Dehumidifiers are an important appliance for maintaining dry, cozy air around the home and other confined indoor settings. By eliminating dampness, the appliance also helps reduce the accumulation of mold and mildew while protecting the walls, furniture’s and fittings. Excess moisture in the indoor space poses can cause several health problems, including respiratory issues.

Advanced humidifiers come with interesting features such as compact design and noiseless operation. The units are also less expensive compared to previous versions. Although humidifiers are classified as a low maintenance appliance, they still require regular service for optimal operation. According to Veranda Interiors, here are 6 DIY maintenance tips for the dehumidifier:

1. Regulate the humidistat to eliminate only the desired amount of moisture

The humidistat helps regulate the level of moisture allowed in the indoor environment. The unit should be set at modest levels to ensure the air doesn’t become too dry. If left unchecked, high levels of dryness can cause the following problems:

• Force the machine to work too hard at achieving the set humidity
• Cause structural weaknesses to the building
• Damage furniture and fittings
• Cause the accumulation of unpalatable air

2. Place the appliance at the right place

The appliance should be placed in an ideal location for optimal performance. An ideal location is one that allows free air flow and is devoid of any blockage. To avoid the system overheating, keep the dehumidifier several inches away from the wall. When operating the system, always keep the doors and windows closed to avoid overworking the system.

3. Keep the air uptake vent and exhaust grilles clean

Dirt build-up on the dehumidifier grille can slow the system and make it less efficient. If left unchecked, the problem can lead to capacitor damage and render the system unusable. Depending on the usage, grille clean up should be done at least once every season.

4. Have the water container cleaned occasionally

Although it is important to empty the water container while performing system maintenance, going an extra mile to clean the container can help eliminate hard-to-remove dirt. Cleaning should be done using warm water with detergent and disinfect to prevent mildew and mold build-up.

5. Replace the filter every often

The filter is an important component on the dehumidifier as it helps eliminate accumulated dust, allergens and contaminants captured by the appliance. Depending on the design of the appliance, the filter also helps protect the internal mechanism of the dehumidifier from external damage. Before replacing your filter, always take time to read the user manual.

6. Analyze the condenser or coils for ice or frost build-up on

Frost or ice build-up on the condenser normally happens over time. This is likely to happen when the room temperature becomes too cold and can cause system malfunction. If you have a dehumidifier with difficult to access components, it is best to call the manufacturer and ensure anything you do does not void the product warranty. Systems with automatic-defrost are normally easier to maintain because the system will shutdown whenever an internal problem is uncovered.