Dehumidifier Maintenance
Tanks, filters and motors can all break down
Before you purchase a dehumidifier, consider the issue of ongoing maintenance. Some dehumidifiers will require more maintenance than others, and this will affect the long term cost of your dehumidifier. For example, if you have a HVAC system or a whole home dehumidifier you should have regular servicing by a qualified professional.
Of course, there are many things you can do on your own, and some maintenance you must do on your own: in the case of portable dehumidifiers, you must empty the bucket whenever it is full.
Some of the basics of maintaining specific parts of a portable dehumidifier are listed here:
- Be sure to check all issues related to a damp basement. Some critical issues for which a dehumidifier will be only a If you have drainage problems or other issues that are actively contributing to a damp basement then you may be Many dehumidifiers are built for the average home. If you have a musty basement, a dirt basement or structural issues in your home, fix these issues first. Are your walls or floors cracked? Do you have bathroom fan ventilation vented outside? Kitchen fans vented outside? Is the soil around your home graded away from the structure? Is your plumbing all up to snuff? Do you have a large aquarium? Breathing from one human emits 2 liters of water into the air daily. Consider other sources of moisture such as doing the dishes and bathing. Dry your laundry outdoors as often as possible. Vent your dryer outside. Fix the cause and if you still have humidity issues, buy a dehumidifier and maintain it properly.
- Make sure you shut the dehumidifier off and unplug it. Now look inside for dust, check the vent for dust particles and dust away.
- If there are any squeaks or jammed parts a little WD-40 does wonders. However, make sure you are not breaking any warranty rules. Do-it-yourself repairs can often void your warranty. A good dehumidifier warranty has a one year bumper to bumper policy, plus up to five years on sealed parts (the compressor, etc.) If the dehumidifier is still under warranty, get it serviced professionally.
- Water tanks. Make it a policy to sanitize the water tank regularly. In non-humid weather water will stagnate longer. In any case, your water tank is a fine incubator for bacteria and other contaminants.
- If your dehumidifier has a built-in air filter, you will need to change or clean it at regular intervals. Check to see what the manufacturer suggests and then check on it monthly to see if you need to replace the filter sooner. In humid conditions bacteria and mold can thrive on the filter and be released into your home.
However, there are little things you can do on your own, like replacing the dehumidifier’s filter, as directed in your owner’s manual.
There are two types of dehumidifier filters:
Washable dehumidifier filters can save you money in the long run provided you maintain them properly. You should disinfect them at least once a month for optimal air quality conditions to prevent mold and bacteria. There are many sanitizing agents you can buy to clean washable dehumidifier filters. Generally, they are simple to clean by either hosing them down or vacuuming them.
Replaceable dehumidifier filters should be changed at least twice a year. On the other hand, if you or your family has respiratory issues like asthma, allergies or skin irritation it is worth the money to replace filters more often. A replacement filter costs approximately $20. Cutting corners is not really worth the long term trouble.
Maintaining your dehumidifier properly will go a long way to extending the life of the unit as well as facilitating its proper functioning so that it helps keep the air in your home clean.
