Dehumidifiers

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dehumidifiers are electrical appliances designed to reduce and maintain the level of humidity in the air, typically for health or comfort reasons, or to eliminate musty odor and to prevent the growth of mildew by extracting water from the air. They can be used for household, commercial, or industrial applications. Large dehumidifiers are used in commercial buildings such as indoor ice rinks and swimming pools, as well as manufacturing plants or storage warehouses.

Types of Dehumidifiers[edit | edit source]

There are primarily two types of dehumidifiers - refrigerative and desiccant.

Refrigerative Dehumidifiers[edit | edit source]

Refrigerative dehumidifiers work by drawing moist air over a refrigerated coil with a fan. The cold coil condenses the moisture in the air, turning it into water, which is collected in a tank. Warm air is then re-circulated back into the room. This type is most suited for residential and commercial settings in humid climates.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers[edit | edit source]

Desiccant dehumidifiers, on the other hand, use a desiccant material that absorbs moisture from the air. Air is passed over a desiccant material that binds and holds the moisture. The desiccant is then heated, releasing the moisture, which is collected in a tank or expelled out of the system. These are particularly useful in cold climates or where a low humidity level is required.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Dehumidifiers have a wide range of applications, from preventing the growth of mold and mildew in residential homes to maintaining a specific level of humidity in industrial or commercial settings, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing or food storage facilities.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which are known to cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions. They can also reduce dust mite populations, another common allergen.

Considerations[edit | edit source]

When choosing a dehumidifier, consider the size of the area to be dehumidified, the existing humidity level, and the desired humidity level. Energy efficiency is another important factor, as dehumidifiers can be significant users of electricity.

Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Regular maintenance of a dehumidifier is essential for its efficient operation. This includes emptying the water tank regularly, cleaning the air filter, and occasionally cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils.

Dehumidifiers Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD