So you’ve invested in a dehumidifier: a smart decision. But just plugging it in and hoping for the best won’t give you great results. Like any other household appliance, there is a right and wrong way to use it. Get it right and you’ll reduce condensation, speed up laundry drying and create a healthier home. Get it wrong and you’ll waste energy while barely solving your humidity problem.
Whether you’re battling winter humidity in a cold climate or managing year-round humidity in a humid climate, this article will share 5 top tips to help you get the most out of your dehumidifier. (Our guide to how a dehumidifier works might also be helpful.)
1. Position it correctly
Where you place your dehumidifier has a big impact on how it works. Most models need space around them – typically 8 to 12 inches / 20 to 30 cm of clearance from walls and furniture – so that air can flow freely through the intake and exhaust. Block the vents and the device becomes less efficient while consuming more energy.
(There is one exception to this: Some newer models are designed to sit against walls, which can be useful in tight spaces like hallways or landings. But always check the instructions for your model before assuming this is safe.)
To control humidity throughout the house, a central location works best. Hallways or landings with interior doors left open allow the dehumidifier to remove humidity from multiple rooms. Conversely, if you are targeting a specific problem such as condensation on a bedroom window or humidity in a laundry room, move the dehumidifier closer to that source. Just be sure to keep it away from radiators, heating vents, and direct sunlight, which can interfere with the humidity sensor and reduce accuracy.
If you use continuous drainage via pipe, remember that gravity matters. The drainage point should be lower than the unit and the pipe should slope downward without kinking. For this reason, you may want to place the dehumidifier, for example, on the counter near the sink, rather than on the floor.
2. Set the right humidity level
This is where many people go wrong. Set the goal too low and you’ll waste energy drying the air uncomfortably. Set it too high and your humidity problems will persist.
For most homes, a practical goal is around 50 to 55 percent: dry enough to discourage mold and condensation, but not so dry that it causes skin or respiratory irritation. However, in colder winter climates you may need to aim lower, around 40%. This will help prevent condensation from forming on cold windows and walls. The greater the temperature difference between inside and outside, the more likely condensation is.
In hot, humid climates, maintaining 40 to 50 percent can significantly improve comfort, even if you’re already using air conditioning. The dehumidifier manages humidity, while the air conditioner focuses on temperature, allowing both to work more efficiently.
If your dehumidifier has automatic humidity control (called a humidistat), use it. This turns the device on and off as needed, saving energy and preventing overdrying. If not, a timer is a good alternative: run the unit during peak humidity periods rather than all day.
3. Keep doors and windows closed
Running a dehumidifier with the windows or exterior doors open is a big waste of time and money. Humid outside air coming in will constantly replace the moisture you’re trying to remove, forcing the device to work harder for little gain.
(An exception to this rule is right after cooking or showering. In these scenarios, it can be helpful to briefly open a window to let the steam escape, then close it and allow the dehumidifier to deal with any remaining moisture.)
Interior doors are a different story. If you want to control humidity throughout your home, keep them open. A hallway dehumidifier can’t help rooms with closed doors, but open them and moisture can flow into the dry zone created by the unit.
4. Clean and maintain it
A poorly maintained dehumidifier is ineffective. The most important part to focus on is the air filter, which is usually located on the front of the unit. This prevents dust from clogging internal components. But when it is blocked, air flow decreases, noise increases, and energy consumption increases.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter every two to four weeks. A quick vacuum usually suffices, although very dirty filters may need washing; in this case, always let them dry completely before reassembling them.
Also be sure to empty the water tank regularly, especially if you operate the device daily. A full tank will usually trigger your device to automatically shut off. If you use continuous drainage, check the pipe from time to time to make sure it is not clogged.
Finally, if you use a desiccant dehumidifier, do not turn it off at the wall immediately after use. These models run a cooling cycle after shutdown, so cutting power too early can shorten the life of the unit.
5. Use it for laundry
Drying laundry indoors is where dehumidifiers really shine. A single wash load can contain several liters of water, which would otherwise end up as condensation on walls and windows. For best results, hang clothes in a room (ideally small) with the dehumidifier and close the door. Many models have a dedicated laundry or boost mode.
Place the device so that its airflow moves toward the clothes, creating a gentle breeze that accelerates evaporation. Alternatively, adding a fan can significantly speed up the drying process.
Conclusion
Using a dehumidifier effectively is not complicated. Position it correctly, set reasonable humidity goals, keep your home sealed while in operation, and maintain it regularly. Do this and you’ll create a drier, healthier, more comfortable home, without wasting energy in the process.
