In areas with high humidity, homes normally have problems with moisture and need dehumidifiers to keep the humidity level of the rooms. The excess moisture removed by the units will definitely do a great help in eliminating mold and mildew problems, and such advantage is highly needed in basements and damp spaces where goods are kept.
There are some things you must keep in mind in order to make your dehumidifier work effectively, read the following to know what they are.
How to Use a Dehumidifier Effectively
Lower Temperatures Operation Capability
You will need a dehumidifier that can operate at lower temperatures because some units may develop frost on their heat exchange coils when operating at temperatures below 60 to 65 degree, and this can damage the appliance. This type of units may carry a higher price tag, but consider how it will prevent you from having to replace the unit due to damaged heat exchange. Another way to tackle this problem is to find a model that has an automatic defrost feature. This feature allows the unit to operate at the temperature of 40 to 45 degree. However, if you live in climates that are warm for the whole year around, you may not need these kinds of features (lower temperatures operation and automatic defrost) in your dehumidifier.
Proper Safety Practices
As the unit operates on electricity and will likely have water inside, you better pay a great attention on the proper safety instructions when using the unit. To protect the unit from unwanted electrical shocks, make sure that the outlet you use has a ground-fault circuit interrupter; this will be very helpful when the area becomes damp. Furthermore, dont use an extension cord to operate the unit, because when water accidentally spills from the unit onto the cord electrical shocks would likely take place.
Water Container Regular Cleaning
The water container of your unit should be cleaned on a regular basis considering that the water it collects may contain some bacteria or fungus if you dont clean the tank properly. How often you should clean the tank is really depending on how frequently you use your unit. Simply check the container at least once a month to determine whether it needs cleaning or not. The best way to clean it is to use an antibacterial cleanser or a mild beach solution so that mold, mildew or any potentially harmful bacteria can be prevented from developing inside the unit. You can also vacuum or dust the units louvers or grills monthly to maintain the cleanliness of the inner parts of the unit.
Never Short-Cycle the Dehumidifier
The cooling system of the unit should not be short-cycled or turned off and on immediately as this may shorten the life of your dehumidifier by putting unnecessary pressure on the units refrigeration system. Consider when to use a dehumidifier again after you turned off the unit; wait at least 10 minutes before powering it back on.
One of the dehumidifiers which has the defrost feature is the Sunpentown SD-65E 65 Pint, users claim that besides of working quietly, this unit has very simple, straightforward, and intuitive controls, and also comes with very competitive price. If you need a unit which able to absorb moisture up to 65 pints a day, then this dehumidifier is the one for you.
No related posts.