If the relative humidity (RH) level in your home is too high or too low, it can have several consequences on your health and quality of life. Using a good dehumidifier can help if you live in an area that has high humidity.
But does this mean you should only use a dehumidifier during the summer, or can you use one in winter too, when humidity is lower?Assess the Air in Your Home
It’s a good idea to use a hygrometer to get an idea of your home’ humidity level throughout the year. It is natural for it to fluctuate and will likely be lower in winter.
You also need to consider the humidity of your climate and the way you use your home. All these factors will have an impact on the humidity of your home.
If humidity is too high, you will notice mold growth on your walls, furniture, and clothes.
If humidity is too low, you will notice symptoms such as dry, itchy eyes and a sore throat.
Is it Safe to Run a Dehumidifier All Year Long?
It is safe to run your dehumidifier all year round. What you must do is keep an eye on humidity levels and adjust your dehumidifier settings as required. As a rule of thumb, we recommend using a setting of 50% RH year round. This will strike a good balance between comfort and energy consumption.
It is a good idea to use your heating or air-conditioning in tandem with your dehumidifier. This will maintain a constant temperature in your home while keeping humidity in check.
Your dehumidifier will switch itself on and off as required, as long as you set it to a suitable humidity setting. Between 40-60% is a good level to aim for.
The Benefits of a Good Dehumidifier
During the summer months, a dehumidifier can help you stay more comfortable in your home and will even allow you to sleep better at night. If your skin becomes dry because humidity is too low, turn it off for a few hours.
During winter, running a heater with your dehumidifier will prevent mold and mildew growth.
Using a dehumidifier will also reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the year as your air conditioning system won’t have to run as hard.
Make Your Dehumidifier Run More Efficiently
Regardless of the season, you want your dehumidifier to run efficiently so that it can keep your home comfortable with minimal running costs. These tips will help:
- Place it in the right location, which means away from walls and your furniture. You should also make sure all the windows and doors are closed if possible.
- Regularly vacuum so the dehumidifier isn’t spreading dust around which could make your allergies worse.
- If using your dehumidifier during the winter months, make sure it has an automatic frost-control feature. This will prevent the coils from freezing.
- Make sure the water tank is emptied regularly or once a day. Most dehumidifiers will shut themselves off once the tank is full, but they won’t turn back on until it has been emptied.
- If possible, purchase a dehumidifier with a high energy efficiency rating. This will reduce running costs.
Final Verdict
There are many reasons why you should be using a dehumidifier in summer and winter.
Time spent at home in summer will be more comfortable and you’ll be able to enjoy lower energy bills if used with your air conditioning system. Mold growth will be prevented which will also improve air quality.
The same applies winter but be mindful of the air becoming too dry and uncomfortable.