A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess relative humidity from the environment, ensuring a healthier air and creating a more suitable atmosphere for activities that require controlled humidity.
Humidity level represents the amount of water present in the air. The ideal range for health and well-being is around 50% to 60% humidity. If it falls between 35% and 40%, the air is too dry. Between 65% and 80%, the air is too humid, which can be detrimental to health, objects, equipment, and materials. Above 90%, the air becomes extremely humid, increasing the risk of mold and mildew formation, as well as the proliferation of dust mites, fungi, and bacteria.
With residential, commercial, or industrial applications, an air dehumidifier ensures the control of humidity levels as needed.

Using a dehumidifier is important to control the air humidity within the recommended range of 50%-60%, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This helps protect residents from respiratory illnesses and preserve the integrity of belongings in the environment.

Environments with humidity levels above 60% become favorable for the proliferation of dust mites and fungi, microorganisms that can cause respiratory allergies and skin diseases (such as scabies, for example). They can also lead to the deterioration of furniture, clothing, and objects.

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that are present in large quantities on the surfaces of mattresses, sofas, pillows, carpets, curtains, among others. Recognized as allergens, they can trigger asthma and rhinitis attacks.
The most effective way to control dust mites is by maintaining proper humidity levels and ensuring thorough cleaning of the environment.

Fungi, which rapidly multiply, are responsible for causing grayish and greenish stains on clothing, objects, walls, and wooden furniture. When dispersed in the air, they can also cause allergies when inhaled. Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi and encompass over 30,000 species. They consume a wide range of materials, including leather, paper, wood, metal, artworks, books, modern electronics, carpets, curtains, and cabinets – essentially anything.

The higher the humidity and temperature in the environment, the more favorable the conditions for their proliferation. Even the healthiest individuals, when frequently exposed to dust mites and fungi, can develop certain illnesses.

The effects of air humidity on health can vary depending on the level at which it exists.

Low air humidity, often reported on television, hampers body hydration and slows down bodily functions. Symptoms of low humidity impacting the body include dryness in the eyes and mouth, throat irritation, decreased nasal mucus production, and, in severe cases, bleeding.

On the other hand, excessive humidity, commonly found indoors, promotes the development of respiratory diseases and allergies. Above 60% humidity, it creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of dust mites and fungi, microorganisms that rapidly grow and trigger rhinitis and asthma attacks. Common symptoms include sneezing, throat irritation, eye and nasal irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Fungi are also responsible for mold and mildew formation on walls, objects, and even food. These microorganisms release mycotoxins, toxic substances that, when ingested or inhaled in high quantities, can cause complications, particularly in the kidneys and liver.

The Desidrat air dehumidifier controls the humidity levels in the environment, preserving health and preventing the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, without drying out the air. Simply select the desired humidity level on the control panel.

Once we plug in the air dehumidifier and set the desired humidity level on the control panel, the humid air is drawn into the dehumidifier by a fan. The air then comes into contact with a cold coil, causing a temperature difference that leads to condensation. Once the vapor is transformed into water, it drips into the reservoir until it becomes full and the dehumidifier automatically shuts off. The dry air is then released back into the environment with controlled humidity between 50% and 60%.

An environment should not be too dry or too humid. The ideal humidity range for human health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is between 50% and 60%. By using a dehumidifier, it is possible to control the air humidity accordingly.

There are many options in the market to improve and maintain air quality, including dehumidifiers, purifiers, and sterilizers. Despite their distinct names, many people are still unsure about the exact function of each and the differences between these devices.

A sterilizer's function is to heat the air to the point where it kills fungi, dust mites, and bacteria. It does not have filters, and the room temperature cannot be regulated. It lacks a fan to force air through the heating element, so its efficiency is limited to the air in close proximity.

A purifier, on the other hand, filters the air in the environment. Dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and pollen are some of the impurities that are captured by the filters inside the device. A fan forces the air through activated carbon and HPP filters, returning the air to the atmosphere with a 99.7% higher level of cleanliness. However, it does not eliminate the conditions necessary for microbial life, such as humidity, so they can reoccur.

An air dehumidifier removes excess moisture in the form of vapor from the air. In other words, this device allows for the control of humidity levels within a space. By controlling humidity, it prevents the proliferation of dust mites, fungi, and other microorganisms that rely on moisture for survival. Additionally, the fan draws air from the environment, which then comes into contact with a wet curtain that can trap up to 90% of suspended particles, including household dust. This effectively filters the air in the environment and reduces the inhalation of allergens.

Yes, it is still necessary to have a dehumidifier even if you have an air conditioner. While both appliances use condensation technology, there are some fundamental differences between an air dehumidifier and an air conditioner.

Let's understand what air humidity is...

Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor dispersed in the atmosphere. It influences temperature, thermal sensation, and periods of rainfall.

