When it comes to humidity, mold, and mildew every household has to go through a bit of a rigorous regimen to knock out these problems.
We, folks, use different types of methods to make our living place dry and cool during these hot and sweaty days. The most common of them is the way of dehumidifiers.
Humidity Problems
In my book, humidity or mold is not a big problem in nature but, it is really irritating. Because, I know how a sweaty, sticky situation feels like. Not to mention the other humidity problems that you had to deal with.
So, here is a list of some of those problems:
- Viruses
- Dust mites
- Respiratory issues
- Damaged electronics
- Wilting & smelly plants
- Sticky doors & windows
- Paint & wallpaper peel off
- Pest & insect invasion risks
- Increase in blood pressure (BP)
- Causes worse type of allergies & asthma
- Increase in Mold, mildew, and moisture issues
- Headaches, fatigue, heat strokes, and exhaustion
Whether it in your home, in-office, or wherever you are you do want to kick out the high humidity to avoid all these heaps of problems.
A clean and moisture-free home environment with ideal humidity levels keeps up your spirit and refreshes you up as well.
Ideal Humidity
Regarding ideal humidity, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has given us a range for ideal humidity levels for different spaces.
- Best Relative Humidity Range For Indoor Spaces – 30% To 50%
- Best Humidity Range For Office – 40% To 60%
Other studies have shown that the threshold of humidity for the home minimum is 30% and the maximum is 60% as well.
Types of Dehumidifiers
Now, I know it’s the norm that almost every house does have a dehumidifier. But, the type of dehumidifier you’re using totally depends on your living conditions.
So, understanding and learning about these types and which type suits your need is important. It’ll save up your space, extra costs, bills, and you’ll be able to own the best dehumidifier for your space.
Refrigerant Dehumidifier
The refrigerant dehumidifier is the common type of dehumidifier used by most homes, residential units, and offices. They work really well in places where temperatures aren’t colder.
Because in colder temperatures, the coils that cool down the air will themselves become frozen due to the external temperature.
The working mechanism is just like the refrigerators and air conditioners in your home. The air enters through the intake and is filtered by a special type of filter.
This filtration procedure removes the dust, dirt particles, and allergens that are harmful to health. Then the cleaned-up air is further transported by a fan into the set of coils that cools the air down.
On the other side, the moisture in the air is condensed and drips down into the below water tank. While the cool dry air is blown outside.
Also, remember! That these types of dehumidifiers require regular checkups:
- Emptying the water tank at regular intervals.
- Cleaning and replacing the filter on a regular basis.
- Keep in check the grills over the intake/exhaust are clean.
- Also do keep in check the humidistat to control/set the humidity level or change it from time to time.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
A desiccant dehumidifier works with a different set of principles. Unlike the refrigerant, the desiccants work smoothly in colder temperatures.
In these buds, the refrigerant mechanism is replaced by a chemical drying agent. Such as “Silica Gel”. That’s why they are also named “Chemical Absorbent Dehumidifiers”.
The desiccant dehumidifiers come in various sizes. The large ones can be used for basements, workshops, garages, etc. On the other hand, those with smaller sizes can be used for small rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
For small spaces like cabinets, closets you can use desiccant pouches/packets. These packets can be dried out and reused after they have absorbed the surrounding moisture and have become saturated.
Processed Air Flow
The mechanical-based desiccants blow out the air by using the rotor wheel system. The moistured air is absorbed into the desiccant by a fan and moves towards the rotor.
The air passed through this rotor wheel. The wheel itself has a honeycomb structure which gives it a wider surface area and is coated with silica gel. The gel absorbs the moisture and the dry air moves out from the other side.
Info For You: You should know that silica is an attracter of water molecules. The chemical linkage is formed between and water molecules from the incoming moist air which is why the molecules are absorbed into the gel.
Regeneration Air Flow
In order to remove the moisture from the rotor itself, the “Regeneration Air Flow” is used. It’s quite amazing that in these little buddies, both processes are working simultaneously.
The outside air is heated due to many external factors and is sucked into the rotor. The heated air breaks the chemical linkage of silica gel and previous water molecules and the heated air becomes cooler in temperature.
Finally, the air with these water molecules is vented out from the desiccant dehumidifier.
Whole Home Dehumidifier
As the name speaks out itself. The whole home dehumidifiers are centralized systems used for a large residential unit. The humidify and dehumidify both at the same time.
The centralized system or main body is set up in the basement or where ever you feel like it. The airways are spread throughout the house through ventilation ducts for the air to reach into every nook and cranny.
This whole-home system really works well for large residential units to wipe out humidity, moisture, mildew, mold, pests, etc. I say having your dreamy home free from these problems is a dream come true.
But, the real problem is the upfront cost that you have to pay for it. Ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 in price. On the other hand, the type you really going to look for is also important, and don’t forget the installation procedure.
Portable Mini Dehumidifier
The name itself speaks for these handy-dandy buds. They are the most common types for the folks with smaller or mid-sized rooms.
The body frame is built with durable plastic. They are lightweight in nature and you can move them here and there easily i.e., from one room to another.
Although large portable dehumidifiers are also present in the market. But, I say they are not built for an entire house. Plus, once the bucket is full you have to remove the condensed water and you have to do it at regular intervals.
Their working mechanism is the same as the “Refrigerant Dehumidifiers” but, on a smaller scale. Also, they are cheaper in price compared to the above beasts.
Homemade Dehumidifier [DIY Dehumidifier]
Now, from all the above types of dehumidifiers, I think this is the most fun part. When you’re looking for ways to make your own DIY homemade dehumidifier.
Now, there are many ways to do it. So, I do have detailed instructions for you on how to do it.
What I Think
For every home, there is a unique environment that the homeowners prefer. And that’s why I wanted to have a talk with you on the types of dehumidifiers.
It’s crucial to learn and understand the working, and nature of these dehumidifiers. So in the end you can own the best dehumidifier for your space.
Because not every home or situation, or environment calls for the same type of dehumidifier. Lastly, do let me know in the comment section about your choice and have a happy, healthy, and comfy home :).
