Don't Waste Money This Winter: The Right Setting For Your Dehumidifier For Efficiency

When the relative humidity levels are low, a humidifier can help provide the supplemental moisture needed to help you breathe more comfortably in your home. Sometimes you might find you have the opposite problem, though, and the air may be way too humid. As a general rule, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that homes ought to have an indoor humidity level no less than 30%, but also no more than 50%. While dry air is a more common concern in the winter months, some areas in your home might still be prone to humidity. You don't necessarily want to turn a dehumidifier device to max power at the first sign of stickiness in the air, though. For the best efficiency, try setting your dehumidifier near the 50% recommended threshold while also implementing other ways you can decrease relative humidity levels in certain spaces.

A dehumidifier literally removes excess moisture from the air, with most home models collecting between 5 and 15 quarts of water per day, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Portable dehumidifiers are particularly helpful with targeting humidity in more moisture-prone spaces, such as bathrooms, garages, and basements. For example, a dehumidifier can be a must-have item for bathrooms that don't have a vent to remove moisture after showering. Running a dehumidifier isn't as simple as turning it on and leaving it alone, though. Each unit has a humidistat you can usually set to between 20% and 80%, but you will still need to adjust accordingly based on the current humidity levels and your preferences. 

As with any other electronic device, the longer a dehumidifier works, the more money you'll end up spending on the electricity required to run it. The University of Missouri Extension estimates that the average small home dehumidifier uses seven kilowatt hours per 24-hour period. To figure out how much a dehumidifier will cost to run, you will need to multiply the unit's kilowatt hours with your home's electric rate.

Running a dehumidifier too little for the sake of saving money will likely make the humidity levels too high, which can increase the risk of mold growth and respiratory symptoms. On the flipside, running the dehumidifier too much can make the air so dry that you'll not only notice dehydrated skin, but it might damage your home, too. Some devices have built-in hygrometers and will shut off automatically once the ideal humidity level has been reached. A good starting point is 50%, but measuring the humidity levels in the room with a hygrometer can also help you determine the correct settings before using a dehumidifier.

Aside from not choosing the right settings, there are other common mistakes when dehumidifying your home for maximum efficiency to consider, too. These portable devices work best when they're placed in the center of each room, and with the door closed to help prevent them from overworking. Cleaning and maintaining your dehumidifier on a regular basis can also help it stay more efficient in the long run. This includes emptying the unit's drip pan as soon as it is full of water.

It's also worth determining whether you truly need a dehumidifier. Unless you're dealing with chronic high humidity in a bathroom or another small area, running the air conditioner can often be enough to help regular relative humidity levels inside a home. Opening a window temporarily can also allow moisture to evaporate from your home. For even smaller areas, such as inside dank cupboards, you can also consider ways naturally dehumidify your home with these simple tricks.