A dehumidifier is an electronic machine that gets rid of excess moisture in the air before turning into mold or mildew. When choosing a dehumidifier for your home, the common question you ask yourself is, “What is a good size dehumidifier for a basement?”

If this is your question, the answer is right here in this article. You will also learn how to measure a dehumidifier using pints of water.

Factors to consider when choosing the right sized dehumidifier

The level of humidity in an area depends on the size of the basement. To calculate the right dehumidifier size, you measure it by the total moisture removal capacity which is the pints of water it can hold.

A small-sized dehumidifier can hold 10 pints of water and can be used within a 500-square-foot area. To measure the right size of a humidifier, you should add 4 pints capacity for every 500 square feet.

So, to correctly choose a large-sized dehumidifier for a 1000 square foot basement area, you add 4 pints to the 10 pints of water to get a capacity of 14 pints of water. For a very humid basement, you need to add ten pints of water to your measurements. This way, you will get a large enough dehumidifier that is capable of getting rid of the excess humidity in the air.

Other factors to consider when purchasing the right dehumidifier are the size of the doors and windows and the number of occupants in the house.

Read Also: The best humidifiers for eczema

Is one dehumidifier enough for a basement?

Yes. You’ll only require one humidifier for your basement. The reason behind choosing the right-sized dehumidifier is to clear the basement air.

If you choose the right size, you wouldn’t need an additional dehumidifier. Besides, you wouldn’t need to empty it frequently.

Can a dehumidifier be too big for a room?

Yes. However, that shouldn’t be a big issue. Most dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat that measures the preferred humidity in the room.

Even if you select a large dehumidifier for a room with low moisture content, the humidistat will switch it off when the favorable humidity is reached. Without the humidistat, the humidifier can then be too big for a room. The air will dry quicker.

Conclusion

A dehumidifier is a very helpful machine if you want to get rid of the damp air that is creating mildew and mold in your basement. To choose the right-sized dehumidifier, you can measure 10 pints of water for a 500 square foot area and then 4 pints for every additional 500 square feet.

Read Also: How to prevent a dehumidifier from freezing up

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Why your dehumidifier may freeze-up

As such it is crucial for you to figure out why your dehumidifier is icing up and fix it to improve the air quality in your home. The three main culprits include;

Room temperature

If the air in the room is below 65⁰, then chances are your humidifier will ice up. Most humidifiers do not well in temperatures below the aforementioned temperature. Use a thermostat to regulate the temperature to stop the dehumidifier from freezing up.

READ: Tips for choosing a dehumidifier for your basement

Device malfunction

If your humidifier has an issue, then it will freeze up as it is not operating optimally no matter the placement.

Clean up any debris caught up in its filters and clean the coils to remove any condensation that may freeze when exposed to cold air. Maintain it on a regular basis to avoid this problem.

Airflow

If the airflow is slow and or restricted, then chances are it will get cold and condense on the coils as well as other parts of the humidifier. You can eliminate this problem by turning on your air conditioner to move the air along and prevent condensation of cold air in the room.

How do I stop my dehumidifier from icing up?

There are several ways you can prevent your unit from icing up without calling in a professional to troubleshoot it. When a dehumidifier ices up, you should remove the cover and allow the ice to melt by turning the unit off. Typically, allowing the unit to stay idle for a few days solves the problem.

Below are some other troubleshooting tips;

Check the filter for dirt and build-up

If the room temperature is above the threshold, a dirty filter will restrict airflow through the unit and cause freezing. Air filters should be cleaned every two weeks to prevent regular freeze-up. Check the following steps on how to clean the filters;

• Turn off the dehumidifier from the power source.
• Open the filter compartment and
• Clean the filter by vacuuming or using a washcloth or soft brush and warm water.
• Let the ice melt then turn on your dehumidifier.

Inspect the evaporator coil for dirt

Dust deposits on the coil slow down water flow making ice accumulate on the coil slowly. The coil should be cleaned once a year. Follow the steps below on how to clean the coils;

• Unplug the dehumidifier from the power source,
• Carefully clean the fins with a washcloth and soapy water,
• Rinse the soap thoroughly, making sure to keep water from the fan motor.
• Let the unit dry for a day in a warm play, or blow some air to ensure it dries up completely before connecting it back to the power source.

Other troubleshooting tips:

1. Cycle the dehumidifier off and on every few hours, and if the humidity is already lower than 40%, you can turn it off completely. It will give the coils a chance to warm up and melt any frost that may have formed.
2. If the room temperatures are low, you should; Elevate the dehumidifier a few feet from the ground into the warmer air higher up or turn on a heat source in the room.
3. Lubricate the fan motor using oil to allow the bearings to move smoothly.

