us feel comfort and also protect us from many health hazards related to high humidity.
With higher RH levels, you need to make sure that your dehumidifier has enough capacity to extract water to maintain the required RH level. For instance, a 16L to 28 litre dehumidifier is what you require, when you have more than 80 % relative humidity.Especially in tropical areas. More arid areas may only require 12L-20L dehumidifier to handle a large room.
Take the room size into consideration
In the same way the relative humidity and temperature levels affect the performance of the dehumidifiers, the room size or area that you plan to dehumidify also becomes a criteria while choosing a dehumidifier. There are various water extraction capacities available with dehumidifiers. For example, a larger room may require a dehumidifier that can extract 20 to 40 litres of water every day, especially during very humid days. If smaller areas need to be dehumidified, half the capacity of this can be sufficient, ie a 12L dehumidifier.
Tank size
The dripping water from the dehumidifier is collected in a tank which has to be emptied periodically. The smaller the tank, more frequently it needs emptying. So, it is a good idea to choose bigger tank with your larger model dehumidifier, (ie 4L-10L) as it can be emptied of water on daily basis or once in every two days. A smaller tank is usually incorporated in the 10-16L model dehumidifiers. When the tank is full the dehumidifier automatically switches off.
Noise levels
Since dehumidifiers use mechanical energy and move air, they tend to make noise similar to a typical pedistal fan. While choosing a dehumidifier, make sure that you are informed on the noise it produces (generally in dB ie 38-48dB is typical at 1 metre).Some distributors give a 2m-5m value which is much less ie 30-35dB. The latest models produce much less noise than their predecessors so you may find the suitable dehumidifier with noise levels acceptable to you.
Bottom threshold of human hearing 10dB
Recording studio 20dB
Quiet living room 30dB
Quiet office or library, Dehumidifier,Fan 40dB
Quiet conversation 50dB
Average office noise, clothes dryer 60dB
Average conversation, dishwasher 70dB
Average factory 80dB
Typical home stereo volume 90dB
Heavy truck 100dB
Filters
Dehumidifiers have filters that remove the dust particles from the air before it is passed through coils. By removing the dust, filters make the air pure as well as protect the coils from wear and tear. However, filters will get deposited with layers of dust over the time and they need cleaning periodically, especially, if the filters are washable. You can choose disposable air filters that you can change after certain time. Look out for dehumidifiers that have 3M HAF filters available as they are the better quality filter.
Auto defrost or Hot gas feature
During extreme cold climates, the coils in dehumidifiers get frosted and the dripping of water completely stops and they may grind to halt. To prevent this, some standard units also come with an extra heater that prevents water vapour from getting frozen on the coil. When the water gets frozen on the coil, the coil is heated and the ice melts away.
Further Reading...
»Moulds in the HOME... FAQ
»Solve Damp & Mould Problems
»Ways to Prevent Mould & Condensation Problems.
Benefits of a Dehumidifier & Handy Hints
1. Reduces musty mould growth on items such as clothes and leather goods, lounge suites,walls and all stored goods.
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Move the dehumidifier around every 1-2 weeks to different areas to enable even drying and better mould protection.
2. Reduces corrosion and formation of condensation on ceilings, walls, windows and electrical wiring in boats/yachts/RV's etc.
3. Protects books, collectibles and food products from the effects of moisture.
4. Great for Allergy and Asthma sufferers, reduces dust pollen and mould spores,
5. Most efficient clothes dryer. Avoids sun damage and clothes shrinkage. Less than 1/10 of the power used compared to a clothes dryer.
SIZE Comparison 
HANDY HINTS:
Preparing the area. When first installing a dehumidifier, vacuum and wipe clean the area with diluted vinegar in water (1 cup/5L water), removing any mould deposits from clothing, walls, furniture, inside drawers, carpet etc. Dry the area with a fan. This prepares the area to be maintained ready to install the dehumidifier.
Continuous Drain Feature If you want to go on holiday or are sick of emptying the catchment tank, think about using the continuous drain feature by simply adding a hose to the drain outlet, see your manual for size details, your dehumidifier will drain moisture at a continuous rate, up to the amount that the dehumidifier is rated at, ie 14L, 16L,28L etc. Periodically (2 mthly) check that the outlet hose is clear, as insects may enter over time.
Run the dehumidifier on high for 1-2 weeks to remove excessive moisture then set unit to a mid range auto setting, this will maintain levels at approx. 60-65% humidity. Setting to automatic mode will ensure no over drying of the air will occur.
Set the level of dehumidifying to 50-60%RH using a humidity meter as a guide.
If you have video or photographic equipment keep dehumidifier setting higher to reduce the humidity more, to around 45-55% RH . An air conditioner can be run in conjunction with the dehumidifier to cool the air.
Keep doors and windows shut when weather is wet, run dehumidifier continuously to dry up any dampness.
Use a humidity meter to monitor relative humidity levels. Some dehumidifiers have them built in.Ideal humidity so stop mould and musty smells from forming, is below 60-65%RH.
For really damp homes, an external drainage hose can be fitted to the dehumidifier for longer, continuous use. Especially when away for extended periods.
Use the dehumidifier to prevent mould in clothing, footwear and leather wear, photographic equipment, negatives, photos, videos, slides, computer disc's, art paper and artwork
Run the dehumidifier in a bedroom with the windows and doors closed, and all the drawers of cabinets open. The dehumidifier will remove any excess moisture trapped.
To dry towels and eliminate condensation on walls in or near the bathroom run a dehumidifier at a safe distance from baths or showers. Do not splash the unit.
Eliminate dampness in mats and carpets. Run the dehumidifier when mats and carpets are damp due to a rainy season or prolonged rain.
Use the dehumidifier to eliminate dampness in a linen cupboard. Run the dehumidifier in front of the linen cupboard with doors open. When the air outlet is aimed at the cupboard, moisture can be eliminated much faster.
Make the best use of the timer operation before going to bed or going out. If a preset timer is built in, set it to turn off after 4 or 8 hours
A dehumidifier is great for drying clothes in the laundry. Make use of a space in the laundry to set the dehumidifier with the louvre adjusted "upward" so that the wind can hit the clothing directly. A small closet allows for faster drying. Or, inside the house, hang clothes on an airer or clothes horse, and run the dehumidifier next to it. The dehumidifier will speed up drying of damp clothes.
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