You should not use a dehumidifier when indoor humidity is already low (below 30-50%), in very cold unheated spaces (below 60°F/15°C) where it can freeze and get damaged, or if you have health conditions like pneumonia that require moisture; it's also less efficient in winter and can add heat in summer, so avoid it when the air is naturally dry or cool, or if it's just making things too dry.
Avoid placing it too close to walls, which can restrict air intake, and keep it away from doors, windows, and air vents to prevent drafts. Ideally, position your dehumidifier near the primary source of dampness for targeted moisture removal, or in a central location like a hallway for general air quality improvement.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers collect water meaning they need to be regularly emptied. They also need to be regularly cleaned otherwise black mould can start to grow on the machine , which can induce a wide range of health problems including allergic reactions, lung problems and irritation.
There could be a reason why dehumidifiers aren't considered a standard tool for managing asthma — dry air can also aggravate the lungs. So, to avoid doing more harm than good, dehumidifiers should only be used when the air is extremely damp.
Avoid running a dehumidifier if indoor humidity is already within the ideal 30%–50% range, as lowering it further can dry the air excessively. Don't use it in extremely cold spaces below the unit's operating temperature, and avoid areas with very little moisture where it won't make a meaningful difference.
Do You Need a Dehumidifier? 5 Signs Your Home Has Too Much Humidity
A relative humidity level of 70 percent or higher creates the perfect breeding ground for mold growth. Leaving basement mold unchecked could amount to unhealthy indoor air, causing sickness to your family and aggravated upper respiratory issues. Also, home-destroying mold could also cause costly foundation damage.
But if water is left in the bucket for a long period of time, it could cause mold to start growing on your dehumidifier. That could trigger an allergic reaction or irritate your lungs, even if you don't have allergies, Tuck says.
The 4-4-4 rule for asthma is a first-aid method for sudden attacks: give 4 separate puffs from a blue reliever inhaler (like Ventolin) using a spacer, taking 4 breaths after each puff, and waiting 4 minutes before repeating if symptoms don't improve, calling emergency services (000 in Australia) if still no relief after the second set of puffs, and continuing until help arrives.
Poor air quality symptoms often include respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, along with headaches, fatigue, eye/throat irritation, dizziness, and allergy flare-ups, affecting everyone but especially those with asthma or heart conditions. These symptoms stem from inflammation and irritation caused by pollutants like ozone and particulate matter, impacting lung function and making breathing difficult.
Poor Maintenance Practices
One of the most common reasons a dehumidifier stops working is a lack of regular maintenance. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the coils and the filter, causing the unit to perform inefficiently or fail altogether.
'It should be placed nearest to the damp area or where there is the most moisture, while ensuring there is adequate airflow around the dehumidifier. ' You should position the dehumidifier closer to the source of the water problem to help it cure the problem faster.
Dehumidifiers help reduce humidity, prevent mould, and lower energy costs, especially when drying clothes indoors during winter. Martin Lewis has praised them as a "savvy swap" for energy-intensive tumble dryers.
For now, we leave you with this simple one: use a dehumidifier during the spring, summer and early fall to keep moisture at bay, but unplug and stow it away during the winter to prevent damage to your unit.
You'll need to make sure that the windows and doors are closed while the dehumidifier is operating and avoid putting the unit close to furniture as it can severely restrict airflow. Check for dust and dirt in the room as this can alter how effectively the dehumidifier works.
Electrical Hazard: Bathrooms are "wet zones," and electrical appliances like dehumidifiers can pose a serious safety risk if exposed to water. Many manufacturers explicitly warn against using their dehumidifiers directly in bathrooms due to the risk of electrical shock.
Types of quick-relief medications include: Short-acting beta agonists. These inhaled, quick-relief bronchodilators act within minutes to rapidly ease symptoms during an asthma attack. They include albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA, others) and levalbuterol (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA).
Chronic coughing may be the only obvious sign, but a child's asthma may go unrecognized if the cough is attributed to other conditions such as recurrent bronchitis or allergies. While asthma symptoms can begin at any age, most children experience symptoms by age 5.
The 4 cardinal symptoms associated with asthma are wheezing, cough (often worse at night), shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Individuals may experience 1 or more of these symptoms.
Using an indoor air quality monitor is the easiest way to test the air in your home. These smart devices detect and measure pollutants in the air.
Using an air dehumidifier will also increase your electricity bill; if you leave it switched on constantly, you will pay for it! Finally, these machines do emit some background noise that users may find bothersome. This can be as loud as 20 to 50 dB.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Asthma and allergy symptoms. Musty odors. Peeling paint or wallpaper. Excessive condensation on the inside of windows and walls.
Rain's Impact on Indoor Air Quality
If this moisture becomes trapped inside, it can raise your home's indoor humidity levels, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to develop. These fungi not only smell unpleasant but can also exacerbate or lead to health problems like allergies and respiratory issues.
Close basement windows during the summer – Though it may seem counterintuitive, leaving your basement windows open during the summer months can increase the humidity levels in your home because the warm, humid air will condense on cooler surfaces.
Mold needs 55% or higher humidity in order to grow. Also, remember that reducing humidity below 30% isn't a good idea, either.