Typically, humidifiers are run during colder months when various types of heating systems have a tendency to dry out the air in a home.
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air and are usually run during the warmer, more humid months. Basements are prime areas for dehumidifiers. Here are a few ways to save energy and stay comfortable when using these appliances: Ø Purchase a low wattage unit. If your comparing dehumidifiers with the same capacity, check the wattages on the nameplates. A lower wattage unit that does the same job is a better value. Ø Look for a humidifier with adjustable humidistat to maintain desired humidity and set so the appliance does not run continuously. Ø It's estimated that a 175-watt humidifier running 240 hrs. per month (approx. 8 hrs. per day) uses 42 Kwh per month. At a rate of .14 cents per Kwh, that equates to roughly $5.88 per month to run the appliance. Ø When using a dehumidifier adjust to lowest setting that still provides adequate dehumidification. Ø Clean the unit. Dust or vacuum the dehumidifier at least once a year before you plug it in. If the unit is difficult to clean, check the owner's manual. Most portable humidifiers on the other hand, require cleaning or sanitizing on a very frequent and regular basis. Check owner's manual. Ø Keep in mind that a 700-watt dehumidifier running 240 hrs. per month (approx. 8 hrs. per day) uses 168 Kwh per month. Based on .14 cents per Kwh, it costs approximately $23.50 per month to run this appliance. Ø Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers work best when air can circulate freely through the appliance. Place away from walls and bulky furniture. Ø When shopping for appliances look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star appliances have been identified as being significantly more energy efficient than average comparable models. 1. Before using a <http://www.achooallergy.com/humiditycontrol.asp#Humidifiers> humidifier, always use a <http://www.achooallergy.com/acu-rite-humiditygauge.asp> hygrometer (also known as a <http://www.achooallergy.com/acu-rite-humiditygauge.asp> humidity gauge) to learn exactly what the relative humidity is in the area you want to humidify. Our company sells the <http://www.achooallergy.com/acu-rite-humiditygauge.asp> Acu-Rite Digital Humidity Gauge. It is worth every penny; hang it on the wall so you are constantly reminded. We have one in our home in our nursery and we use it daily. You only need to humidify the air if the relative humidity in the room is less than 40 percent. If it is over 50 percent, do not run a humidifier. 2. If the hygrometer indicates the humidity is under 40 percent, it is ok to use a humidifier; otherwise you will be adding too much moisture to the air. 3. Placement of the humidifier in the room is very important. Humidifiers need to be elevated off the ground. Otherwise, the area directly around the humidifier will become to moist. This can create several problems, slippery wood floors that can cause falls or mold / mildew if carpeting is directly below. Our solution to this problem is to place the humidifer on a small table about two feet off the ground. We put a towel directly under the humidifier to protect the table. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
