Should a Dehumidifier be Constantly Running?
Since you’re here, you probably know what a dehumidifier is and how they work. Just in case you don’t, dehumidifiers work similarly to air conditioners where they turn on and work when needed and automatically shut off when not. They remove excess moisture from the air and reduce the surrounding area’s relative humidity. It starts by pulling air through its vent, condenses & heats that air, and then releases the dry air out. As the dehumidifier continues this process, the room’s humidity gradually decreases.
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30-50%. This makes the indoor air comfortable to live in and breathe without running the risk of mold or mildew growing in the home. When the relative humidity in the area goes above 50%, the dehumidifier will detect it and begin its process to lower the humidity level. So how long does this process take and how long should a dehumidifier run?
How long should a dehumidifier run per day?
This answer is going to be different for everyone and based on their unique situation. In a crawlspace with extremely high levels of humidity, it could run for 12+ hours a day. Factors that need to be considered are the specs of the dehumidifier itself, humidity levels, and the reservoir capacity of the unit.
Some dehumidifiers feature a pump linked to the reservoir that drains the water that collects in the tank, allowing for continuous use for hours on end. If you’re working in a dark, damp environment, such as a crawlspace or basement, this is something to consider. Allow it to run as long as your reservoir has room and you’re still dealing with humid air. There are no hard and fast guidelines for how long a dehumidifier should operate.
Some homeowners with a dehumidifier may worry about it running while they sleep but there is nothing to worry about. Modern dehumidifiers come built in with a humidistat that reads the area’s humidity levels to detect if the dehumidifier needs to be on or off. This means that the relative humidity is too high if the dehumidifier is running through the night. Once the desired humidity level is reached, the unit will automatically shut off.
Dehumidifiers by Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement
If you are having humidity or condensation issues in your crawlspace, it is important to take the right precautions and have one of our lead technicians evaluate your home to see what the necessary method to take for your situation.
Controlling humidity is the most important step you can take in protecting your home, while providing comfort, and ensuring your family’s health. That is why our team only installs the highest quality of dehumidifiers. Our team hand selects the specific unit(s) to match your crawlspace layout and the conditions present and every installation comes backed with an extensive warranty.
After each of our comprehensive crawlspace evaluations, we provide a written report, along with photos of all our findings and recommendations and will enhance your crawlspace to ensure it won’t happen again. Don’t hesitate if your home is suffering from high humidity—click the button below to speak to a Jersey Shore Crawlspace Enhancement representative or complete the form at the bottom of this page and a representative will get back to you.