What Should Your Dehumidifier Be Set At in Summer?

When selecting the right dehumidifier for your home, there are many factors to consider. These factors include relative humidity, temperature, capacity, and placement. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning recommends whole-home dehumidifiers. Contact us for a free estimate. Read on to learn more about dehumidifiers and how to get the best performance. During the summer months, dehumidifiers should be set at a lower temperature to prevent mold and mildew growth in your home.

Relative humidity

If you live in the southern part of the United States, you probably already know how important relative humidity is. In this climate, a high humidity level can make a home feel even hotter than it actually is. Additionally, too much humidity can lead to mold and a dry, itchy skin. Ultimately, relative humidity levels can have a huge impact on your home’s comfort and the efficiency of your HVAC system.

The best range for relative humidity in your home is thirty to forty percent in summer and between 40 and 50 percent in the winter. Staying within these ranges will prevent problems related to chemical reactions and respiratory illnesses. In addition, a high humidity level will make you feel hotter, resulting in additional use of the air conditioner. So, you should choose a dehumidifier based on the desired range for your home.

Temperature

It’s essential to keep the humidity in your home at a manageable level. According to the Energy Star, the best indoor humidity level is between thirty and fifty percent. Higher percentages are dangerous, and so is lower humidity. Even though you might not have noticed it, high humidity in your home can make you feel uncomfortable. Here are a few tips for controlling the relative humidity in your home:

First, consider where your dehumidifier will be placed in your home. Ideally, it should be located in the middle of your bedroom. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Remember that it will be more effective when the door is closed. If it is opened all the way, you’re not providing optimal room temperatures. You can also use a dehumidifier with air movers and ceiling fans to circulate air around the room.

Capacity

When buying a dehumidifier, you need to determine the exact amount of moisture your home needs drained per day. The capacity of your dehumidifier is what will help you achieve this. A 30-pint dehumidifier will remove 30 pints of moisture per day. The testing conditions for dehumidifiers have been changed to 65 degrees F and 60 percent humidity. These newer conditions better reflect real-world conditions. The size chart can simplify your search. You should match the square footage of your room with the humidity levels in your area.

Energy efficiency is a key factor when purchasing a dehumidifier. Higher energy efficiency means lower operating costs and lessens your home’s carbon footprint. Dehumidifiers also save you money as you use less energy. To improve energy efficiency, purchase a dehumidifier that is ENERGY STAR certified. These models remove the same amount of moisture while using 15 percent less energy.

Placement

Placement of your dehumidifier depends on many factors, from the temperature to the orientation of the room. Place your dehumidifier near an electrical outlet and a floor drain. Make sure you do not put it near an air conditioning unit. A two-story home will experience different levels of humidity, so make sure to place it where it won’t be blocked. Moreover, consider whether you’ll be using the room for work or for sleeping.

Place your dehumidifier in an area where air can flow freely. This will ensure maximum coverage and air cleaning. For larger dehumidifiers, place them in the center of a room with ample air flow. Remember to leave a couple of feet between it and walls and furniture. Make sure to use a GFCI outlet for the appliance. You’ll want to avoid plugging it in a bathroom or kitchen where water can accumulate.