Dehumidifier In The Bedroom: Should You Get One?

Dehumidifiers are a great way to improve the air quality in your bedroom, especially if you're dealing with excess moisture issues like mould and condensation, or if you suffer from allergies or asthma. They can also help prevent mould and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Running a dehumidifier in your bedroom can improve your sleep quality by providing a more comfortable environment and reducing allergens and irritants. However, it's important to consider factors such as noise levels, capacity, water removal capacity, and additional features like sleep mode and automatic shut-off when choosing a dehumidifier for your bedroom.

Dehumidifiers and health: the pros and cons

Dehumidifiers can be beneficial for your health and comfort, but there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

Pros

Dehumidifiers are designed to remove excess moisture from the air, which can bring a range of benefits. Firstly, they can help prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and dust mites, which are known to trigger allergies and respiratory problems. This is especially important in bedrooms, where we spend a significant amount of time sleeping and breathing the air. By reducing these allergens and irritants, dehumidifiers can improve the overall quality of the air you breathe, leading to less sneezing, coughing, and discomfort in the eyes and throat.

Additionally, dehumidifiers can make the bedroom environment more comfortable for sleeping. High humidity can lead to sweating and discomfort during sleep, disrupting rest. Dehumidifiers create a dry and cool space, ensuring you wake up refreshed and energised. They can also help regulate body temperature, which is beneficial for those who tend to sleep hot.

Cons

While dehumidifiers can improve respiratory health, there are some potential health considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to maintain the right level of humidity. If the humidity level drops too low, it can cause the air to become too dry, leading to possible skin and sinus issues, as well as respiratory problems. Therefore, ensuring that the humidity levels in your bedroom stay within the ideal range of 30-50% is crucial.

Another potential issue is noise. While newer models have night modes that reduce noise and brightness, some people may still find the sound of a dehumidifier disruptive to their sleep. Additionally, the size of the dehumidifier matters; a unit that is too big for the room can be noisy and inefficient, while one that is too small may not effectively reduce humidity.

In conclusion, dehumidifiers can be beneficial for health and comfort when used appropriately. However, it is important to consider potential drawbacks, such as noise and maintaining the correct humidity levels, to ensure a peaceful and healthy sleeping environment.

The ideal humidity level for a bedroom

A bedroom with excess humidity can make you sick and disrupt your sleep, which in turn worsens your health. A dehumidifier can help you achieve the ideal humidity level by 'sucking' moisture out of the air.

Dehumidifiers are particularly useful during the summer months when the air tends to get muggy and uncomfortable. They are also beneficial if your bedroom is showing visible signs of excess moisture, such as mould, dampness, and condensation. These signs can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies.

When choosing a dehumidifier for your bedroom, it is important to consider the size of the room. If the dehumidifier is too small, it may not be able to reduce humidity to the ideal level. On the other hand, if it is too big, it will be noisy, inefficient, and may make your bedroom too dry.

For small rooms, a bedside dehumidifier with a capacity of 30-50 oz is usually sufficient. For larger bedrooms, consider a 50-70 oz dehumidifier, and for extra-large spaces, you may need a capacity of 95 oz or more.

In addition to size and capacity, look for features such as automatic shut-off when the tank is full, an easy-to-clean water tank, an air filter, and adjustable fan speed or sleep mode to minimise noise.

Dealing with mould and mildew

Mould and mildew are common issues in homes, especially in damp, dark, or poorly ventilated areas. Not only do they look unpleasant, but they can also be harmful to your health and cause respiratory issues and allergies. Luckily, there are several ways to deal with mould and mildew and prevent their growth.

Firstly, it is important to identify the source of the moisture that is causing the mould and mildew. Common causes include leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation. Fix any leaks and improve ventilation by opening windows or using fans.

If you have a small amount of mould, you can clean it with a mould and mildew remover. There are several products available on the market, such as Astonish Mould & Mildew Blaster, Pro-Kleen Mould and Mildew Remover, HG Mould Spray, Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Black Mould Remover Spray, and Dettol Antibacterial Mould & Mildew Remover Spray. These products typically involve spraying the affected area, leaving the solution to work for a few minutes, and then rinsing or wiping it away. Be sure to read and follow the instructions and safety precautions on the product label.

