If you have dealt with wet, musty odours or persistent condensation on windows, know that you are not alone. Excessive moisture can play havoc in your home, causing mould, mildew, and sometimes even structural damage. A dehumidifier is your best bet, but how long does a dehumidifier take to work? The answer depends on various factors like humidity level, size of the room, and how powerful the dehumidifier is.
Will a dehumidifier help with mould?
The Getting-Results Timeline:
Most dehumidifiers will start working right away, but noticeable improvement typically arises within a few hours. To allow significant reduction in moisture, running the machine for 24 hours is recommended. But there is no telling really-it could take multiple days to even a week when the damp problem is quite severe.
Factors Affecting Drying Time
- Starting humidity levels-the greater the humidity, the longer drying takes. A damp basement at 80% humidity will take much longer than a slightly humid bedroom at 60%.
- Room Size-A small bedroom will dry out faster than a large, open-plan room.
- Dehumidifier Capacity-A 12-litre dehumidifier is good for a small room while 20-litre or 25-litre dehumidifiers are preferred for larger areas or when moisture remains an issue.
- Ventilation and Temperature-Warm air retains more moisture, so the environment in which your dehumidifier works should preferably be well-ventilated, at 20°C (68°F) and thereabouts. This will go a long way in speeding up results.
What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?
How Long Will It Take To Control The Moisture?
A dehumidifier of appropriate size would get the humidity to a point where you feel comfortable after a few days to about a week. If the moisture is still high, you may need to get more units or call in someone to help.
Best Ways for Quick Moisture Removals
Do the following to ensure the best results:
- Keep Doors and Windows Closed – This prevents outside moisture.
- Place It Properly – Central or in the most humid area, i.e., the damp basement or in the bathroom.
- Make Sure the Tank is Emptied Regularly – The unit would otherwise not function. Continuous drainage should be considered for easy operation.
- Activate the Correct Mode—In case laundry is being dried, use laundry mode with a faster moisture removal rate.
Example: One dehumidifier may not be sufficient for the drying of an entire flooded room, resulting in the necessity for more than one dehumidifier and air mover to increase the speed of evaporation. In extreme cases, a professional water damage restoration service is highly recommended.
Conclusion: Is a Dehumidifier Right for You?
If you have chronic dampness in your house, how long does a dehumidifier take to work depends on the extent of the issue, the capacity of the dehumidifier, and the way you optimise its working model. With minor humidity issues, results may be seen within 24 hours, if the damp condition is severe then it may take several days to a week.
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FAQ: Popular Questions About Dehumidifiers
What Is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier reduces moisture levels in air so that relative humidity levels are lowered to a point where problems like mould growth, damp smell, and condensation cannot thrive.
How Does a Dehumidifier Prevent Mould and Mildew?
The lower moisture levels generated by the dehumidifier create an environment in which spores of mould and mildew can hardly survive, keeping your home healthier.
What Humidity Is Ideal for My House?
From comfort and in preventing moisture damage, the recommended indoor humidity is in the range of 45-55%. Most dehumidifiers are equipped with a humidistat to help monitor this.
How to decrease humidity in the house?
Where Does This Excess Moisture Come From?
Moisture inside is generated from several activities, including cooking, showering, and even breathing. If there is no ventilation to let it escape or a dehumidifier to bring it down, this moisture builds up over time.
Discover signs of damp on external walls?
How Much Water Can a Dehumidifier Remove?
This depends on the size of the dehumidifier and conditions in the room. A 12-litre model can take away up to 12 litres a day, while a 20-litre model is perfect for larger and humid areas.
How Often Do I Empty My Dehumidifier?
This varies based on humidity levels and capacity of the unit. Daily emptying is required in certain models, while others should be emptied once a week.
Can Dehumidifiers Help Dry Clothes?
Yes! Most dehumidifiers have a laundry mode to speed drying and save energy compared to a tumble dryer.
Do Dehumidifiers Use Much Electricity?
Not anymore; modern dehumidifiers use energy efficiently. Take, for instance, a 12L dehumidifier consumes barely 4p an hour, and a 20L model uses 8p an hour (the July 2024 energy price cap applied).
Read more: Do Dehumidifiers Use Much Electricity
Can I Use Collected Water In Any Way?
Although it is not safe for drinking, you can use the collected water for watering plants or for filling in your iron. However, it is better to get rid of this water frequently.