Installing and using a dehumidifier is one of the best ways to maintain good moisture levels in your home. This is especially true in regions like El Paso, TX, that experience high moisture levels throughout the year. Exactly how much moisture can a dehumidifier remove, though? Let’s take a look.
What Are the Different Types of Dehumidifiers?
Before looking at how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove, it’s important to understand that there are different types to choose from. Understanding their differences is key to choosing the right one for your home.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air via a process similar to air conditioners. The dehumidifier draws in warm, humid air and forces it through a series of cool coils. As the air becomes colder, dew forms on the coils, which then drops into a basin or drainage system. After removing the moisture, the unit circulates the air throughout the house. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work well at warmer to medium temperatures and are a good fit for homes with bigger rooms.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air using desiccant materials, such as silica gel. The process entails introducing humid air into the desiccant, which then draws in and holds onto the moisture. Basements and garages, which tend to be cooler places, are perfect for desiccant dehumidifiers because, unlike refrigerant types, they can work efficiently at lower temperatures.
Ventilation Dehumidifiers
To remove excess moisture, ventilation dehumidifiers bring in cooler air from outside. The heat exchangers used in these systems transfer heat and moisture from the entering airstream to the exiting airstream. Ventilation dehumidifiers make it easier to maintain a consistent humidity level. They also make the air quality inside your home much better by constantly circulating dry air throughout the house.
Which Type Removes the Most Moisture?
Conventional refrigeration dehumidifiers can usually extract a considerable quantity of moisture from the air. Their daily water extraction capability ranges from 10 to 20 quarts, depending on the model and environmental humidity. Desiccant dehumidifiers are somewhat less effective; they can extract 6 to 12 quarts of water daily. Whole-house ventilation dehumidifiers perform best, removing up to 30 quarts of water per day. Bigger units are capable of removing as much as 52 quarts daily.
Ways to Help the Dehumidifier Perform Better
No matter the type of dehumidifier you choose for your home, there are several tips you can follow to boost its performance. When paired with annual maintenance, these tips will make your home much more comfortable. They can also make it easier for the HVAC to heat and cool your home, thus lowering your energy bills.
Choose the Correct Size
For a whole-house dehumidifier to work at its best, it’s essential to choose the right size. Inadequate moisture removal and higher energy usage could result from a device that is too small. On the other hand, if the unit is too big, it might short cycle. Factors to consider to ensure you choose the right size include your home’s square footage, its layout, the type of HVAC system you have and how energy-efficient you want the dehumidifier to be.
Proper Placement
Put the unit in a well-ventilated location, away from corners, so it works as intended. To further target problem areas and avoid moisture accumulation, consider positioning the dehumidifier near sources of moisture, including laundry rooms or bathrooms. If you’re using a whole-home dehumidifier, it will connect directly to the HVAC. An installation expert can ensure it’s positioned and connected correctly to achieve the best performance.
Seal Air Leaks
Another effective way to increase the efficiency of a dehumidifier is to seal any air leaks around apertures such as windows, doors and other openings. This reduces the moisture that builds up in the home by preventing air drafts.
Reduce Sources of Moisture
You can help keep the humidity just right by turning on exhaust fans when cooking or showering. You’ll also find it helpful to dry clothes outside during the summer instead of inside. Instead of building up in your home, the moisture from the clothes evaporates into the atmosphere.
Monitor Humidity Levels
By keeping a close eye on the humidity levels with a hygrometer, you can easily modify the dehumidifier’s settings to keep them within the appropriate range. This preventative measure guarantees a pleasant interior climate by warding off problems like mold development.
E.P. Omega Air Conditioning LLC is here to help you choose the right whole-home dehumidifier. We also work on air conditioners, heaters, boilers, heat pumps, ductwork and indoor air quality systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about whole-home dehumidifiers.
