Mastering the Art of Energy Savings with Your Dehumidifier: A Comprehensive Guide

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Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Justin Williams

Ever thought a dehumidifier could be your secret weapon against high energy bills?

It's true!

By understanding how dehumidifiers work and using them smart, you can cut your energy use and make your home feel more comfortable.

Let's explore how your dehumidifier can save you big on energy costs.

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Dehumidifier Power Usage: The Breakdown

how to use dehumidifiers to cut down electricity bills

There are two main types of dehumidifiers: refrigerant (like a mini-fridge) and desiccant (uses absorbent materials).

Refrigerant dehumidifiers tend to be more popular and powerful than the desiccant ones. But how much power they use depends on a few things. The more humid your space, the harder the dehumidifier works.

Warmer rooms also require more energy. The size of the dehumidifier matters too – bigger ones use more power.

An inefficient dehumidifier is like a hidden energy drain, sucking up electricity and raising your bills. Upgrading to a more efficient model or using your current one strategically can save you a lot of money.

Choosing the Perfect Energy-Saving Dehumidifier

Getting the right size dehumidifier is key for saving energy.

An undersized unit won't keep things dry enough, while an oversized one will waste energy. Look for the Energy Star label – it means the dehumidifier is super energy-efficient. They might cost more upfront, but the savings on your energy bills add up over time.

Features like automatic shut-off, humidity sensors, and continuous drain can also help you save energy. Some modern dehumidifiers even work with smart home systems so you can control them from your phone.

Using Your Dehumidifier Like a Pro

Where you put your dehumidifier matters. Place it in the dampest area, away from walls, furniture, or radiators that can block airflow and make it work harder.

Setting the right humidity level is important. Too low, and the air feels dry and uncomfortable; too high, and you risk mold growth. A good range is usually between 30% and 50%, but you might need to adjust this based on the season and weather.

Just like your car needs regular maintenance, so does your dehumidifier. Cleaning the coils, filters, and water tank keeps it running smoothly and efficiently, and helps it last longer.

Bonus Tips for Dehumidifier Energy Savings

Want to become a dehumidifier master? Here are some extra tricks to squeeze even more energy savings out of your appliance:

  • Timers and Schedules: Don't run your dehumidifier all day and night, especially when electricity rates might be higher. Use timers or schedules to turn it on during off-peak hours, like when electricity costs less.
  • Smart Home Integration: Take convenience and efficiency to the next level by connecting your dehumidifier to your smart home system. Imagine adjusting settings or turning it on remotely, ensuring it runs only when necessary. This control allows you to optimize energy use and create a truly smart home environment.
  • Extra Dehumidification Strategies: While your dehumidifier is a powerful tool, there are other ways to fight humidity.
    Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture after showers or cooking. Opening windows on dry days can also help ventilate your home. Sealing leaks around windows and doors can prevent humid outdoor air from entering your home, reducing the workload on your dehumidifier.
    By combining these strategies with your dehumidifier, you can create a multi-pronged approach to humidity control and maximize energy savings.
  • Dehumidifier vs. Air Conditioner in Summer: In humid climates, your air conditioner might be working overtime to combat both heat and humidity. Here's a surprising fact: a dehumidifier can actually help your air conditioner become more efficient.
    By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier makes it feel cooler, allowing your AC to maintain a comfortable temperature without running as long. This translates to lower energy use and reduced strain on your AC unit, extending its lifespan.

Final Verdict

Estimate your dehumidifier's energy consumption using online calculators or simple formulas. To get even more precise data, use a smart plug or energy monitor to track actual usage. This information helps you identify areas for improvement and track your progress towards energy savings.

Investing in an electric dehumidifier and using it wisely is a smart financial move. While the upfront cost might seem high, the long-term savings on your energy bills will make it worthwhile.

With a bit of knowledge and effort, your dehumidifier can be a powerful ally in your quest for energy efficiency. It's a simple, effective way to create a comfortable home while saving money and reducing your environmental impact.

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My name is Justin Williams. I am the founder and blogger at TheDehumidifierExperts.com (read more about us). I was an allergy sufferer and that is also the reason why I began my trek to finding the best dehumidifier for my own personal health issues. All of the dehumidifier top picks on the site were put through their paces by Lance Perez - our dehumidifier researcher. He put each one through a series of tests to see how well they performed. Then, our editorial team compiled the insights into articles and published them.

2 thoughts on “Mastering the Art of Energy Savings with Your Dehumidifier: A Comprehensive Guide”

  1. I want to find the source of the humidity. It’s a new house and I don’t want to run the air when the temp is 65 and humidity 70%. Can you recommend a pro who can investigate in Barnegat, NJ

    Reply

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