Drive Away Dampness: How to Use a Dehumidifier in Small Spaces

Damp smells mean damp air. Damp air means lung disease. Lurking in the walls, mold and mildew grow, threatening the well-being of the structure and its inhabitants.

There is a solution, though. A properly running dehumidifier can reduce the moisture that allows such fungus to grow. It will keep the air clean and maintain the health of the home and its residents.

Keep reading to learn how to use a dehumidifier properly so you can reap the benefits of this miraculous machine.

Size Matters

At first glance, you may wonder, what is a dehumidifier? It is a machine, both big and small, that lowers the humidity in a given space. Thus, before you purchase a dehumidifier, measure the space where you will place it.

If you are trying to reduce humidity in your entire house, invest in a whole-home dehumidification pack However, if you need to reduce the moisture in a small area like a boat cabin or a car, then you can use a mini dehumidifier.

Often the dehumidifier will have a recommended amount of space attached to it. The dehumidifier cost will vary depending on the size and capacity of the machine.

Adjust the Settings

Once you have your dehumidifier, you need to adjust its settings between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier set too low will result in extremely dry air and more irritation. A dehumidifier set too high will negate the effects of the dehumidifier in the first place.

If you live in an extremely cold climate, adjust the settings to 30 to 40 percent to prevent window condensation.

Place Purposefully

Your dehumidifier uses become more effective if you place the dehumidifier in the right place. Do not place the machine against a wall. Rather, put it in a place where you have good air circulation. Keep it six inches away from furniture and walls.

If you are dehumidifying a large area like an entire floor of a home, consider putting the dehumidifier in the hall or landing, away from the hubbub of traffic but still in an effective area.

Maintain Your Dehumidifier

The benefits of dehumidifiers will quickly decline if you fail to maintain your dehumidifier. With proper maintenance, you will breathe clean air all the time. Here are a few basic tips:

• Regularly dust the exterior of the dehumidifier, paying special attention to the vents
• Check and clean the filter every six months
• Empty the water tray regularly

Some dehumidifiers will also require replacement parts. For example, you can shop for dehumidifier bags here.

In addition to maintaining the machine and checking its coils, give your dehumidifier a break. Give it a 20-minute break periodically so that it is not working constantly.

Learn How to Use a Dehumidifier

Now that you know how to use a dehumidifier, you can begin your search for the perfect moisture-reducing appliance for your space. No longer do you have to breathe in the damp air and the contaminants that grow because of it. Make sure you measure your space before you shop and then set your humidifier to the ideal setting.

You’ll find yourself with a pleasant space and clean air in no time.

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