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Frequently Asked Questions |
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How does a dehumidifier work?
Air is drawn in by a fan and passes through a filter to remove dust particles and pollen. The air then passes through a heat transfer coil made up of tubes and fins, the first half of which is cold and as the air is cooled, moisture is condensed and drained away. The second half of the coil returns all the removed heat back to the air, so the air is supplied to the room dryer, and fractionally warmer.
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Do I need to heat the area, as well as running the dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier works more efficiently when the temperature is higher so heating the area will definitely improve the rate of moisture removal. Heat will also evaporate moisture from materials such as clothes and walls, allowing moisture to be absorbed by the air and subsequently collected by the dehumidifier.
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Where does the moisture come from?
Humidity and breathing, washing machines, showers, dishwashers, tumble dryers, baths, cooking and ironing are all moisture producing activities.
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How much moisture is in the air?
The air can hold enormous amounts of moisture, especially at higher temperatures. An average home of 100m sq, (1000 sq ft) could have 10 - 12 litres more than is desirable.
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Will a dehumidifier prevent mould growth?
Yes. Mould growth appears on continually damp areas, especially on the cold side of a house where the sun doesn't reach. A dehumidifier will remove the moisture that is the root cause.
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Will a dehumidifier help remove mildew on clothes?
Yes. Mildew is a form of mould. Clothes absorb moisture when they are worn, and then stored in cold, dark wardrobes. A low wardrobe heater will evaporate this moisture, but the moisture is not removed - it is merely absorbed by the air, floating around looking for a cold surface to land on.
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Will a dehumidifier help prevent condensation on windows?
Yes. All the moisture absorbed by the air is looking for a cold surface on which to condense. During winter, when the house is heated during the day or evening, moisture is evaporated into the air. During the night, when the temperature falls, the air can no longer hold all this moisture so it has to find somewhere to land - cold window surfaces are at the top of the list! A dehumidifier will remove the moisture while the air is warm, so there is little or none left to condense at night.
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Where should the dehumidifier be placed in the house?
This can be a matter of personal choice. A central location may well be best for some houses; other homes may have a problem room, so placement here may be the best solution. If doors in the house are left open, it won't matter too much where the unit is placed as the air from all areas will balance to a common moisture content.
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How much power does a dehumidifier use?
Depending on the model and the settings, a dehumidifier will use between 4 and 5.5 units per 24 hours. At an average cost of 10 cents per unit, this means 24 hours of continuous use will cost between 40 and 55 cents per day.
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Will the dehumidifier overflow when the tank is full?
No. There's an automatic cut-out that switches the unit off when the tank is full, or removed for emptying.
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Does the filter need cleaning?
Yes - once a week during vacuuming would be sufficient (the filter is there to stop the unit from becoming clogged).
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How often will the tank need emptying?
This will vary according to the weather and other factors. Sometimes, several days may pass before it needs emptying, at other times it may need emptying twice a day. There is a connection on the body of the Woods which allows for a permanent drain hose (up to 5 metres) to be connected, avoiding the emptying process entirely. There is a light on the unit to indicate when the tank is full.
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Should the unit be run continuously?
Yes. The dehumidifier has a sensor that can turn the unit off automatically once a comfortable humidity level is achieved. However running the unit when all doors and windows are open is pointless and energy wasting.
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Is a dehumidifier of benefit to asthma and allergy sufferers?
If the asthma or allergy is brought on, or accentuated by high humidity, then yes - it will definitely be of benefit. Many respiratory problems are brought on by dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions.
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