Relative humidity values can range from 0% to 100%, with 100% representing the maximum amount of water vapor in the air. High humidity levels (above 65%) can be detrimental to health and lead to the deterioration of material possessions. Therefore, it is important to dehumidify the environment.

A dehumidifier is specifically designed to remove excess moisture from the air, while an air conditioner is primarily intended to regulate the temperature of the environment.

Although some air conditioner models have a "dry" function (also known as a dehumidifying function) that removes some condensed water, its performance for this purpose is significantly lower when compared to a dedicated dehumidifier. For example, in the Desidrat Design line, there are residential dehumidifiers capable of extracting up to 20 liters of water from the air per day.

After running for a long time, an air conditioner can excessively dry out the environment as it lacks effective control over humidity. When it reaches this point, it will have consumed a considerable amount of electricity. Excessively dry air can cause irritation to the respiratory system, especially for those who suffer from respiratory conditions.

On the other hand, a dehumidifier is equipped with a sensor called a hygrostat, which constantly measures the humidity level. When the device reaches the set humidity percentage, it enters standby mode, maintaining only the ventilation function.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal humidity levels for human health range between 50% and 60%. These levels can be maintained through the use of a dehumidifier with a hygrostat.

A dehumidifier intelligently controls humidity levels while saving energy.

During the winter season when air conditioners are typically not in use, humidity control becomes even more necessary. Due to lower temperatures, residences tend to be closed, leading to an accumulation of excess humidity caused by hot showers, cooking, drying clothes indoors, among other factors.

The use of a dehumidifier is recommended throughout the year, and its operation does not cause uncomfortable temperature variations in the room where it is installed.

Moreover, a dehumidifier is essential in rooms with higher moisture accumulation, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, where the use of an air conditioner is not as common and may not yield satisfactory results.

It is believed that the climatic variations between the two seasons require people to adapt to a new level of air humidity. However, regardless of the season, location, or environment, the safe humidity level for humans, animals, and plants remains the same.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the ideal relative humidity (RH) for everyone is between 50% and 60%. Above or below this range, humidity can pose risks to health and material possessions.

In enclosed spaces such as rooms in the house, you can use a digital hygrometer or datalogger to measure the humidity level. Some models of Desidrat air dehumidifiers also provide measurements of humidity and temperature in the environment.

It is important to note that excessive humidity indoors can occur both in summer and winter, as internal and external humidity levels are not necessarily equivalent and tend to vary based on factors such as:

• The number of people and plants in the environment.
• Activities such as bathing and cooking.
• The number of doors and windows in the area.
• And other factors.

If you are curious about the humidity level in your city, you can consult the website of INPE (National Institute for Space Research). There, you can find information about humidity levels and air quality in different regions, including which neighborhoods may have higher risks associated with humidity.

Low humidity in the air can also have negative effects on health, which is why there are alerts on television. When humidity levels drop below 30%, regions are put on alert. In response to dry air, the body shows signs such as dry skin, throat, and difficulty breathing caused by nasal passage irritation.

When facing such low humidity levels, many people use air humidifiers, which are electrical devices that distribute tiny droplets of water in the form of mist throughout the environment, increasing the relative humidity without proper control.

However, it is important to be cautious because the air indoors is naturally more humid due to the moisture generated by daily activities, such as hot showers and cooking. Even our own bodies contribute around 15% of humidity to the indoor environment.

Remember that excessive humidity also has negative effects on health and creates an ideal microclimate for the proliferation of fungi, mites, and bacteria.

On the other hand, a dehumidifier controls humidity levels by removing excess water vapor from the air through the condensation process. It ensures that humidity levels are within the ideal range, avoiding health issues caused by either insufficient or excessive humidity.

It depends. Depending on the cubic footage of the space, a single dehumidifier can serve two to three rooms in the house, allowing you to rotate its placement. However, keep in mind that the life cycle of fungi is around 30 days, so it is recommended to return the dehumidifier to its initial location after this period.

However, if the rooms do not have the appropriate cubic footage for your dehumidifier's capacity, it is advisable to use a suitable dehumidifier to ensure comfort and have complete control over humidity levels.

Kitchens and Pantries:
When cooking, it is inevitable to produce steam, and a dehumidifier is very useful in pantries to protect stored products from the growth of fungi that cause mold and mildew on items such as salt, coffee, grains, cereals, bread, and flour.

Libraries, Rooms with Archives, and Paper Storage:
A dehumidifier provides efficient protection for books, archives, and papers against the growth of dust mites and fungi, which can cause stains, wrinkles, and a musty odor in the paper.