Some dehumidifiers have an automatic defroster that protects the compressor by turning it off and running the fan to melt frost before resuming operation. If you live in a cold area, you may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier that works in lower temperatures.

How long do dehumidifiers last?

The average life span of a dehumidifier is between three to five years under regular use. The longevity also depends on maintenance and the amount of use. Below are a few tips on how you can maximize your unit’s lifespan:

Size the dehumidifier for your space

Size is determined by how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air in 24 hours.

Smaller dehumidifiers used for bigger spaces tend to be overworked, which will lead to wearing out of internal parts. Get a bigger unit that is capable of working in a big room.

Proper installation

• Ensure your unit is connected directly to the socket and not on an extension cord.
• Position it on a level surface and at least six inches away from the wall and furniture for proper air circulation. It prevents the motor, which is usually at the back, from overheating.
• Use an anti-surge device to protect the unit from power surges, which can fry internal parts.
• Close all doors and windows in the room where your dehumidifier is running. Otherwise, your unit will be overworked by dehumidifying air from outside.

Keep the dehumidifier clean

Dirt can encourage the growth of mold and cause icing up of the unit hence, affecting its performance. Below are the parts to clean:

• Water tank– Most units have an automatic shut-off feature when the water tank fills up to capacity. Regularly drain this water, wash the tank and dry it before re-installing it. You can also connect it to drainage.
• Filter– using the manufacturer’s guide, inspect the filter accordingly for dust build-up and wipe it down with a washcloth. It is also essential to replace the filter at least once a year.
• Grilles – you should vacuum grilles to clear the blockages.

Adjust the humidistat appropriately

Set the humidifier for 40-50% humidity levels. Use the humidistat to regulate speed and reduce overworking the unit, which can cause overheating and affect durability.

Do not turn on or off the dehumidifier too abruptly

Note that this can cause the compressor to overheat. It would be best if you waited at least 10 minutes to turn on the unit after switching it off. Some models do come with an automatic delay feature.

Check the condenser coils for frost build-up regularly

Coils freeze up when the room temperatures are too low, hindering the proper function of the dehumidifier. Always ensure the room temperature is above 65°F before running your unit.

You should also oil the fan motor at least once a year to keep it running smoothly.

Should the dehumidifier run all the time?

There are no specific rules for how long you should run a dehumidifier; however, there are some general guidelines. It mostly depends on the dampness level and size of the room. Some dehumidifiers have an in-built humidistat that allows you to set your optimum humidity levels, and it shuts off automatically when reached.

The ideal relative humidity level to be maintained is around 40%-55%. If yours does not come with an in-built humidistat, you can purchase one, and place it near your unit, which allows you when to turn it on and off when necessary.

 Should I turn off my dehumidifier during winter?

Winters have very low humidity; therefore, running a dehumidifier is unnecessary. Most dehumidifiers should NOT be run in temperatures below 60°F as the water removed from the air can freeze the coils, which damages the unit. Therefore, turning off your dehumidifier for the winter helps you save money and maintains the unit for longer since it’s not needed.

You can still run your dehumidifier during winter if the room maintains high relative humidity. Or if you’re battling with mold. But, do not run the dehumidifier throughout the day during winter as low humidity levels are just as unhealthy.

If the room maintains high relative humidity levels in the winter but is too cold to safely run a dehumidifier, use an electric heater for at least a couple of hours each day. It will not kill humidity as effectively as a dehumidifier, but it will eliminate some of the water vapor while also reducing the room temperature.

If you find that your unit runs throughout, then it means that humidity levels are much higher than its capacity can handle. The best solution would be to remove the source of excess moisture.

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

Even though dehumidifiers are effective in reducing mold growth, they are still costly to run. A 70-pint unit will cost you around $10 a month with about 8 hours of operation. But these figures vary depending on a couple of factors:

• Room size– the larger the room, the longer it is needed to regulate the room’s humidity; therefore will use slightly more power.
• Relative humidity– the more moisture is in the air, the longer your uni will be kept running.
• User operation– proper use such as closing doors and windows and reasonable maintenance of your dehumidifier will ensure energy efficiency.
• Geographical location– places that experience high humidity all year round may require you to run your dehumidifier throughout while other places use their units seasonally.
• Using energy-saving models claim to use 10% to 20% less humidity to eliminate an equal amount of moisture as regular models.

Will a dehumidifier kill mold?

Mold will thrive as long as the humidity is higher than 55%. A dehumidifier will prevent the growth of mold, but it will not kill already existing mold.

Before dealing with mold, put on rubber gloves, eye protection, and a respirator mask to prevent exposure. You can kill mold using bleach for non-porous surfaces and vinegar for porous surfaces, let it sit for a while, and then scrub using a brush.

