Why Is My Dehumidifier Running Constantly?

Should You Run a Dehumidifier Constantly? The optimal relative humidity is between 30% and 50%. This range is good for your health and your home, and the perfect spot in that range in regard to comfort comes down to personal preference. An air conditioner is not a dehumidifier although it does perform some dehumidification, and it’s often necessary to have a dedicated dehumidifier in order to achieve your ideal RH. But is a dehumidifier running constantly OK?

Find Your Ideal Comfort Zone

The first thing we recommend is finding your ideal temperature and RH. An RH of 50% is a good initial target. As much as 60% is all right if you aren’t comfortable at 50%. Most people will prefer an RH of no less than 40%, but as low as 30% is fine if that’s your comfort zone. In the summertime, a temperature as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit is safe, but most people will want it lower than that. Be mindful that as you lower the RH, you’ll be comfortable at a higher temperature.

Running a Dehumidifier Constantly Depends

Whether a dehumidifier running constantly is a good or bad thing depends on a number of factors. If you’re using a portable dehumidifier to improve comfort in a particular room, then you’ll need to run it as long as needed to be comfortable, and that may mean all the time. However, if you are running a portable dehumidifier around the clock, then you should likely invest in a whole-home dehumidifier, and those systems absolutely should not be running 24/7 just as an air conditioning system shouldn’t. It’s a waste of electricity and puts wear and tear on the system and is likely an indication of a moisture problem.

10 Hours a Day

The general industry recommendation is to run a dehumidifier for about 10 hours and as much as 12 hours a day during the peak season in which it’s humid and you’re cooling your home. If you need to have your dehumidifier running constantly, then either the dehumidifier is undersized or there are elevated levels of moisture in the home.

What Causes Excess Moisture?

Good ventilation and a well-functioning air conditioning should be enough to maintain safe moisture levels in a home. Adding a dehumidifier will make the home more comfortable and lower the long-term air conditioning costs, but it shouldn’t be necessary to combat excess moisture. Where does the excess moisture come from? It’s typically going to come from either your basement or crawl space, and having that space waterproofed will solve most moisture issues in a home.

Basement and Crawl Space Waterproofing

If you own a home in the Delaware Valley and have your dehumidifier running constantly, we encourage you to call us today at 1-610-241-7009 or contact us online. We specialize in crawl space and basement waterproofing and also landscape and foundation drainage. We’ll perform an inspection of your home and provide you with a professional assessment of what is causing the excess moisture.