Dehumidifiers are among the simplest of waterproofing measures you can install around your home. That said, they can also begin to underperform if not properly cared for. With that in mind, what does basic dehumidifier maintenance look like, and when is it time to call in the professionals?
If you’re inspecting your dehumidifier because it isn’t working as effectively as it used to, never fear! Your solution may be as simple as picking it up and moving it somewhere new. The placement of your dehumidifier both impacts the moisture levels in your basement and its ability to continue functioning as it should. Ideally, your dehumidifier should have a direct line of sight toward the spot in your home that leaks most frequently. You should try to keep any boxes or other obstacles out of the way. You’ll also want your dehumidifier to be relatively close to the site of the leak, preferably within at least six inches.
If you notice that your dehumidifier doesn’t seem to be picking up as much water as it used to but you’re still dealing with the side effects of a leak, trying repositioning it for better results.
It’s also possible that you may have underestimated how often your dehumidifier needs to be emptied, if you have a conventional dehumidifier. In homes that see regular, high humidity, you’ll want to try and empty your bucket on a daily basis. If you’re letting your dehumidifier bucket fill up, it may stop pulling the moisture from the air so as to preserve its parts.
That’s why we recommend installing a dehumidifier that has the ability to self-drain, either into your interior perimeter drainage system or sump pump system. That way, you don’t have to worry about emptying anything.
If you’re not satisfied with the amount of moisture your dehumidifier pulls from the air, take a look at its humidistat. A humidistat lets you know how much moisture your dehumidifier is actively removing from the air. You can raise and lower a humidistat’s levels at your leisure. That said, you don’t want to overwork your dehumidifier. If your dehumidifier’s been showing signs of wear, you may want to run it on a lower humidistat setting to let it recuperate.
While a dehumidifier will help prevent mold growth in your basement, it won’t eliminate mold entirely. In fact, the mold particles that may have otherwise taken advantage of your damp basement may instead migrate and take root in your dehumidifier.
That’s why it’s especially important to keep your dehumidifier clean. At least once a month, you’ll want to actively empty and clean the dehumidifier’s water basket with soap, water, or a gentle chemical cleaner. You’ll also want to vacuum the air intake and grills to keep dust from building up and impeding the dehumidifier’s airflow.
On a similar note, make sure to replace your dehumidifier’s filter at least once a year. These filters pull dust particles and other small nuisances out of your air along with your moisture. If you let them go unchanged for too long, your dehumidifier’s overall performance will suffer.
It’s tempting, when your dehumidifier stops working, to rapidly turn it on and off again to get it up and running again. Doing so, however, will often do more harm than good. When you don’t give your dehumidifier time to breathe, it can short-cycle and trip your circuit breaker.
Instead of demanding an immediate response out of your dehumidifier, wait at least 15 minutes between turning it off and starting it up again. This way, your dehumidifier will have the time it needs to decompress, and you’ll be able to better inspect its intricate inner workings.
Because your dehumidifier has so much immediate contact with water, the coils inside can freeze, should temperatures in your home drop below a certain level. You’ll want to keep your dehumidifier in a warm and well-protected environment, or else you’ll find yourself dealing with ice in addition to excessive moisture in your air.
When in doubt, you can talk over the state of your dehumidifier with one of the professional basement and foundation repair professionals in your area. These experts serving Virginia Beach, VA, like JES, will come to your home and inspect not only your dehumidifier but the overall condition of your foundation and basement. In little to no time at all, you’ll know if the problem you’re experiencing is with your dehumidifier or with your home in general. They’ll also be able to provide you with a free quote on other services you may be interested in.
Your dehumidifier does a lot of work around your home. Make sure you’re taking care of it while it looks out for you.
Groundworks Editorial Team