Apart from using a dehumidifier, it would help if you increased air circulation and ventilation and removed the source of moisture. Using a fan in rooms with high moisture, such as bathrooms, will also help manage the house’s humidity levels.

Routine maintenance can help prevent icing and overall malfunction. Clean the condensers and evaporators often and empty the water tank frequently, so the unit continues to operate efficiently.

Essentially, invest in a good thermostat to keep your room temperature regulated, allow cross ventilation or turn on the fan to circulate air, and make sure that your humidifier is in good working condition before winter.

The post Why does my dehumidifier freeze up and how to prevent it appeared first on Home Gadgets.

For this reason, you need a good dehumidifier that is capable of eliminating all the moisture from your gun safely. Stack-On SPAD-1500 is one of the best rechargeable dehumidifiers there is for safes and cabinets and we will explain why we rate it highly in this review.

Moisture accumulation in a safe causes rust which can render your expensive jewelry worthless or make your guns and rifles faulty. For this reason, you need a good dehumidifier that is capable of eliminating all the moisture from your gun safely. Stack-On SPAD-1500 is, without doubt, one of the best rechargeable dehumidifiers there is for safes and cabinets.

Ease of use

When looking for a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture from your gun vault, you definitely want something that is easy to install and use. Installing the Stack-On dehumidifier will take you less than a minute.

All you need is to place it in the gun safe. The reason behind this is that the dehumidifier is cordless hence you don’t have to drill any holes on your valuable cabinet to let power cables in.

Maintaining the Stack-On dehumidifier is easy. Just plug it into a power socket when it is laden with moisture and return it to the safe when all the moisture has been eliminated.

So would you tell when all the moisture has been eliminated from this dehumidifier? Well, it’s pretty simple. This SPAD 1500 dehumidifier comes with some beads and an indicator that shows you when the wireless device needs recharging.

When the dehumidifier has absorbed a lot of moisture, the beads will turn green. At this point, you will have to remove the wireless gadget from the safe and charge it until the beads turn orange before returning it into your rifle vault.

Read Also: The best humidifiers for Eczema patients

Stack-On SPAD-1500 dehumidifier operating mechanism

On the SPAD-1500, Stack-On employs a mechanism that makes it easy for the dehumidifier to absorb moisture from the air, leaving your safe dry. No electrical wires are needed to power this dehumidifier. Even more importantly, the device isn’t battery-operated despite being portable.

When it comes to moisture absorption, this compact dehumidifier absorbs a great deal of moisture from the air. However, it is worth noting that its effectiveness entirely depends on your location and type of safe. It is capable of pulling excess moisture from 100 cubic feet safe for 4 to 6 weeks. Once this period lapses, you need to recharge it.

If you have a bigger cabinet, you might need two of these devices to remove all the humidity in your safe, unless you live in a dry region. On the other hand, if you live in a humid region, consider getting two of them for better moisture absorption. Also, if you have anything bigger than a 22-gun cabinet, you will require an additional Stack-On dehumidifier for the best results.

How to recharge the Stack-On SPAD-1500

Knowing when this dehumidifier needs charging is simple. Just check the moisture gauge, which is conveniently positioned at the front, for any color change in the beads. When the beads are green, the dehumidifier needs charging. On the other hand, when the beads are orange, the dehumidifier doesn’t need charging.

While at it, it is important to remember that this device doesn’t actually ‘charge’. When connected to a power socket, electricity heats up the heating element which causes moisture to evaporate, leaving the device ready to absorb more moisture.

When it is fully charged, the Stack-On dehumidifier can pull excess moisture from 100 cubic feet safe for about 4-6 weeks before it requires recharging.

To recharge your dehumidifier, simply plug it into a standard 110 electrical outlet overnight. Make sure to recharge it in a well-ventilated room for easier distribution of moisture. The recommended charging time is between 8 and 10 hours.

Pros

• Can last up to 6 weeks on a full charge.
• Unlike battery-powered dehumidifiers, it doesn’t need batteries to work
• Has a moisture gauge on the front that indicates when it needs recharging
• Approved by the California Department of Justice for meeting their standards for safely storing firearms

Read Also: Best humidifiers and foggers for pet reptiles 

Conclusion

This Cordless dehumidifier from Stack-On is small, compact, and easy to use. An overnight charge will give you about 4-6 weeks of uninterrupted functionality. However, this depends on your location –the more humidity in your area, the more often you’d need recharging.

The dehumidifier is the best alternative for those who don’t have power cables in their safes. It is also better than many battery-operated dehumidifiers. For better use and more efficiency, it can be used alongside the Acurite humidity monitor and safe light.

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