Try changing your filter first. If that doesn't solve the problem, then you may need to replace the desiccant. It could also be the case that the fan is blocked, so be sure to check for and remove any obstructions that could cause the fan to stop working properly. That said, most dehumidifiers are compressor-based.
If the evaporator doesn't appear to have signs of frost while it's running and it's also not collecting water, the compressor could be defective or it might be low on refrigerant. Otherwise, it could be the dehumidifier humidistat that is not communicating the humidity properly to the electronic control board.
How Long Does it Take for a Dehumidifier to Start Collecting Water? On average, a dehumidifier begins to collect water as soon as it is switched on. The time taken for a dehumidifier to fill the collection tank can be anywhere between 6-8 hours for a 2-liter tank.
Check to make sure that all windows and doors are closed. Make sure the unit has proper air flow and that no curtains, blinds, or furniture is blocking the front or back of the dehumidifier. If used in a laundry area, install the dehumidifier away from the moisture laden air generated by the dryer.
There is either too much humidity to remove from room or for some reason dehumidifier is not getting cold enough to condense humidity. Perhaps unit have gone out of cooling gas. Reducing dehumidifier fan speed can help dehumidifier to get colder, which lets you further dry air.
Yes, 60% humidity is too high for basements. Generally, a safe humidity level is between 30-50%, but that can vary a bit depending on where you live and the conditions of your environment.
Optimal Dehumidifier Humidity Setting
So, what is the best humidity setting for a dehumidifier? To prevent mold growth and keep your home's relative humidity at a comfortable level, we recommend aiming for 30%-50% humidity in your home.
Most dehumidifiers allow you to set this fan to only two different speeds, high and low. High fan speed facilitates quicker moisture removal. Low fan speed results in less rapid moisture removal but the dehumidifier will run much more quietly.
Ordinarily, a dehumidifier will not operate satisfactorily at temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit or under extremely low humidity conditions. At temperatures below 41 degrees the evaporator coils may freeze. This could make it necessary to defrost the coils as often as once per hour.
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.
How Long To Run Your Dehumidifier? So to recap, run your dehumidifier unit for at least 12 hours a day. This is a good rule of thumb. Again, it's okay if you don't stick to this schedule every day, but be aware that the more your family runs your dehumidifier unit the fresher and cleaner it will be all year long.
Keep the Doors and Windows Closed. To ensure that your dehumidifier operates at maximum efficiency, it's best to use it in the most appropriate ways possible. Because outside air can affect the moisture level in your home you should always keep the doors and windows shut when the dehumidifier is on.
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.
Dehumidifier Overflows or Leaks
Many dehumidifiers have a float switch that prevents the unit from spilling over with the water that has been drawn out of the air. Sometimes this switch goes bad and must be replaced. If your dehumidifier is overflowing, you can test the overflow prevention switch with a volt-ohm meter.
A dehumidifier should collect around 10-20 pints a day. However, factors such as relative humidity levels, size of the appliance, location, and temperature can affect how much it collects.
General dehumidifier advice would be to have an ideal relative humidity setting anywhere between 40 & 60%. 100% is saturated air and at 0% you have no moisture. For some reason many customers are using a dehumidifier when there is no real need to do so.
We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.
Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. This can help to reduce condensation on walls and prevent mould and mildew growth. However, dehumidifiers will not necessarily dry out damp walls. If your walls are damp, you may need to use a combination of a dehumidifier and a fan to help dry them out.
Water Vapor
If there are no cold-condensing surfaces and the relative humidity (RH) is maintained below 60 percent indoors, there will not be enough water in those materials for mold to grow. However, if the RH stays above 70 percent indoors for extended periods of time, mold will almost certainly grow.
The basement humidity level should vary between 30% in winter and 50% in summer. 25% is too low and can cause skin conditions and peeling paint. Over 60% is considered too high and can lead to breathing problems, mildew, and fungal growth.
You will only need to run your basement dehumidifier system when the humidity levels exceed safe and comfortable levels, so you probably won't need to run it all the time.
Normal Basement Humidity Levels
A comfortable basement should maintain a humidity level of 30 to 50 percent — however, those may differ depending on your climate.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal range of humidity levels is between 30% to 50%. However, if the humidity rises about 60%, then it is considered high and may lead to mold, mildew, and even invite in pests like cockroaches and dust mites!
An indoor humidity level is too high when it's above 50%. At this level, your home is susceptible to increased dust mite infestations, as well as mildew, mold growth, and other bacteria. This can cause serious health issues for those who breathe in mold spores or are exposed to bacteria for long periods of time.