How Does A Dehumidifier Work?

It’s a pretty simple principle, actually. The purpose of a dehumidifier is to remove humidity from the air. There are several different types of circumstances in which you might need to do this.

You might need a dehumidifier if you have a damp basement, because dampness leads to mold, which can destroy structures and furnishings as well as pose a serious health hazard. That cold, clammy feeling in the air when you enter the lower floors of your home is an indication that you might need to remove some humidity from the air, but you may not be exactly sure how. Does a dehumidifier work when you need to get rid of that cold, damp feeling in the air of your basement? In some cases, yes - but not necessarily in every case.

If the humidity in your basement is caused by excess moisture as a result of leaky plumbing or cracks in the foundation, then a dehumidifier is not the solution you need. You will first need to eliminate the source of moisture by fixing any leaky pipes and sealing cracked concrete. Once continuous sources of moisture are eliminated, then a dehumidifier can help you remove excess humidity from the air.

For many other people, dehumidifiers are used after a flood or pipe leak, either indoors or in the garage .

You may also find a dehumidifier useful if you live in an area where the humidity is uncomfortably high. Hot weather often brings high humidity, and it can make the air you breathe feel thick and suffocating. Like an air conditioner, a dehumidifier can make the climate inside a home or office much more bearable than the outdoors. A dehumidifier can work hand in hand with an air conditioning system, because sometimes large air conditioners can leave rooms feeling a little moist and clammy.

A dehumidifier works by collecting moisture from the air by passing it over a source of refrigeration, usually in the form of cold coils. The moisture automatically adheres to the cold surface, and the dehumidifier uses a fan to blow the drier air back into the room.

You have most likely seen this process in action at some point if you have ever enjoyed a cold drink on a hot day. Have you ever noticed the way beads of moisture collect on the outside of a cold glass? The water in the air is attracted to the colder temperature of the glass. A dehumidifier works exactly the same way. It uses a fan to blow the air against a cold surface which collects the moisture and turns it back into water droplets, which drip into a container. The air is then warmed and blown back into the room, minus the moisture. Some air conditioning units also double as dehumidifiers.

The answer to the question of how does a dehumidifier work is a relatively simple one once you understand the concept. If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a dehumidifier, a humidity meter can measure the amount of water present in the air of any given room. Some dehumidifier units have a built-in humidity meter to sense the moisture level and trigger the dehumidifier to turn on or off as needed.