The dehumidifier: a help to control excess humidity

Excess humidity, due to the consequent formation of fungi and microorganisms, is among the most frequent causes of health problems that occupants of buildings may suffer. Among them, we observe allergies, respiratory problems, lethargy, flus, colds, etc. However, not only do people pay a high price for excess humidity, but the building itself also suffers its consequences. In this article, we explain the different causes that lead to the appearance of humidity and how the use of a dehumidifier, while it cannot eliminate it, can reduce it.

Types of humidity

The presence of humidity in our homes can be due to three causes, depending on its origin. Thus, there are humidity caused by condensation, by capillarity, and by lateral infiltration.

Whatever the origin, humidity represents a danger both for the health of people and for the materials and structure of buildings. There are numerous solutions to humidity problems (increasing thermal insulation in the envelope, installing low-emission glass, having an adequate ventilation system that guarantees proper air renewal...). Having a controlled mechanical ventilation system in our building is the best option to maintain acceptable humidity levels. A dehumidifier, although often insufficient, can maintain the relative humidity of the indoor air in the rooms around 50%.

What is a dehumidifier and how does it work?

The dehumidifier can reduce the problems of relative humidity that is high, as long as it does not exceed 60%. Its purpose is to renew the indoor air of the rooms by absorbing this excess moisture. Once absorbed, it condenses the water vapor, either in a tray designed for that use or in a drainage duct that connects with the sanitation installation of the house (such as air conditioning units). Thanks to its humidity sensors, they operate (turning on or off) based on parameters determined by the user.

Classification

Dehumidifiers can be classified according to their operation (refrigerants or desiccants), according to their use (industrial or domestic), or according to their mobility.

According to their operation:

• Refrigerants. They operate with a compressor and evaporate water from the environment thanks to a refrigerant gas.

• Desiccants. They do not have a compressor or refrigerant gas. Water condenses thanks to the silica gel (desiccant hygroscopic material). Since they work very well in very cold environments, they are highly recommended in industrial settings that require a very low relative humidity rate (around 35%).

According to their use:

• Industrial. They have a very high water vapor extraction capacity (1000 liters daily).

• Domestic. These are used in homes and offices. Their water vapor extraction capacity can reach 35 liters daily.

According to their mobility:

• Fixed units. These are large units that are fixed in a specific point of the room (industrial units).

• Portable. Due to their small size, they can be easily transported from one room to another (domestic compact units).

Noise protection

Since the dehumidifier is a small appliance that is part of our home or residence, it is advisable that the noise level does not exceed 50 decibels (there are devices on the market that do not exceed 35-40 dB).