Dehumidifier Quick Guide -- Common Dehumidifier Questions

1. Why do I need a dehumidifier? 

Dehumidifiers are vital for environmental control in areas where humidity can rise above 50% naturally. At humidity levels above 50%, increased water vapor, present in the air, can begin to allow furniture to warp, accelerate wood rot, and harbor toxic mold and fungi (which will cause odors and health problems). A dehumidifier draws water from the air and collects it into a holding tank or pushes it out through a hose connection.

2. What are the different types of dehumidifiers?

Active dehumidifiers have almost the same internal machinery as an air conditioner. Where an air conditioner cools on one side and releases heat on the other, a dehumidifier cools and then reheats the air. When the air is cooled inside the vents of dehumidifiers, the water held in the air condenses in the same way it condenses outside of a cold beverage on a hot day. The condensed water drips into the collection area and away from the air flow. After cooling, the air is reheated to room temperature using the same heat that was removed in the first phase. The amount of water collection and speed at which water is removed varies among the different models, but specifications generally range from 20 pints (2.5 gallons) to 70 pints (8.75 gallons) of water removal from the air per day.

Passive dehumidifiers are specifically engineered sponges that draw the humidity from the air and hold it. There are no moving parts to these dehumidifiers, and they are much cheaper. However, they are usually for one-time use or refillable, and dehumidifiers only cover a small area (about the size of a closet).