The lifetime of dehumidifiers usually ranges from five to 10 years. To maximize the lifetime, it's important to care for your dehumidifier. Be sure to regularly change the air filters, clean the condensing coils and exhaust grilles, and empty and clean the water bucket.
After nine to eleven years of working in a harsh environment, your dehumidification system can start to wear down and ultimately require a replacement but how do you determine when it's time to replace it?
Most dehumidifiers have a pull out filter that needs to be washed out at least once a year. Dehumidifiers can loose the refrigerant slowly to the point where it will sound like it's running but not doing anything.
Dehumidifiers, on average, only last 3 to 5 years.
Faulty Compressor or Refrigerant Issues: The compressor is the dehumidifier's workhorse, and if it fails, moisture removal grinds to a halt. Similarly, a leak or issue with the refrigerant can stop the dehumidification process. These problems typically require professional repair.
Many homeowners use dehumidifiers to help manage indoor moisture levels, particularly during the warmer months of the year. However, it's important to know when to turn the unit off. Once temperatures drop to around 65 degrees, it's best to turn the dehumidifier off.
You see, incessantly running your dehumidifier can lead to fatigue of its components, causing them to wear out or malfunction over time. It's like running a marathon without any training breaks—you're bound to hit a wall sooner or later.
The compressor or fan motor getting damaged is a sign that your dehumidifier is no longer absorbing moisture from the air and points to a problem with the compressor, fan motor, or coils. If the room temperature is below 65°F the dehumidifier may struggle to operate effectively.
A dehumidifier should collect a certain amount of water each day - generally, around 10-20 pints of water per 24-hour period. This should require you to empty most dehumidifiers daily or bi-daily when in operation.
If you need to lower humidity throughout your house a whole-house dehumidifier is the best option. It is easy to fit, virtually silent and is the cheapest solution for whole house control.
Similarly, if a unit doesn't receive regular maintenance, like emptying or cleaning, it may become clogged, which will ultimately shorten its lifespan. When purchasing one, you should choose an appliance that suits your needs well.
If your dehumidifier does not pull water from the air when it runs, or if it stops running for no apparent reason, it is time to repair or upgrade your dehumidifier. If you are looking to dispose of an old dehumidifier, be sure to recycle.
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, your dehumidifier should not have to run constantly to regulate the air humidity. An optimal humidity level to shoot for is between 30 and 50 percent. Your dehumidifier should reach this in 8 to 12 hours.
If the indoor relative humidity in your space is above 55%, a dehumidifier is necessary to prevent allergens such as dust mites that can harm your health from growing. With these parameters, you will know when to use your dehumidifier in winter: Below 30%: Do not use a dehumidifier. Use a humidifier instead.
A cost-effective alternative to dehumidifiers
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a comprehensive whole-house ventilation system that eliminates moisture and mould in your home.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Dehumidifiers
Larger units that can dehumidify bigger spaces typically cost more. For example, a small 30-pint dehumidifier suitable for a bedroom or small basement might cost around $150, while a large 70-pint model could exceed $300.
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there's no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity.
Some even say that the typical dehumidifier lasts three to five years when used consistently. It's a safe bet to say that the average dehumidifier lasts anywhere from three to eight years depending on its brand, cleaning regimen, and amount of usage.
Here's an example for Dehumidifiers: Bob sets his Dehumidifier Setpoint to 55%. That means his Dehumidifier will kick on when his home's Relative Humidity levels hit 58%, and turn off again when they drop to 52%. Here's an example for Humidifiers: Anna sets her Humidifier Setpoint to 40%.
Keep Your Dehumidifier Away from the Walls
It's easy to assume the best place to put your dehumidifier is against the wall. But it's not! Dehumidifiers suck in and expel air using vents. Blocking any of these vents can reduce your dehumidifier's effectiveness.
The unit fails to reach the humidity and temperature of the room to the required set points. If the dehumidifier is not controlling the humidity and temperature as required, it may not be doing its job. This may be a result of defective control sensors, which detect the temperature and humidity.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers collect water meaning they need to be regularly emptied. They also need to be regularly cleaned otherwise black mould can start to grow on the machine , which can induce a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.