Dehumidifier Advice

born_again

ps124 said:

Thanks all for the replies...Yes I think the energy costs are pretty low...and in comparison, its probably cheaper to run then my dryer where I would probably need to do 2-3 loads for amount of clothes the kids go through!

For the windows, the condesation is between the panels but only in this one room. It's really annoying...seems there's no way to get rid of it without opening the panels. 

Since I've had the dehumuidifer, its been an eye opener to see how much water is collected. As someone's already mentioned, I could have a few hygrometer's around the house but I pretty much know there is at least 2-3 areas of the house (the main shower for example) where we'd need it. So maybe a smaller unit would suffice for the uptairs area?

So you have secondary glazing then?

As no way to open sealed double glazing units, which if get condensation inside. will need replacing. Can just replace unit, not the whole window frame.

Scot_39

ps124 said:

Thanks all for the replies...Yes I think the energy costs are pretty low...and in comparison, its probably cheaper to run then my dryer where I would probably need to do 2-3 loads for amount of clothes the kids go through!

For the windows, the condesation is between the panels but only in this one room. It's really annoying...seems there's no way to get rid of it without opening the panels. 

Since I've had the dehumuidifer, its been an eye opener to see how much water is collected. As someone's already mentioned, I could have a few hygrometer's around the house but I pretty much know there is at least 2-3 areas of the house (the main shower for example) where we'd need it. So maybe a smaller unit would suffice for the uptairs area?

Panel seal gone.

Needs replacing.

In theory they can be drilled, dehumidified, resealed etc but if just 1 panel...replace.

However its often a sign that damp is getting to panel seals - and if wooden frames that might not be only damp issue.

bob2302

Reed_Richards said:

 Dehumidifiers are often rated on the size of the water storage tank but the only difference that makes is how often you have to empty it.  

More commonly the headline figure is how much water they can condensed in a day under ideal conditions that you are unlikely to achieve in winter. The reservoir is typically much smaller.

bob2302

ps124 said:

For the windows, the condesation is between the panels but only in this one room. It's really annoying...seems there's no way to get rid of it without opening the panels. 

A dehumidifier is not going to help with that. I don't think there's much you can do about this other than replace the panel.

Modern panels are filled with Argon, which is more efficient than air, damp air is even less efficient. 

Netexporter

bob2302 said:

Reed_Richards said:

 Dehumidifiers are often rated on the size of the water storage tank but the only difference that makes is how often you have to empty it.  

More commonly the headline figure is how much water they can condensed in a day under ideal conditions that you are unlikely to achieve in winter. The reservoir is typically much smaller.

The official benchmark is how much water can be collected in 24 hours at 80% RH and 30 degrees temperature. (Singapore, more or less!)

The other thing to bear in mind is to select the correct type of machine for the task. You should use a refrigerant type machine for normal domestic use, as they are the most efficient. You should only use a desiccant type machine in unheated spaces, where a refrigerant machine will struggle, but the electricity consumption will be much higher, although there is a bonus of additional heat output, which may help to mitigate condensation on surfaces.

Reed_Richards

I think my point, badly made, was that it doesn't matter much how much water could be collected in a day if you're not around to keep emptying the tank, because once the tank is full the dehumidifier will automatically stop.

Netexporter

Some dehumidifiers have continuous drainage, which is useful if you have somewhere suitable to run the hose to. You don't get the satisfaction of knowing exactly how much water you've extracted, though.

Reed_Richards

Yes, and I think it's quite unlikely that you do have somewhere suitable to run the hose to.  How many of us have an open drain at floor level?

Netexporter

Yes, you have to make a bit of an effort, like mounting the machine up high or perhaps drilling a hole through to an outside drain. But if it is an area that is likely to need almost permanent dehumidifying, then it may save a lot of effort in the long run.

Petriix

Or just run the hose into a much bigger container so you only need to empty it after a few days rather than multiple times per day. Otherwise at least buy one with a decent size tank. 

Dehumidifiers can be a reasonably energy efficient form of heating or, more significantly, heat conservation. If you don't need to ventilate then you can retain the warm air in your house. I wouldn't want to run one on peak electricity but, if you've got a cheap overnight rate or maybe solar panels, there's probably a financial saving vs just opening the windows.

My biggest issue is persuading Mrs Petriix not to 'let the fresh air in' after the dehumidifier has been running for hours causing the double blow of losing our expensive, warm, dry air and replacing it with cold, damp air from outside.