Most households only need to run a dehumidifier for a few hours each day. The exact time depends on the size of the room, the level of humidity and how much moisture you produce.
Typical run times
- Normal daily use: one to three hours.
- Laundry drying: four to six hours.
- Very damp rooms: up to eight hours initially.
When to stop
You can stop once humidity reaches around fifty percent or when the windows and surfaces look dry. Many units cycle on and off automatically once the room reaches the target humidity.
If you run it too long
Air can become overly dry which causes irritation to skin and throat. It also wastes energy. Aim for a comfortable fifty percent rather than running constantly.
Quick tip
If your machine never reaches the target humidity, it may be too small for the space or placed in the wrong position. A larger twenty litre model is better for big rooms and busy homes.