For more severe cases of mould and mildew, you may need to use a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, creating a less hospitable environment for mould and mildew to grow. They can also improve air quality and reduce allergens, making it easier to breathe and sleep. When choosing a dehumidifier, look for one with a HEPA filter, which can remove a high percentage of mould, bacteria, and airborne particles. Additionally, consider the size of the dehumidifier and the size of the room it will be used in. It is important to place the dehumidifier at a safe distance from your bed, typically at least three feet away.

To maintain a mould- and mildew-free environment, prevent condensation by keeping indoor temperatures steady and using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom. Regularly clean and maintain your dehumidifier, following the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, you can use mould-resistant products, such as paint, to help prevent mould growth.

Dehumidifier placement and sizing

Determining the Right Size Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are sized based on their moisture removal capacity, typically measured in pints per day. To choose the right size, consider the square footage of the area you need to dehumidify. For instance, a small bedroom of 144 square feet may require a 10-pint capacity dehumidifier. If you have a larger bedroom or multiple rooms, opt for a larger capacity model or consider getting individual units for each space.

Placement Tips for Optimal Performance

• Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet between the dehumidifier and your bed to avoid potential health risks associated with very dry air, such as dry skin and eyes.
• Place the dehumidifier at least 6 inches away from walls and furniture to ensure unobstructed airflow.
• Ensure the dehumidifier is placed on a flat, even surface to prevent it from falling over and for stable operation.
• Keep the dehumidifier away from heat sources and direct sunlight, as this can affect its performance and energy efficiency.
• If possible, place the dehumidifier near the source of moisture to maximize its effectiveness. For example, if you have a leaky pipe, place the unit nearby to help manage the moisture.
• Consider the number of people occupying the space, the number of doors and windows, and the presence of appliances like washers and dryers, as these factors can influence the required capacity of the dehumidifier.
• For whole-house dehumidification, consider investing in a unit that can be integrated into your HVAC system or opt for multiple portable units strategically placed throughout the house.

By choosing the right size dehumidifier and placing it optimally, you can effectively manage moisture levels and maintain a comfortable and healthy environment in your bedroom.

Dehumidifier features and settings

Dehumidifiers are a great way to improve the air quality in your bedroom, especially if you're dealing with excess moisture issues like mould and condensation, or if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. When choosing a dehumidifier, look for one with features that will make it effective and easy to use in your bedroom. Here are some key dehumidifier features and settings to consider:

Humidity Settings

The primary function of a dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture from the air, so setting the right humidity level is crucial. Most dehumidifiers allow you to set a specific humidity percentage, typically between 30% and 50%. This range helps prevent mould and mildew growth while maintaining a comfortable and healthy humidity level. Newer models may have built-in humidity sensors that automatically adjust the settings, while older models may have more basic settings like low, medium, or high.

Night Mode

If you plan to use the dehumidifier in your bedroom while you sleep, look for a model with a night mode function. Night mode reduces noise and brightness by lowering the fan speed and turning off lights, creating a soft, gentle hum that won't disturb your sleep. This feature is essential if you are sensitive to noise.

Auto-Shutoff

An auto-shutoff function is a must-have feature. This feature automatically turns off the dehumidifier when the water tank is full, preventing overflow and potential water damage. This setting lets you sleep soundly without worrying about a puddle of water around your dehumidifier.

Water Tank Size

Consider the size of the water tank, especially if your room tends to have high moisture levels. A larger tank means fewer interruptions during the night to empty it. Alternatively, look for a model with gravity draining or a condensate pump that automatically removes the collected moisture.

Humidistat

A humidistat is a useful feature that automatically turns off the dehumidifier when the desired humidity level is reached. This setting not only saves energy but also ensures that the air doesn't become too dry, which can cause skin and sinus issues and respiratory problems.

HEPA Filter

If you have respiratory issues or want to improve the air quality in your bedroom, look for a dehumidifier with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. These filters are designed to remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria, and other airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

Additional Features

Some dehumidifiers offer additional features like programmable timers, automatic restart after a power outage, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via smartphone. These features provide convenience, energy savings, and precise control over your dehumidifier's settings.

Frequently asked questions