On, off or what? That is the dilemma many homeowners face. You have invested a lot of money into the best dehumidifier and want to get your money’s worth. But sometimes you just don’t know if you should leave the dehumidifier on all year round or turn it off when the cooler months appear.
To get your answer to this and other top dehumidifier questions just continue to read our article. It has the information you want. Take a few moments and get up to speed on when to use your dehumidifier.
When to Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air to help you reach the ideal humidity level in your house.
There is some good news here. If your geographical region is humid all year round, then you can use your dehumidifier in both the summer and the winter. Mold and other bacteria and germs do not take time off and they are looking for those homes that have high humidity levels at any time of the year.
Do yourself, your family and home a favor by keeping your dehumidifier working when your winters and summers exceed the humidity levels that encourage the growth of these germs.
Summer
High Humidity in House in Summer
If you notice this, when you arrive home from work or get up in the morning, then you need to take the right steps to protect your home and possessions. High humidity levels are not a friend to wood or other construction materials.
Lowering the humidity levels in your home not only protects your house’s framework it protects wood molding, furniture and even knick-knacks. By getting rid of the excess moisture you are saving a ton of money in renovation costs.
Running an air conditioning system in summer may not be enough if you are living in humid areas. That means when it comes to dehumidifying your home, go for dehumidifier.
What Should Humidity be in House in Summer
The ideal humidity level at any time of the year is 30 to 50%. If you can reach that in the summer time, you should be able to enjoy those hot days a lot more. The same principle works in the winter as well.
High humidity levels, even though the air is a lot colder, will still harm your house and your family. You should reduce humidity by running your dehumidifier every time the indoor humidity level gets above 50% no matter the season.
Mold starts to grow at 65% so be careful.
The Basement Smells Musty in Summer
There are some places in your house that have higher indoor humidity levels than the rest, including bathrooms, laundry rooms, crawl spaces and basements.
This is one sign that you may have a mold or mildew problem in your home. When you smell this odor you should turn on your dehumidifier so that these elements cannot grow any further.
Then you need to seek out where the source of the musty smell is and take care of any mold or mildew you find. The summer is notorious for the musty smell as humidity levels are very high and that excess moisture gets into your basement even though it is low in the ground.
If you tend to install a basement dehumidifier, you should need larger units than in the bathroom or the laundry room.
Use of Dehumidifier in Summer Months
If there is a season that needs you to use your dehumidifier it is summer. Usually the hotter weather brings more humidity and moisture with it. Take the steps to protect your home by running your dehumidifier as much as possible.
It is okay to run your device for long periods of time. This will keep the excessive moisture away. Your electrical bill may get a bit higher but it is cheaper than having to pay for new walls or flooring; and the most important thing: your health is priceless.
The key is not to set your dehumidifier’s humidistat too low. Keep it in the ideal range so you get the ultimate protection and comfort you want to be in.
Winter
Do I Need to Run Dehumidifier in Basement in Winter?
The answer to this question is that you should only run a dehumidifier in your basement when the humidity levels get too high. If that level reaches 60 to 65% then by all means run your dehumidifier.
Mold will still grow in high humidity during the winter and you need to protect your home all year round when you live in very high humid areas. So, running a dehumidifier in winter is a good idea.
What Should I Set My Dehumidifier to in the Winter?
This setting should be the same as your summer time setting. The parameters and dangers do not change when the high humidity levels appear in either season. If you want to be comfortable you should keep the humidity levels below 50% and above 30%.
Do not let them get to high or you may have a mold problem on your hands. Mildew and bacteria are other germs you have to be wary of all year round. When the humidity levels go up so do the opportunities for these harmful elements to enter your home.
Are You Supposed to Run a Dehumidifier in the Winter?
You do not have to if you do not want to but if you live in a high humidity zone even in winter then it is a very good idea to run your dehumidifier when the cold months of the year come.
Keep in mind that dust mites, mold and other germs do not take the winter off and will love to enter your home if u provide them with a comfortable environment for them to live in.
The real question is should you run my dehumidifier in the winter months and the answer to that question is a resounding yes if you live in a high humidity area. If you don’t then you can let the dehumidifier take the season off.
Conclusion
The dilemma is easy to solve when you are wondering if you should run your dehumidifier in the summer as well as the winter. The determining factor will be your geographical location. If your area is dry in the winter, then by all means leave the dehumidifier off.
If your area is very humid in both seasons then yes you should run the dehumidifier in both the summer and the winter seasons then you will be feeling comfortable all the time. The extra cost is minimal as most dehumidifiers are Energy Star rated and it is an expense worth its weight in gold as you and your family receive year round protection.
My Frigidaire 70 quart dehumidifier has stopped nunning I keep the filter clean when the red light goes on and keep the bucket empty when full, I had to send paper work to Frigidaire because it stoped running like it should, so they made me cut part of the cord and send it back with my slip the model # is FGAC7044UI serial KN 82301071 Best Buy said I have to go to Frigidaire even though the unit is two and a have years old I sent in the replacement claim form so now waiting to see when they get back to me, said they would replace unit send it UPS probably should have taken out a warranty because there are occasions when even the best products malfunction I’m hoping I here from them soon or I will have to buy a new one since I had to cut the cord,I live upstate NY Utica and I have a little over 1400 square foot and on single ranch one floor, the othe thing is I can’t see if the unit froze up because you can’t take it apart, so should I stay with 70 quart, I like this unit it looks new since I took it out of the box which I have they even gave my a reference #84452412 hope you can tell me what I should do because now it is a waiting game, these places like Best Buy and others what so sell you but not take care of you, not happy and I’am a person who stays on top of things Thank You