Can you use a dehumidifier 24 hours a day?

A dehumidifier can be a solution for people who suffer from too high humidity in the house. Certainly in the Netherlands, where the climate is often moist and gray, a dehumidifier can be a good way to improve air quality and make your home more pleasant. The question you may have: Can you use a dehumidifier 24 hours a day? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of such a long -term use?

In this blog we answer the question of how long you ideally should use a dehumidifier.

Can you use a dehumidifier 24 hours a day?

The short answer is: Yes, you can use a dehumidifier 24 hours a day, but it is not always necessary and not always recommended, depending on the situation.

Benefits of continuous use of a dehumidifier

Constant air quality
One of the most important benefits of the 24/7 use of a dehumidifier is that it keeps the humidity at a constant, healthy level. Especially in a damp climate or in poorly ventilated spaces (such as cellars or bathrooms), continuous dehumidification can cause no fungus to form.

Preventing condensation
In the winter, when it is cold outside and the heating is on inside, the temperature difference between inside and outside can lead to condensation on windows and walls. This can greatly increase the humidity inside. By constantly turning on your dehumidifier, you can prevent this problem.

Improved health
A too high humidity can lead to breathing problems, such as coughing, stuffiness and allergies. This can mainly be a problem for people with asthma or other airway problems. By keeping the humidity in the house at a healthy level, a dehumidifier can contribute to better air quality and thereby improve your health.

Less odors and better comfort
Moist air can also lead to unpleasant odors in your house, for example in the basement or at the laundry. A dehumidifier helps to reduce these scents by lowering the humidity, making your house feel fresher and smells.

Disadvantages of 24 hours a day
Energy consumption
The biggest disadvantage of continuously running a dehumidifier is the energy consumption. Dehumidifiers use electricity to remove the moisture from the air. If your device is on 24 hours a day, this can greatly increase the energy costs. 

Need for maintenance
A dehumidifier who is constantly running also requires regular maintenance. The water reservoir must be emptied regularly and the filters must be cleaned or replaced. This can mean some extra work, especially if you use the device continuously.

Make the air too dry
Another disadvantage is that the air can get too dry if the dehumidifier is on for too long. Although this is less common, extremely dry air can cause discomfort, such as dry skin, irritated eyes or a dry throat. This mainly occurs in spaces where the humidity is already low. 

How many hours a day is recommended to use a dehumidifier?

The ideal useful life for a dehumidifier depends strongly on the conditions in your house. In most cases it is not necessary to run the device 24 hours a day. About 3 to 4 hours a day can be enough to keep the humidity at a healthy level. 

In some cases, for example if you have just had a period of extremely high humidity or if you have a new dehumidifier, it may be necessary to run the device longer until the humidity is back at a comfortable level. You can then reduce the duration of use.

Tips for optimum use:

• Use a hygrometer
  A hygrometer is a device with which you can measure the humidity in your house. This helps you to determine when the dehumidifier is really needed. A healthy humidity is between 40% and 60%. If the humidity comes above, it is time to turn on the dehumidifier.
  
  
• Use in combination with ventilation
  Although a dehumidifier can do a lot, it is also important to ventilate well. Make sure there is sufficient air circulation, so that the dehumidifier does not have to run constantly.
  
  
• Use a timer
  Many modern dehumidifiers, such as those of Bloomfold, have timers with which you can set the effect. This can be useful to only run the device at times when you really need it, without it on 24 hours a day.

Conclusion

So, can you use a dehumidifier 24 hours a day? Yes, that is possible, but it is usually not necessary. Continuous use can be beneficial in spaces with high humidity, but it does increase energy costs and may require extra maintenance. It is often enough to use the humidifier for a few hours a day to keep the humidity at a healthy level.

With the right balance between use and maintenance, a dehumidifier can Bloomfold Contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Whether you opt for continuous use or a few hours a day, the most important thing is that you monitor the humidity and use the device when needed.