Damp and mould can be hugely damaging to our homes, causing unsightly spores to appear and potentially damaging our health.
When there is sufficient moisture on a surface, like a wall, or the air within a room is particularly humid, it can be easy for mould and damp to appear – which is why bathrooms are especially great breeding grounds.
In these instances, if the issue is not addressed it can create significant damage to a property and may even result in respiratory illnesses for you and your loved ones.
With this in mind, if you notice your home has a mould or damp problem then it is important the issue is tackled as soon as possible to stop it from getting out of control.
One option people often turn to when trying to cope with a mould or damp problem is a dehumidifier.
In recent years, dehumidifiers have become more commonplace in domestic properties across the UK, and in this article, we’ll outline how they work and the benefits they offer.
Read on to learn more.
What Is A Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an electrical device that can be used to remove excess moisture from the air. This means that a room will be less susceptible to dampness, condensation and severe levels of moisture which may cause mould to grow.
They’re extremely handy as they can be used to prevent such problems from occurring in the first place and as well as removing moisture from the air, they can also reheat air and release it back into the room when necessary – a great way to remain energy efficient.
How Does A Dehumidifier Work?
As mentioned above, dehumidifiers basically work by drawing excess moisture from the air, making it harder for walls to become damp, mould to grow and excessive condensation to form.
There are two main types of dehumidifiers:
- A refrigerant dehumidifier
- A desiccant dehumidifier
Each dehumidifier type works in a slightly different way, making them suitable for slightly different areas.
Let’s take a closer look at each option.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant dehumidifiers, also known as compressor dehumidifiers, use filters to draw in the air and pulling it over cold coils within the device. Then, water is used to condense the coils and drip it through to a water tank within the dehumidifier.
These types of dehumidifiers are more effective in heated rooms as they require the air in the room to be warmer than the cold surface in the dehumidifier. If the room drops in temperature, these dehumidifiers’ coils may begin to freeze which will then cause it to go into an automatic defrost mode spending time and energy defrosting rather than collecting water. This is why they are more suitable in rooms that are heated.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Opposed to the refrigerant options discussed above, desiccant dehumidifiers use adsorbent materials to extract water from the air. Then, the material is heated to ensure the moisture drips into the water tank.
Due to the fact that desiccant dehumidifiers can be used in rooms of any temperature, they are often considered to be more effective than refrigerant dehumidifiers. This means they can be used in rooms that are naturally colder such as basements, conservatories and unheated basements.
It’s also worth noting that desiccant dehumidifiers use more energy than refrigerant ones. This is because of the method they use to heat up the adsorbent material. They also give out heat which may not be what you want the device to do.
In general, if you know the dehumidifier is going to be used in a heated roo, a refrigerant device is probably the best choice and if the room is unheated then a desiccant dehumidifier is likely to be more appropriate.
How Long Does A Dehumidifier Take To Work?
The time it takes for a dehumidifier to work will depend on a wide range of factors. However, on average, you can expect to see an impact within a few days to a week.
Dehumidifiers should be used to prevent mould growth rather than to combat an existing problem, so you should make sure any mould that is present has been effectively dealt with prior to using a dehumidifier.
Some of the factors that will impact how quickly a dehumidifier works include:
- The size of the room
- The humidity level
- The extent of water damage in a room
- The size of your dehumidifier
- Existing damp problems
- The time of year
The dehumidifier you choose will also come with the manufacturer’s instructions that you should always follow and they may recommend leaving the device running for up to 12 hours a day.
When Do I Need A Dehumidifier?
There are several situations where a dehumidifier may be helpful or should be used.
These include:
- Following a flood in your home or if you’ve noticed water stains beginning to appear that may suggest water damage has occurred in the past. All water damage must be fixed before using a dehumidifier.
- If you notice the wooden elements of your home have become soft, it suggests it is rotting. Windowsills are particularly vulnerable because of their location and may be signs a dehumidifier is needed.
- Window have excessive condensation on them.
- You’ve noticed mould or mildew beginning to appear. Keep an eye out for little dark spots on walls and ceilings as well as areas surrounding showers and toilets.
- There is an unpleasant, musty smell in your home.
The Best Way To Use A Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can be used all year round if humidity levels are high. For example, during the summer months, you might decide to use one if the heat is unpleasant and the air seems sticky – especially if keeping windows open doesn’t seem to be helping the issue.
If you are planning on using a dehumidifier, there are a number of tips you can follow to ensure you are doing so most effectively.
This includes:
- Vacuum before use: This will prevent dust from spreading around the room or clogging up filters. This is especially important if you have allergies or suffer from any respiratory illness.
- Position correctly: While it is tempting to hide a dehumidifier away and out of sight, it should always be positioned centrally and away from walls, furniture or curtains as this will help it to properly circulate and remove more moisture from the air.
- Keep doors and windows closed: If windows are open when your dehumidifier is operating, it will mean the machine has to work harder and decrease its efficiency.
- Empty water tank after use: Dehumidifiers can collect up to 10 to 100 pints of water a day in their tanks depending on the capacity of the device. After every use, you should always empty the water tank.
- Wipe down the tank: Every so often make sure to wipe down the dehumidifier with a cloth. This is so it doesn’t get mouldy from the stagnant water.
- Vacuum the air filter: On a regular basis, vacuum the machine’s air filter to stop it from getting blocked. The manufacturer’s instructions should also provide guidance on this. You can also wash the filter if it has gotten dirty.
Can A Dehumidifier Stop Damp And Mould?
While a dehumidifier can be used to combat the early stages of mould growth, if you have a significant issue a dehumidifier may not be enough to stop it.
Clogged gutters, insufficient insulation, leaking pipes and appliances or a lack of a damp-proofing course are all possible causes of mould growth and if your home has any of these issues then it is unlikely a dehumidifier will be able to prevent it. Instead, you should get professional help to deal with such damp or mould problems affecting your property.
Before it gets to the stage of needing to use a dehumidifier, there are also a range of simple steps you can take including:
- Using extractor fans in bathrooms
- Opening windows after a bath or a shower
- Wiping down all wet walls and floors in bathrooms
- Sealing cracks in walls with caulk or sealant
- Placing wet clothes next to open windows
- Drying clothes outside when possible
- Using extractor fans when cooking
Benefits Of Using A Dehumidifier
There are a wide range of benefits to using a dehumidifier in the home. This includes:
- Combats mould growth: Undoubtedly the biggest benefit of using a dehumidifier is it can help prevent the growth of harmful mould or mildew. Mould thrives in damp environments, and once it grows it can rapidly spread. By reducing moisture in the air, a dehumidifier will help keep mould at bay.
- Improves air quality: High humidity can cause the air to feel heavy and uncomfortable. Additionally, moisture in the air can trap allergens which may worsen air quality and lead to respiratory issues.
- Prevents structural damage: Excess moisture in the air can also cause significant damage to your home. High humidity may lead to wood swelling and warping, paint peeling and wallpaper bubbling or loosening. In extreme cases, moisture can seep into walls, floors and ceilings which may even damage the structural integrity of your entire property.
