FAQ-Home

The amount of water your dehumidifier removes depends on many factors: these include

• The level of humidity (Dampness) in the room.
• The room temperature (The warmer the room the more moisture will be removed).
• The settings on the unit.

As a guide @ 80% RH 30°C for every 10°C drop in temperature moisture removal will decrease by 30% i.e. see below.

• Dehumidifier rated at 30L reduces to approx. 21L @20°C, 14.7L @10°C 
• Dehumidifier rated at 15L reduces to approx 10.5L @20°C, 7.35L @10°C

A dehumidifier uses approx 2.54 cents of power per 100w per hr, average use 10 hrs(humidistat switching on/off) @100w per day =10hr x 2.54c =25.4c/day

Generally speaking a dehumidifier for home use makes equivalent noise to a pedestal fan on 1-2 setting, measured in dB approx 40dB at 1m and 35dB at 2.5m and 30dB at 5m. Always check with product seller as sometimes they quote a low 30dB. (@5m distance)

In a typical home, there are many moisture-generating sources ie breathing, bathrooms, kettles and cooktops, unflued gas heaters typically give off high moisture. We can't stop breathing but we can reduce the moisture content in homes with exhaust fans and dehumidifiers. A well-built dehumidifier can reduce moisture or condensation very quickly in a home environment, typically 1-2 days of drying in a bedroom size area to a few weeks in a larger warehouse depending on the size or capacity (litres/day) of the dehumidifier installed.

An ideal home model is approx 28L/day for 2-3 rooms supplemented with a smaller 12L model for the smaller bedrooms
For southern states with lower temperatures we recommend a dehumidifier larger than 20L/day and suitable to work at temperatures 15deg or below, choose size the fits your budget.The larger the moisture removal is the better choice.

This is best done by setting the unit to a low humidity setting around 50-60%RH and leaving it on automatic, the built-in humidistat will switch the unit on/off automatically. We also recommend the unit be moved from room to room. After this initial few days the unit can then be left set to 60%RH level* and this will maintain the Humidity to a safe mould free level. On cold mornings there may still be a small amount of condensation on the windows but this will evaporate quickly.

To reduce condensation quickly leave the dehumidifier on the lower setting of approx 40% RH . It is common knowledge that unflued gas heaters cause excess moisture and condensation on cold surfaces. The H2O water vapour given off by the burning of propane gas, used by the gas heater, the water content in the air is increased (humidity). When this air cools sufficiently (e.g. when in contact with the cold windows or walls), and is now saturated with water vapour, water condenses out. Condensation leads to mould forming on damp areas.

Call Damp Solutions Australia on 1300 353043
*To measure the moisture in the room use our Temp and Humidity meters.

No problem. The unit can to be left running unattended. It will switch off automatically when the tank gets full or the required humidity is reached.  A dehumidifier is the same as your fridge. It is best left switched on all the time, and will only use a very small amount of electricity. It is more important to leave your dehumidifier on during the winter months.

During operation the compressor in the unit will turn on and off. This will be noticed by a slight increase in volume. However during normal operation the fan in the unit will not stop.

When the room temperature falls below 15C, the unit may go into defrost mode. Defrost mode will occur every 30 minutes approx., and will last for a few minutes. During defrost mode the fan will stop but compressor will keep going. This is normal operation.
TIP: If you experience low temperatures below 15degC regularly, we would then suggest our new 8L dessicant dehumidifier which maintains the same 8L moisture removal at low temperatures due to the built in heater. An 8L dessicant dehumidifier removes more moisture at low temperatures than an equivalent 20L compressor model.

The water straight out of the dehumidifier tank is not best to drink as it hasn’t been treated in any way. There can be contaminants in the air including bacteria which come through in the water. In the mean time feed your hungry plants with the water and fill your car battery with the distilled water. Accidental drinking of the water or using it for other purposes may cause illness.

When first installing a dehumidifier, vacuum and clean the area, removing any mould deposits from clothing, walls, furniture, inside drawers, carpet etc. Wipe the area down with 1 litre vinegar to 1/2 bucket water for a light to med mould wash or 1:1 for a heavy wash. Ensure you dry the area well after cleaning.

Run the dehumidifier on high for 1-2 weeks to remove excessive moisture then set unit to a mid range auto setting, this will maintain levels at approx. 60-65% humidity*. Setting to automatic mode will ensure no over drying of the air will occur.
*Use a temp/humidity meter to measure.

Keep the dehumidifier setting dryer than normal to reduce the humidity more, usually around 45-55% RH* . An air conditioner can be run in conjunction with the dehumidifier to cool the air during office hours, it will operate more efficiently as there is less water particles in the air.
*Use a temp/Humidity meter to measure.

Simply keep doors and windows closed when weather is wet, open up on a sunny dry day to freshen the air in the room.

Use a temp/humidity meter to monitor relative humidity levels. Some dehumidifiers have them built in as a digital read out.

Continuous Drain Feature. If you want to go on holiday or are sick of emptying the catchment tank, think about using the continuous drain feature by simply connecting a hose to the drain outlet, see your manual for size details. We sell suitable kink free Drain Kit hoses for 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm outlets. Your dehumidifier will drain moisture at a continuous rate, up to the amount that the dehumidifier is rated at, ie: 12L, 20L, 25L, 28L etc.

Periodically (monthly) check that the outlet hose has no kinks is clear, as insects may enter over time. HINT: Drain hose end must be lower than the outlet, no kinks to allow free flow of water, dont allow hose end to sit in water as this blocks the flow and may backflow into tank. Use a bathroom basin or kitchen sink, bath floor drain or expel water out a window if you sit dehumidifier on a table or bench.

Continuous drain is ideal for when you are away on holidays or have a permanent setup for the dehumidifier.

Run the dehumidifier in a room with the windows and doors closed, and open all the drawers and doors of cupboards. The dehumidifier will remove any excess moisture trapped in these areas.

Yes a dehumidifier will eliminate dampness in mats and carpets. Use the dehumidifier when mats and carpets are damp due to a rainy season, prolonged rain period or accidental spills. To dry the underfelt it is best to lift the carpet, then refit when dry.

A dehumidifier is great for drying clothes in the laundry. Make use of a space in the laundry to set the dehumidifier with the louvre adjusted "upward" so that the warm air can hit the clothing directly. A small closet allows for faster drying. Or, inside the house, hang clothes on an airer or clothes horse, and run the dehumidifier next to it. The dehumidifier will speed up drying of damp clothes at far less cost than typical electric clothes dryer.

An Air Purifier-Air Cleaner - HEPA Purifier are similar products that clean the air we breath, whereas a dehumidifier's main function is to reduce moisture that can feed mould spores that settle on surfaces which in turn creates more air borne toxic mould spores. The dehumidifier has a very basic washable air filter screen compared to a multi filtration system incorporated in purpose built HEPA Air purifiers.