Dehumidifiers: keep your home dry
29.8.2018
Translation: machine translated
The very hot summer days have given way to autumn rain. It's time for the air conditioners and fans to return to the cellar, and for the dehumidifiers to take over. Here's a guide to help you choose the right appliance.
Doesn't your bathroom have a window you can open during or after your shower? Has it been raining for ages and you can't see the end of it? Are you already fighting humidity too often? A variety of factors can lead to excessive humidity in your home.
When it rains in torrents for several days in a row, water can seep into the walls of old buildings and constructions with little or poor insulation. The lack of waterproofing can lead to damp seeping through the basement and quickly reaching living areas. If you don't react quickly enough, there's a risk that mould will set in over the long term, which is neither aesthetically pleasing nor pleasant-smelling, and even less good for your health. In this kind of situation, dehumidifiers can come to your aid and ensure that the air in the room is pleasant.
When it becomes urgent to act
The ideal humidity level for an interior is between 40% and 60%. Below this, you should consider getting a humidifier, especially if the dry air is having a detrimental effect on you. Conversely, if the humidity level stagnates above 65% for long periods, you run the risk of mould stains appearing. These are often accompanied by an unpleasant odour and signal the development of fungi.
This may be due to insufficient ventilation or poor ventilation in your flat. Moist air then stays inside and condensation forms on your cold walls. To ventilate properly, windows should be wide open, not just tilted, to allow air to circulate and moisture to escape. In summer, hot (between 25 and 30°), humid air also contributes to mould formation, especially in dark, poorly ventilated rooms.
What can be done about it?
It all depends on the level of humidity, but proper ventilation can already go a long way. In most cases, though, this is only a temporary solution. That's where dehumidifiers come in - they dry the air to the point where mould formation is prevented. Most appliances have a hygrometer and can therefore be set to a certain rate: as soon as the ambient humidity exceeds this rate, the appliance switches on and brings the humidity down to the desired level.
When electricity rhymes with efficiency
Electric dehumidifiers dry the air by passing it through a heat exchanger and cooling it. The water removed from the air then ends up in a reservoir (either directly or via a hose for some models). In domestic dehumidifiers, heat is generally transferred in a closed circuit. A compressor circulates the coolant, which refreshes the air drawn in by a fan and directs it to an evaporator where the water condenses. These units are highly efficient and dry the air in your flat quickly and lastingly.
Pellets, a cheaper solution
In this type of dehumidifier, it's the granules that suck the water out of the air. As a general rule, one kilo of granules can suck up four litres of water. The moisture first accumulates in the granules, then when they are saturated with water (which can take up to a month), the water runs off into the tank. Dust also settles in the granules and they dissolve over time, so they need to be changed regularly. While these systems are quieter than electric dehumidifiers and they work without electricity, they are less effective and are only used for minor humidity problems.
Find all Galaxus dehumidifiers here.
Dampness persists?
Only a specialist will be able to help you. The damp may be due to building defects or water damage. In both cases, it must be remedied immediately or you risk more serious problems. Walls can be weakened by prolonged excess damp, and mould can affect your health in the long term. In these situations, a professional will examine all the possibilities with a fine-tooth comb and help you put a stop to the problem.
Header image: Electric dehumidifiers ensure that the humidity level does not exceed the optimal values.
Raphael Knecht
Senior Editor
raphael.knecht@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.
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