ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR USING HUMIDIFIERS AND DEHUMIDIFIERS
Typically, humidifiers are run during colder months when various types of heating systems have a tendency to dry out the air in a home.
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air and are usually run during the warmer, more humid months. Basements are prime areas for dehumidifiers.
Here are a few ways to save energy and stay comfortable when using these appliances:
Ø Purchase a low wattage unit. If your comparing dehumidifiers with the same capacity, check the wattages on the nameplates. A lower wattage unit that does the same job is a better value.
Ø Look for a humidifier with adjustable humidistat to maintain desired humidity and set so the appliance does not run continuously.
Ø It's estimated that a 175-watt humidifier running 240 hrs. per month (approx. 8 hrs. per day) uses 42 Kwh per month. At a rate of .14 cents per Kwh, that equates to roughly $5.88 per month to run the appliance.
Ø When using a dehumidifier adjust to lowest setting that still provides adequate dehumidification.
Ø Clean the unit. Dust or vacuum the dehumidifier at least once a year before you plug it in. If the unit is difficult to clean, check the owner's manual. Most portable humidifiers on the other hand, require cleaning or sanitizing on a very frequent and regular basis. Check owner's manual.
Ø Keep in mind that a 700-watt dehumidifier running 240 hrs. per month (approx. 8 hrs. per day) uses 168 Kwh per month. Based on .14 cents per Kwh, it costs approximately $23.50 per month to run this appliance.
Ø Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers work best when air can circulate freely through the appliance. Place away from walls and bulky furniture.
Ø When shopping for appliances look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star appliances have been identified as being significantly more energy efficient than average comparable models.
Brought to you by Holden Municipal Light Department
For more information call the Energy New England Hotline at: 1-888-772-4242
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