Do you know how much water your dehumidifier should be collecting in a day? If you're like most American homeowners, the answer is probably no.
So when you find your dehumidifier collecting either buckets of water or barely a drop, you might be wondering if something is going wrong.
In this article, we'll explore why it's important to understand how much water your dehumidifier collects each day and provide some tips on getting the most out of your dehumidifier.
How Much Water Should A Dehumidifier Collect In A Day?
A dehumidifier should collect a certain amount of water each day - generally, around 10-20 pints of water per 24-hour period.
This should require you to empty most dehumidifiers daily or bi-daily when in operation.
However, how much water a dehumidifier collects and how often they need to be emptied can vary depending on the size of the room, the relative humidity levels, and other factors.
How Does A Dehumidifier Collect Water?
A dehumidifier works by drawing in warm, moist air and passing it over a set of cold coils. As the air hits the coils and cools, the water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water which is then collected in a tank or bucket.
The water collected by a dehumidifier can be discarded exactly the same way as any other standing water. It should not be used for any purpose that involves hygiene or consumption.
What Impacts The Amount Of Water Collected?
There are several factors that can affect how much water most dehumidifiers can collect in a day:
Humidity Level
High relative humidity levels mean higher amounts of excess moisture in the air, which means more water will be condensed and collected by the dehumidifier.
Size Of Dehumidifier
The size of the dehumidifier also has an impact on how much water it collects daily. Larger appliances have more power to draw more humid air resulting in larger amounts of collected water, as well as generally having a larger water tank (and thus dehumidifier capacity.)
Location Of The Appliance
Where you place your device is another factor that influences how dehumidifiers collect water. If you place the appliance close to areas that are particularly damp or humid, such as near bathrooms or basements, then you can expect more water.
Temperature
The temperature of the ambient air also plays a role in determining how much water your dehumidifier collects. Higher temperatures generally mean higher levels of relative humidity and more water in your water tank, as warm air can hold more moisture.
Why Doesn't My Dehumidifier Fill As Quickly As It Should?
Frozen Coils
Frozen coils are one of the most common problems that can make a dehumidifier stop collecting water entirely or insufficiently.
This often comes from when the ambient temperature is too low, causing condensation to freeze on the cold coils. As a result, the water that was supposed to be collected remains frozen and cannot be drained away.
To fix this, you need to raise the air temperature around your dehumidifier - either by opening windows or running a fan - so that the ice melts and flows into the tank or bucket for draining.
It's also necessary to keep your coils clean and free of dust or other debris, which can impede their cooling capabilities and thus reduce their efficiency at collecting water from the air.
Broken Appliance
A broken dehumidifier can also lead to dehumidifiers not collecting as much water as they should.
If the fan motors are broken, or the fan speed isn't correctly set, they may be unable to draw in enough air to condense the excess moisture into liquid form.
Similarly, a malfunctioning compressor will reduce the efficiency and increase the power consumption of your appliance, as it's responsible for providing the cooling power that causes condensation on the coils.
To remedy this problem, you can perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that your dehumidifier continues working properly.
Additionally, inspecting and replacing any worn-out belts or hoses can help keep the air flowing freely so that more humidity is collected from the ambient air and condensed into liquid form.
The Indoor Temperature
The temperature of the air inside your home can impact how much water your dehumidifier collects.
In low temperatures, such as below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the condensation may freeze on the cold coils and not be collected as a liquid.
To fix this, you need to raise the temperature of the air around your dehumidifier so that it melts and flows into the tank or bucket for draining.
Why Is My Dehumidifier Collecting Too Much Water?
The amount of water a dehumidifier collects can be affected by several factors, including humidity levels, size and location, and surrounding air temperature. If any of these are off, it could lead to your dehumidifier collecting water excessively.
For instance, if the air temperature is too warm and/or extremely humid, more moisture in the air will be drawn and condensed into liquid form.
In addition, if you place your dehumidifier in particularly damp areas - such as near bathrooms or basements - it may collect higher amounts of water than desired.
To prevent your dehumidifier from collecting too much water, you need to make sure these factors are balanced appropriately and suit the environment of your home.
When To Get Your System Inspected By A Professional
Homeowners should get their dehumidifier inspected or repaired by a professional if they notice that their appliance is either collecting not enough or too much water even after going through the above steps.
A professional can help diagnose whether the issue is coming from your environment or from your appliance.
They can inspect and replace any worn-out components to ensure that your dehumidifier is functioning optimally and collecting the appropriate amount of water from the air.
Regular maintenance checks can also help identify issues early on before they become bigger problems - such as clogged filters or dirty coils - saving you money on expensive repairs in the future.
How Much Water Should A Dehumidifier Collect In A Day? The Bottom Line
A dehumidifier should collect around 10-20 pints a day. However, factors such as relative humidity levels, size of the appliance, location, and temperature can affect how much it collects.
If your dehumidifier is malfunctioning due to worn-out components or isn't responding to attempted repairs, then you need to get it inspected by a professional.
If you live in North-West Florida and want to keep your home comfortable and dry all year round, contact us today at Air and Energy of NWFL.
Our team of professionals is ready to provide you with the most experienced and quality humidity control services in Pensacola, Florida - no matter whether you've got desiccant dehumidifiers, refrigerant dehumidifiers, portable dehumidifiers, or even just an air conditioner that needs service!
This article was written by:
Co-founder and Home Comfort Specialist