Portable Dehumidifier fan speed (how much, windows, heat, appliance)

[Baike]

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-.../dp/B01DLPUWKI

There are three choices: low, medium, high

What is the best choice for basement? I would like to consider cost efficient, it is just basement, I don't really go there, so no need to have very low humidity level as living room. I have never used dehumidifier before, and no idea how much it will add to electric bill, does fan speed make a big difference? Do I really need to turn on fan?

Thanks.

[elnina]

Did you check the humidity level there? Do you have humidity problems?
To cut the costs you might want to circulate the air with a fan. Also remember that some dehumidifiers don't work optimally in temperatures below 40F, so it makes sense to only use them in rooms above that temperature.

The unit is energy efficient, but they are usually among the biggest electricity hogs.
Here are tips to lower the cost of use:
https://www.energystar.gov/products/...idifier_basics

[Baike]

I have another safety concern, if I set it 45%, it seems dehumidifier runs forever, and cannot get the number below 45%. The concern is dehumidifier is overheat and causes safety issue (such as fire).

Is my concern reasonable?

Thanks.

[grampaTom]

Originally Posted by GlebeH

I have another safety concern, if I set it 45%, it seems dehumidifier runs forever, and cannot get the number below 45%. The concern is dehumidifier is overheat and causes safety issue (such as fire).

Is my concern reasonable?

Thanks.

45% is pretty low. Anything under 60 is ok so we set ours at 55. It cycles off an on and keeps the humidity in the preferred range.

[Baike]

Originally Posted by grampaTom

45% is pretty low. Anything under 60 is ok so we set ours at 55. It cycles off an on and keeps the humidity in the preferred range.

During winter time, do I need to unplug it? It is in basement (no heat at basement), the amazon link says "3 speed fan (HIGH/MED/LOW), operating temperature 41 to 89.6 degrees fahrenheit". But I guess inside the house (even in basement) it should be above 41 F. If I set 55%, I guess the basement is already under 55% during winter time, it will automatically not running during winter time.

[grampaTom]

I would spend the $15 a get a hygrometer to see what the winter humidity is down there. Probably wouldn't need to run the humidifier in winter I would guess.

[Universe93B]

Originally Posted by grampaTom

I would spend the $15 a get a hygrometer to see what the winter humidity is down there. Probably wouldn't need to run the humidifier in winter I would guess.

Yup. Does your dehumidifier have an accurate hygrometer? The problem with the big box store dehumidifiers is that they only read humidity in 5% increments. I would buy a separate one to monitor. I've had good experience with several of the following -very good accuracy without spending the money for a truly professional meter.

https://www.amazon.com/Caliber-Digit...ords=caiber+4r

[BostonMike7]

I run my basement dehumidifier with an aftermarket humidity controller. A little pricey though.
http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/Co...RH/EW-03313-04


Mine is set for 45% with an output hose fed into my sump basin. It pretty much runs only in the summer, and constantly for the most part. But it does a great job and my basement is always right around 45%. I fi open windows or have a party and the house is filled with humid air (AC off) it only takes a day or so to get it back down to 45%.


In the winter, humidity drops to below 20%, and it's off all winter long. I'll clean it up and put it in storage until the following spring.


I have NESt thermostats that show me the humidity in each of my 3 zones. When I start seeing humidity creep up to near 45%, i'll set the dehumidifier up again