Dehumidifier Placement: The A-Z Guide to Maximize Efficiency & Save Energy

You've just invested in a dehumidifier and think you can just plug it in and place it in any corner, right? Many users have had the same thought and then wondered why the machine runs constantly without the expected results. In reality, dehumidifier placement is much more important than you think.

Placing the unit correctly not only helps maximize its dehumidifying performance and speeds up the drying process but also helps you save significantly on energy costs and extend the life of your appliance. Let's explore the A-Z guide on how to place your dehumidifier like a pro with DeAir's experts.

1. 4 Golden Rules for Choosing a Dehumidifier Location

Whether you're using a home or industrial dehumidifier, these 4 basic principles should always be followed for the machine to operate most effectively:

• Give the Machine "Breathing" Room: Always place the unit at least 20-30 cm away from walls and other objects (cabinets, sofas, machinery). This ensures that the air intake and outlet are unobstructed, allowing for free air circulation.
• Ensure a Closed Environment: When the machine is running, close all doors and windows. Open doors allow a continuous flow of moist air from outside, forcing the machine to run non-stop and wasting electricity.
• Place on a Flat, Sturdy Surface: Avoid placing the unit on tilted or unstable surfaces. This helps the compressor run smoothly, reduces vibration, and prevents the risk of water leakage.
• Prioritize a Central Location: If possible, placing the machine in the central area of the room will help the dry air circulate and be distributed most evenly to all corners.

2. Detailed Guide to Dehumidifier Placement for Specific Spaces

Depending on the intended use, the placement will have specific considerations to achieve optimal efficiency.

2.1. In the Home

• In the Bedroom: Place the unit far from the bed. Expert tip: For a good night's sleep and to protect your respiratory system, it's best to run the dehumidifier 1-2 hours before bedtime to dry the room. Then, turn it off or move it to another room. Avoid running the machine all night near where you sleep, as it can make the air too dry.
• In the Living Room: The ideal spot is in a central area where air can easily circulate. Place it away from electronic devices like TVs and sound systems so that the warm air exhausted from the unit does not affect them.

• In the Basement / Storage Room: Place the unit near the dampest area (e.g., a seeping wall). For these areas, prioritize using the continuous drainage feature with a hose to avoid having to empty the water tank frequently.
• When Drying Clothes: For the fastest drying results, place the unit in a small, enclosed room (like a bathroom or laundry room) with a clothes rack. The machine will create a mini "drying chamber," helping clothes dry quickly without a musty smell.

2.2. In Industrial Environments (Workshops, Warehouses, Labs)

• Warehouses: It is advisable to place the unit near doorways or loading/unloading areas, where outside humidity is most likely to enter. For large warehouses, multiple units should be strategically placed, or a central system with ducting should be used to distribute dry air.
• Production Workshops: Place the unit near the most humidity-sensitive areas (e.g., precision machinery, raw material storage) but ensure it does not obstruct walkways and workflows.
• Laboratories / Cleanrooms: These spaces require uniform humidity, so a central location is the best choice. The low noise level of models like the DeAir.RE-60 is a major advantage, as it does not disturb research activities.

3. Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Placing a Dehumidifier

• Placing it too close to a wall: The most common mistake that reduces efficiency and causes the machine to overheat.
• Using it in a room with open doors: This makes the machine work endlessly, never reaching the target humidity and wasting a huge amount of electricity.
• Placing objects on top or blocking the air outlet: Obstructs the flow of dry air, reducing air circulation efficiency.
• Placing it near a heat source: Heaters, stoves, etc., will force the machine to work harder to cool the air before condensation, causing overload and reducing its lifespan.