Bedrooms and Living Rooms:
Bedrooms are often affected by moisture, especially if there is an attached bathroom. The water vapor from hot showers migrates to the bedroom and closets, promoting the growth of fungi and mold on walls, furniture, clothing, shoes, and accessories. A dehumidifier directly combats this excess moisture. In the living room, dust mites tend to accumulate in sofas, carpets, curtains, and rugs, causing allergies and respiratory problems. Fungi can deteriorate wood, fibrous objects, and fabrics, making it essential to control the humidity in this area.

Home Offices, Offices, and Computer Rooms:
Oxidation, a type of rust caused by fungi, can corrode not only metal but also electrical and electronic components. To prevent these objects from deteriorating due to oxidation, it is necessary to maintain the air humidity at the recommended levels between 50% and 60%.

Utility Rooms and Laundry Areas:
A dehumidifier speeds up the drying of clothes and helps maintain a pleasant odor in the room.

Wine Cellars:
A dehumidifier maintains the ideal humidity level for preserving distilled beverages and wines, as well as keeping corks in perfect condition. Excessive humidity can damage corks and affect the quality and taste of the beverages.

Photographic Studios:
Fungi can damage photographic films, as they feed on the chemical emulsion that coats the films. They can permanently destroy the photographic archives. Additionally, some fungi feed on glass and can damage camera lenses or microscopes. Repairing lenses involves a specific process and costs.

Indoor Swimming Pools:
To prevent glass doors and windows from fogging up and to avoid the discomfort of a "sauna effect," it is recommended to use a dehumidifier. The Desidrat dehumidifier also helps preserve the building's structure, which can be affected by excess moisture caused by the heated pool.

Gyms:
Higher humidity makes it harder to perspire and cool down the body temperature. A humid environment hampers heat loss and can negatively impact performance and health. Therefore, it is ideal to maintain humidity levels between 50% and 60% in areas designated for physical exercise in the house.

A dehumidifier can be used in any space, as long as it is suitable for its volumetric capacity (m³) and the environment remains mostly closed, without external interferences.

Additionally, it is necessary to consider the number of people who typically occupy the area.

In the case of multiple spaces, such as meeting rooms or bedrooms, a rotation system can be implemented, allowing the equipment to operate in each area for two to three days, without exceeding that timeframe. This treatment period interrupts the life cycle of fungi.

The dehumidifier can be continuously operated or used for specific periods, depending on the environment and needs. Due to their silent operation, constant use is recommended, even in bedrooms and during the night, as they provide low noise levels and comfort.

• The equipment should be installed on a flat surface and ensure that the voltage is correct (127v or 220v, check before plugging it into the outlet).
• The equipment should be kept away from walls and other furniture to prevent obstruction of air intake and outlet. Leave at least 30cm of clearance around all sides of the equipment.
• The filter of the equipment should be cleaned every 15 days or as needed according to the instructions in the manual for each model. Depending on the environment, if there is excessive suspended dust, weekly cleaning may be necessary. Watch the video on how to clean your Desidrat: https://youtu.be/vGgNMUintUk
• The room dehumidifier is very easy to operate. Simply choose the desired relative humidity (RH) level on the control panel, and the equipment will work autonomously. It is important to remember that the ideal humidity level is between 50% and 60%.
• Except for industrial models, most residential models drain the condensed water into a reservoir, which interrupts the dehumidification process when it becomes full. After emptying and reinserting the reservoir, the equipment will resume operation.
• Many residential models have the option for continuous drainage, which makes it easier to use the dehumidifier as it does not require monitoring or emptying the reservoir. It is important to pay attention to the installation, ensuring a 45° angle for water drainage and not exceeding a hose length of 1.5m. Watch the video on how to use the drain: https://youtu.be/5vEkXwZJWh4

What not to do:

• Under no circumstances should the equipment be transported or kept in a horizontal position (lying flat), below a 45° angle.
• Do not cover the air intake or the outlet grille. This can cause overheating and irreparable damage to the equipment.
• Do not use extension cords to connect the equipment to the power supply.
• Do not use plug adapters.

Air dehumidifiers consume electricity according to their capacity. For example, one of Desidrat's best-selling models, the Plus 70, is designed to serve an area of up to 20m² and has a very low energy consumption.

Dehumidifiers have an energy consumption almost 10 times lower than that of an air conditioner. It is a relatively low expenditure when compared to the benefits that the equipment can provide.

The main tip to save even more is to keep the environment tightly closed so that the dehumidification process occurs as quickly as possible, allowing the equipment to enter standby mode, keeping only the ventilation system active.

A humidistat is a component found in some models of Desidrat equipment that measures the amount of humidity present in an environment. In other words, it measures the relative humidity percentage of the air. In air dehumidifiers, it functions by automatically shutting off the device when the selected humidity level is reached. It also acts as an energy-saving feature by controlling the dehumidification process and standby mode, automatically turning off the equipment when the desired humidity level is achieved. The humidistat is used to control dampers, valves, and other switches in the air conditioning system that regulate the airflow, thereby controlling the humidity level in specific environments.

