Air Dehumidifier for Bathrooms: Buying FAQs
Humidity and mold can cause many problems in small spaces like bathrooms. A wall dehumidifier is a great solution to help eliminate that extra dampness, which can also make your space much more comfortable.
The effects of mold are both lasting and destructive. Mold may cause significant structural damage to your property, including the destruction or discoloration of natural materials such as wood flooring within homes. It also poses an increased risk to health since exposure to household mold can produce chronic health problems. This is especially true for those with respiratory infections, asthma, and allergic conditions who might experience aggravated symptoms upon exposure to mold spores.
Due to a lack of ventilation, mold, and mildew thrive in damp areas like the bathroom. These small humid spaces provide the perfect environment for them because they can easily grow with little sun exposure or air circulation. So how do you reduce humidity in the bathroom? Fortunately, small dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from your bathroom. Removing moisture helps to lower relative humidity making it much harder for mold spores to become active and thrive.
How do dehumidifiers work in bathrooms?
The bathroom provides the perfect storm environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Hot showers, baths, or even just sitting in the tub can cause humidity levels within your home to reach 100%. Eventually, this causes paint on walls and windows to peel away. The humidity from showering and bathing will travel into any room in close proximity, leaving surfaces damp with condensation or in extreme cases, saturating structural elements sufficiently to encourage deterioration that will eventually affect structural integrity. If you’ve been wondering “Can I use a dehumidifier in the bathroom?” Yes, you can and a good quality bathroom dehumidifier should be able to eliminate this undesirable accumulation of moisture, so you can breathe easy again knowing that your home is protected from moisture-related damage.
Over 13% of US households have dehumidifiers. They are not only useful for keeping your bathroom from unusual dampness, but they also help make you much more comfortable.
A dehumidifier for the bathroom works similarly to an air conditioning unit, only it removes water from the air rather than cooling off your bathroom. Both devices use the properties of freon that compresses and expands easily.
As the refrigerant expands and compresses, it cools down coils inside the device while generating heat in another part. It passes over the coils and is cooled down when air from the room is drawn in by a fan.
As the air gets warmer, it expands and holds more moisture, which is known as relative humidity. Cooled-down air cannot retain as much moisture. Air contracts forcing moisture out, which will eventually condense onto a cool surface as liquid water. This is what takes place inside a dehumidifier. Moisture is “squeezed out” of the air as the air passes over the cool condenser coils and is cooled down. It then collects onto the coils as water and drips down to a drain or collection system. The drier air is returned to the room.
IW25-4 Best Wall-Mounted Dehumidifier allows you to set a specific humidity level through an internal humidistat, which automatically shuts off the dehumidifier when the humidity reaches the desired set point. The humidistat then reactivates the dehumidifier when the bathroom humidity increases.
Can I use a dehumidifier instead of a bathroom fan?
A dehumidifier or exhaust fan can help keep moisture out of your wet, moist bathroom, helping to prevent structural damage caused by mold, mildew, and water. Both devices can make your bathroom fresher, cleaner, and more convenient and comfortable for showering or bathing. However, while both work in removing moisture from your bathroom, you may favor one over the other depending on the source and level of humidity in your bathroom.
Using a dehumidifier in the bathroom becomes a smart choice if your humidity level is always high, even when you aren’t showering. You can sleep well at night knowing that you won’t unintentionally affect other rooms in your home since placing a dehumidifier in your bathroom won’t affect other areas.
A dehumidifier cannot be used as a bathroom fan alternative, but you can use one along with a bathroom fan if the volume of water vapor suddenly increases to help air circulation. A dehumidifier collects and removes moisture.
Benefits of Bathroom Dehumidifiers
If your bathroom is always humid, even when you’re not showering, then a dehumidifier can solve that issue. Dehumidifiers work extremely well at removing humidity – so well that they can even make your bathroom drier than it was before you took a shower. In-Wall dehumidifiers for bathrooms are powerful in minimizing humidity, making them an ideal solution for anyone who wants to improve the air quality in their home.
Most bathroom dehumidifiers come equipped with a humidistat, a humidity sensor, and a control. This means that you can simply set the humidistat to your desired level and the dehumidifier will automatically turn on whenever the bathroom air gets too moist. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to keep your bathroom feeling fresh and comfortable, be sure to choose an In-Wall Dehumidifier with an automatic humidistat.
An In-Wall Dehumidifier is extremely easy to set up and requires minimal installation. Since you won’t need to cut out your ceiling and run electrical wires, they are actually cheaper to set up and install than a ceiling exhaust fan.
The different types of install options include:
2×6 in-wall recessed installation – This installation is perfect for new constructions and applications with 2×6 walling. The IW25 fits directly between interior studs and 2×6 wall without any overlap. It measures 5.75 inches depth for simplified installation and clean finish. Only one side of wall is needed to be cut for the rough opening
2×4 in-wall installation recessed through wall – You won’t need extra accessories to install the IW25-4 In-Wall Dehumidifier recesses directly through the wall. This is perfect for new construction when recessed installation is preferred.
2×4 in-wall installation in semi-recessed exterior sleeve – This option is ideal for limited space. The IW25 can be semi-recessed into the front side of the wall with an exterior sleeve for a clean bump-out finish. Only one side of the wall needs to be cut for the rough opening.
Direct on-wall mount installation – If you have existing properties or need to install a dehumidifier in areas such as a cabinet and kitchen island, this installation option is for you. The IW25 In-Wall Dehumidifier hangs directly on wall. Depending on application, drain and electrical can be routed through alternate punch out holes on the frame of the dehumidifier; no cuts needed to install the unit directly hands on the wall.
What kind of dehumidifier do I need for a bathroom?
You will want to look for a model that features a built-in humidistat, which will help to maintain a consistent level of humidity in the room. A wall-mounted dehumidifier helps to keep your bathroom free of excess moisture, which in turn can help the structural integrity of your bathroom.
High-efficiency dehumidifiers can accomplish much of what an extra-large dehumidifier can, but without taking up nearly as much space. Choose the IW25 Wall-Mounted Dehumidifier as it can pull out up to 29.5 pints of water per day. It has been reviewed by Home Air Advisor and was ranked the best overall for the best wall-mounted dehumidifiers in 2021.
You won’t have to worry about the collection tank overflowing. With a high-efficiency in-wall dehumidifier in your home, you’ll be able to keep your space feeling comfortable and moisture-free. Since the IW25 Wall-Mounted Dehumidifier is tankless, it has a drain hose that automatically removes collected condensation. This means that you don’t have to empty and clean a reservoir tank.
You will also need to consider your personal living situation. If your bathroom is next to your bedroom, you’ll want to make sure you choose a unit that operates quietly and won’t keep you awake at night.
Additionally, you’ll want to decide on the size of the unit based on the square footage of your bathroom. The last thing you want is a unit that’s too small or too large for the space since either will be less than optimally effective.
An innovative in-wall dehumidifier saves space while protecting your bathroom from excess moisture and indoor dampness. With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect bathroom dehumidifier to suit your needs.
Where should I place my bathroom dehumidifier?
By taking the time to find the right location for using a dehumidifier in the bathroom, you can maximize its effectiveness and enjoy a drier, healthier bathroom. The bathroom dehumidifier is best placed where it can access electricity and a drain system. It doesn’t take up counter space because it’s installed in-wall. The tankless IW25 fixed dehumidifier can be installed on a variety of wall structures and fits neatly through drywall into the space between studs.
