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It’s no secret that mould thrives in damp, high-humidity, low-airflow conditions. Humidity is a leading cause of condensation within the home, which in turn provides plenty of moisture for mould to become established and start multiplying. Of course, the mould itself is a secondary issue to an underlying cause - be it humidity, roof or wall leaks, or a faulty appliance.
So if mould needs damp and humid conditions to thrive, will a dehumidifier help get rid of it? Dehumidifiers help reduce the moisture and humidity in your home, which creates a less hospitable environment for mould and mildew to grow - but they are not a cure-all.
A dehumidifier can help reduce air-water saturation levels, improve air circulation and help dry out surfaces - and if it has a built-in HEPA filter, it can help remove spores and other airborne pollutants from the air too. Buying a dehumidifier for mould is an important tool for prevention, but they can't do it all. When it comes to effective and long-lasting mould removal, call on the experts at Mould Cleaning Australia.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
A dehumidifier works by actively removing moisture from the air through a process called condensation. This works by using a fan to draw humid air over cold evaporator coils which causes the water droplets in the air to condense into liquid and drip down into a collection tank.
Once filled, this tank must be emptied regularly or else the dehumidifier will automatically shut off. A built-in humidistat can also be used to manage relative humidity levels inside your home so that you never have to worry about uncomfortable levels of dampness or mould buildup again!
A humidistat works by checking the relative humidity, and turning the dehumidifier on when relative humidity exceeds the set level on the device. It is recommended the indoor air is keep below 60% relative humidity, removing the excess moisture that mould uses to grow.
With regular maintenance and proper use, your dehumidifier can help keep your home healthy, dry and free from mould for years to come.
What Are the Benefits of Dehumidifiers?
Dehumidifiers are a great way to improve air quality in your home, especially if you live in an area with high humidity. They can also help reduce the amount of dust and allergens circulating in the air, which can be beneficial for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
As dehumidifiers reduce moisture, dust and organic particles in the air, they are a great way to help prevent mould spores from growing. In addition to improving the air quality in your home, dehumidifiers can also help reduce energy costs by keeping the air dryer. This helps keep your air conditioning system from having to work harder to cool or heat your home, which ultimately saves money on energy bills.
- Can help you save money on your energy bills
- Keeps your home dry and free from moisture
- Keeps your home’s humidity levels consistent, which is good for your health
- Prevents damage to furniture, floors, and walls
- Prevents mould and mildew growth
- Reduces the number of allergens in the air
It is important to remember that while dehumidifiers can effectively reduce humidity levels in your home, they cannot fix existing water damage or prevent further water damage caused by flooding or leaks. If you have any concerns about mould growth due to excessive moisture accumulation or think there might be an issue with water infiltration, it is best to contact a professional for assistance.
The Different Types of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers come in a variety of different types, with compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers being the two most common ones. But what exactly are the main differences between the two types?
A compressor dehumidifier for mould uses a refrigeration cycle to remove moisture from the air and collects it in a storage tank. As the warm air passes over the refrigeration coils, it rapidly cools from vapour into liquid. This liquid then falls into a tank and is removed from the air, thus reducing humidity levels. Compressor dehumidifiers are effective at removing large amounts of moisture quickly.
Desiccant dehumidifiers use an absorbent material such as silica gel or activated alumina to absorb water molecules from the air. Desiccant dehumidifiers are better suited for low humidity applications because they are suited for a cooler environment rather than compressor dehumidifiers - but when looking at the amount of moisture they can draw from the air, they are less effective as a compressor dehumidifier for mould inn a warmer climate..
How Much Moisture Can a Dehumidifier Remove?
Dehumidifiers are available in various sizes and capacities depending on your needs and the size of the area you are attempting to dehumidify. Portable units are a great option for small spaces, while larger floor-standing models can help draw excess moisture from more expansive areas. In addition, you may choose to purchase a dehumidifier with additional features such as timer functions and air filters that can help reduce allergens in your home.
Smaller dehumidifiers may range from about 1/2 litre per day up to 15 litres per day - while larger units can remove more than 35 litres of moisture per day. Most dehumidifiers have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the machine when the tank or collection bucket is full. Some newer models also have a built-in sensor that shuts off the machine when the humidity level reaches a certain point, which is helpful for controlling moisture levels in larger areas.
No matter which type of dehumidifier you choose, proper maintenance is essential to ensure efficient operation and long-term performance. This includes regularly emptying the collection bucket or storage tank and cleaning the filters.
What Dehumidifier Capacity is Best?
Choosing a dehumidifier with a capacity for the size of the room is critical for effective mould control. Dehumidifiers with more capacity can be used but may be too powerful for smaller spaces. The capacity of a dehumidifier will be specified in litres per day – this number indicates how much water it can remove from the ambient air each day.
- For spaces up to 10 sqm, a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 5 litres per day is recommended.
- For spaces up to 20 sqm, a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 10 litres per day is recommended.
- For spaces up to 30 sqm, a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 15 litres per day is recommended.
- For spaces up to 50 sqm, a dehumidifier with a capacity of at least 20 litres per day is recommended. Dehumidifier Capacity (litres/day)
Dehumidifiers Won't Remove Existing Mould
Unfortunately, a dehumidifier alone won’t get rid of existing mould. Dehumidifiers can help reduce the humidity and moisture levels in your home, preventing future mould growth but doesn’t eliminate pre-existing mould spores.
If you have an ongoing problem with mould or suspect a problem, Mould Cleaning Australia recommends proper assessment and professional mould remediation to get rid of mould spores and prevent them from coming back.
Dehumidifiers can be used in conjunction with a mould remediation job to help reduce the moisture levels of your home, preventing future growth.
How to Maximise Results From a Dehumidifier
To get maximum benefits when using a dehumidifier for mould and moisture issues, there are a few steps you can take. The first thing is to make sure the dehumidifier you are using is suitable for the size of your home. Dehumidifiers come in different sizes and it's important to find one that fits your space.
The next step is to set the humidity level on the dehumidifier correctly. Ideally, a relative indoor humidity of 50-60% should be maintained. To ensure an optimal level of moisture control, check and adjust the settings every few weeks or when needed.
It’s also important to maintain and clean your dehumidifier regularly. This includes cleaning out its condensation tray, replacing filters as necessary, checking for any blockages, and ensuring that it is functioning properly. Dehumidifier maintenance is important for reducing the risk of mould growth.
When to Call in The Professionals
If you notice mould appearing in your home, it's best to call in the professionals for help as soon as you can. Dehumidifiers can be great for reducing moisture levels and preventing future mould growth, but they cannot remove existing mould from walls or other surfaces. Professional mould cleaners, such as Mould Cleaning Australia use specialised tools and techniques to safely remove all traces of unwanted mould from your property.
We can provide you with the expert mould removal services that you need to get your home back in top condition - starting with a free, no-obligation inspection. We use safe and effective methods to remove all traces of mould, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have a problem that needs to be solved.
Contact us today and let us take care of your mould problem! Book an Inspection
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