10 Money-Saving, Energy-Saving Dehumidifier Tips

A dehumidifier can be a terrific asset for your home especially if you live in an area that is naturally humid and damp. However, it is yet another appliance that is added to the home, draining electricity and causing your energy bills to rise. Luckily, there are things that you can do to make sure that you’re being energy-smart when it comes to your dehumidifier.

Here are ten tips for saving money and energy with your home dehumidifier:

1. Make sure that you have an Energy Star dehumidifier. It can save a significant amount of energy waste compared to non-qualified dehumidifiers.

2. Make sure it has a built-in humidstat. This allows you to set the humidity level much like you set a thermostat on a heating or cooling system. The machine will automatically turn off when it reaches the level that you’ve set so it doesn’t run without reason.

3. Purchase a dehumidifier of the right capacity. Don’t get a bigger, stronger machine than what you need. Energy Star has a dehumidifier calculator to help you make your purchasing decision: http://www.myenergystar.com/ProductsAndDiscounts.aspx?type=dehumidifier&menu=calculator

4. Keep the dehumidifier clean. This allows it to work at its most efficient capability. Make sure you don’t place it near very dusty areas as this can easily clog the machine and make it inefficient.

5. Empty the water regularly. Most dehumidifiers make it easy for you to empty the water when they’re full by notifying you via a light or alarm that it’s time to empty the removable water bucket. Make sure that you do this to keep the your energy efficient dehumidifier running at its peak.

6. Consider the placement of your dehumidifier. Unless the air discharges from the top of the machine, the appliance needs to be placed away from walls to work most efficiently.

7. Use the dehumidifier in rooms that you want to keep cool. Many people limit their use to basements and other damp areas. However, in warm, humid months, these appliances can be used in regular rooms to dry out the air and make you feel cooler. This reduces the amount of time that you need to run energy-draining air conditioners.

8. Keep the doors and windows closed. Otherwise you’re unnecessarily wasting the energy of the dehumidifier.

9. Make changes to the home to reduce the need to use the dehumidifier. Some homes are damper than they need to be, especially in basements. Make renovations to reduce dampness (such as altering insulation in basements and improving water flow around the house so it moves away from the home instead of towards it).

10. Stay conscious of your use of the dehumidifier. Being aware of energy use is always key to reducing waste.