FAQ's
- How much water does a dehumidifier remove?
- How much power does a dehumidifier use?
- How much noise does a dehumidifier make?
- Why is there still condensation on the windows in the morning, Gas heating....?
- Can I leave my dehumidifier turned on 24 hours a day?
- Why does the noise level fluctuate?
- Why does the defrost lamp light up and the fan stop?
- Can I drink the water collected in the tank?
- What is the best way to prepare the area to be maintained by the dehumidifier?
- What’s the best way to initially run the dehumidifier?
- What are the best humidity levels for video or photographic equipment?
- What should I do about windows and doors being left open?
- What’s the best way to judge humidity levels?
- How do I set up a dehumidifier for continuous drain?
- When is it best to use the continuous drain feature?
- How do I dry the inside of drawers and cupboards?
- Can I use the dehumidifier to dry carpets and mats?
- How can I use the dehumidifier to dry my laundry?
1. How much water does a dehumidifier remove?
• The amount of water your dehumidifier removes depends on many factors: these include
- The level of humidity (Dampness) in the room.
- The room temperature (The warmer the room the more moisture will be removed).
- The settings on the unit.
As a guide @ 80% RH 30°C for every 10°C drop in temperature moisture removal will decrease by 30% i.e. see below.
- Dehumidifier rated at 30L reduces to approx. 21L @20°C, 14.7L @10°C
- Dehumidifier rated at 15L reduces to approx 10.5L @20°C, 7.35L @10°C
2. How much power does a dehumidifier use?
A dehumidifier uses approx 2.54 cents of power per 100w per hr, average use 10 hrs(humidistat switching on/off) @100w per day =10hr x 2.54c =25.4c/day
Current domestic power rates 1kWhr=25.377c July 2012 QLD
- 12L-20L dehum 250-300watt costs approx. 63.3 - 76.2 cents/Typical 10hrs use
- 28L dehum 500watts costs approx. $1.27 /typical 10hrs use
Compared to : typical 1800watt Airconditioner uses approx $4.57/10 hrs use or $10.97/24hrs
3. How much noise does a dehumidifier make?
Generally speaking a dehumidifier for home use makes equivalent noise to a pedestal fan on 1-2 setting, measured in dB approx 40dB at 1m and 35dB at 2.5m and 30dB at 5m. Always check with product seller as sometimes they quote a low 30dB. (@5m distance)
Bottom threshold of human hearing 10dB
Recording studio 20dB
Quiet living room, mini dehumidifiers 30dB
Quiet office or library, Dehumidifier, Fan 40dB
Quiet conversation 50dB
Average office noise,Commercial Dehumidifiers 60dB
Average conversation, dishwasher 70dB
Average factory 80dB
Typical home stereo volume 90dB
Heavy truck 100dB
4. Why is there still condensation on the windows in the morning, Gas heating dilemma?
The dehumidifier can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to reduce the moisture in your home to an acceptable level. This is best done by setting the unit to High and leaving it on 24 hours a day. We also recommend the unit be moved from room to room. After this initial few weeks the unit can then be set to 60%RH level* and this will maintain the Humidity to your desired level. On cold mornings there may still be a small amount of condensation on the windows but this will evaporate quickly. It is common knowledge that unflued gas heaters cause excess moisture and condensation on cold surfaces. The H2O water vapour given off by the burning of propane gas, used by the gas heater, the water content in the air is increased (humidity). When this air cools sufficiently (e.g. when in contact with the cold windows or walls), and is now saturated with water vapour, water condenses out. Condensation leads to mould forming on damp areas.
Call Damp Solutions Australia on 1300 353043 *To measure the moisture in the room use our Temp and Humidity meters.
5. Can I leave my Dehumidifier turned on 24 hours a day?
No problem. The unit can to be left running unattended. It will switch off automatically when the tank gets full or the required humidity is reached. A dehumidifier is the same as your fridge. It is best left switched on all the time, and will only use a very small amount of electricity. It is more important to leave your dehumidifier on during the winter months.
6. Why does the noise level fluctuate?
During operation the compressor in the unit will turn on and off. This will be noticed by a slight increase in volume. However during normal operation the fan in the unit will not stop.
7. Why does the defrost lamp light up and the fan stop?
When the room temperature falls below 15'C, the unit may go into defrost mode. Defrost mode will occur every 30 minutes approx., and will last for a few minutes. During defrost mode the fan will stop but compressor will keep going. This is normal operation.
8. Can I drink the water collected in the tank?
The water straight out of the dehumidifier tank is not best to drink as it hasn’t been treated in any way. There can be contaminants in the air including bacteria which come through in the water. In the mean time feed your hungry plants with the water and fill your car battery with the distilled water. Accidental drinking of the water or using it for other purposes may cause illness.
9. What is the best way to prepare the area to be maintained by the dehumidifier?
When first installing a dehumidifier, vacuum and clean the area, removing any mould deposits from clothing, walls, furniture, inside drawers, carpet etc. Wipe the area down with 1 litre vinegar to 1/2 bucket water for a light to med mould wash or 1:1 for a heavy wash. Ensure you dry the area well after cleaning.
10. What’s the best way to initially run the dehumidifier?
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. *Use a temp/humidity meter to measure.
11. What are the best humidity levels for video or photographic equipment?
Keep the dehumidifier setting dryer than normal to reduce the humidity more, usually around 45-55% RH* . An air conditioner can be run in conjunction with the dehumidifier to cool the air during office hours, it will operate more efficiently as there is less water particles in the air.
*Use a temp/Humidity meter to measure.
12. What should I do about windows and doors being left open?
Simply keep doors and windows closed when weather is wet, open up on a sunny dry day to freshen the air in the room.
13. What’s the best way to judge humidity levels?
Use a temp/humidity meter to monitor relative humidity levels. Some dehumidifiers have them built in as a digital read out.
14. How do I set up a dehumidifier for continuous drain?
Fit an external drainage hose as per the instruction booklet, buying the size hose required to fit the outlet point. Always drain using gravity i.e. Dehumidifier unit must be higher than hose outlet. Use a bathroom basin, floor drain or expel out a window.
15. When is it best to use the continuous drain feature?
Continuous drain is ideal for when you are away on holidays or have a permanent setup for the dehumidifier.
16. How do I dry the inside of drawers and cupboards?
Run the dehumidifier in a room with the windows and doors closed, and open all the drawers and doors of cupboards. The dehumidifier will remove any excess moisture trapped in these areas.
17. Can I use the dehumidifier to dry carpets and mats?
Yes a dehumidifier will eliminate dampness in mats and carpets. Use the dehumidifier when mats and carpets are damp due to a rainy season, prolonged rain period or accidental spills. To dry the underfelt it is best to lift the carpet, then refit when dry.
18. How can I use the dehumidifier to dry my laundry?
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 warm air 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 at far less cost than typical electric clothes dryer.