When a device does not have a humidistat, it operates only in continuous mode, which can lower the humidity to levels as low as 30% relative humidity. According to Cepagri (Center for Meteorological and Climate Research Applied to Agriculture), humidity below 30% is detrimental to our health due to:

• - Aggravation of allergies and respiratory illnesses due to drying of mucous membranes
• - Nosebleeds
• - Dry skin
• - Irritated eyes
• - Increased static electricity in people and electronic devices
• - Increased wildfires in green areas

Dehumidifiers equipped with a humidistat also offer the option of operating in continuous mode if the customer wishes to lower the relative humidity to lower levels. However, the ideal range for human beings, animals, and plants is around 50% to 60% according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These levels ensure air quality and prevent the proliferation of dust mites and fungi.

The humidistat is a precise and reliable instrument that helps the dehumidifier operate with maximum efficiency, keeping your home, business, or industry free from impurities without compromising health or causing discomfort.

There are two types of humidistats available: mechanical and digital. A mechanical humidistat measures humidity using a polymer connected to an electrical circuit. This polymer retains or releases water depending on the humidity conditions in the environment, and it sends a signal to the relay (electromechanical switch) to activate or deactivate the compressor of the equipment.

On the other hand, a digital sensor humidistat consists of an integrated circuit (IC) and a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) component, which converts physical quantities (humidity and temperature) into electrical signals. The high sensitivity to changes in temperature and humidity is an important characteristic of this type of sensor.

Thermomatic offers equipment with both mechanical and digital humidistats. Please consult our sales representatives for the best solution for your environment.

Humidity is the amount of water in the form of vapor dispersed in the air. It is one of the most important elements of the atmosphere and influences temperature, thermal sensation, and rainfall patterns. The water vapor determines the relative humidity of the air and is directly influenced by temperature. It represents the relationship between the maximum amount of vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature, known as the saturation point. When humidity is low, the temperature range (difference between the highest and lowest temperatures during a specific period of time) tends to be greater, resulting in hot days and very cold nights.

The movement of air masses, proximity to bodies of water, and the type of vegetation in each region directly influence the level of humidity. The incidence of particles in the air is even more pronounced in regions with higher population density, largely due to pollution levels found in the most remote parts of the planet.

Relative humidity is the ratio between the amount of water present in the air (absolute humidity) and the maximum amount of water that could exist at the same temperature (saturation point), according to the Center for Emergency Management (CGE). This maximum amount of water represents the limit that can be absorbed by the air. The instrument used to measure relative humidity is called a hygrometer. It is essential to accurately measure humidity in a specific location.

Both excessive humidity and low humidity can be harmful. While low humidity can cause throat irritation and nosebleeds, high humidity affects your health, home, and belongings. Can you imagine a deteriorated environment full of people with respiratory problems? Nobody wants that, right? Excessive humidity can cause or trigger various respiratory tract diseases, including rhinitis and the dreaded asthma. It also promotes the proliferation of microorganisms such as mold-causing fungi.

That's why humidity control is so important. Maintaining humidity levels within the range recommended by the World Health Organization (between 50% and 60%) ensures a safe environment for your health.

The defrost function of an air dehumidifier is an intelligent sensor that detects ice formation on the evaporator. Freezing tends to occur when the ambient temperature is below 17°C.

To prevent malfunctions and loss of efficiency caused by ice formation, the defrost system temporarily shuts off the compressor to allow for the defrosting of the evaporator.

The time required to complete the automatic defrost cycle depends on the temperature and relative humidity of the ambient air. When this cycle starts, the indicator light for automatic defrost, located on the dehumidifier's control panel, illuminates to signal the process.

The use of an air dehumidifier is effective against the proliferation of fungi, as it controls the relative humidity of the air at levels suitable for human health (between 50% and 60% according to the World Health Organization), making the environment inhospitable for the development of these microorganisms, which require high humidity to thrive.

There are more than 80,000 species of fungi in nature, and many of them play a fundamental role in the decomposition of organic matter. But despite their great importance for the ecosystem, some of them can pose serious risks to our health, especially when inhaled or ingested.

The life cycle of fungi is typically around 30 days. They can often be seen with the naked eye when mold and mildew form in the environment. They are allergenic elements and can cause respiratory crises in individuals who already have rhinitis, asthma, or bronchitis, as they release mycotoxins, toxic substances that are harmful to health.

Moreover, if ingested in large quantities, they can cause a range of stomach ailments and, in some cases, even lead to death. They can also cause various skin and nail diseases, such as ringworm, tinea, fungal infections, among others.

It's not only our health that suffers from the effects of fungi. The mold and mildew that appear on the surface of various items, such as leather goods, walls, food, clothing, or wooden furniture, for example, can cause losses and financial damage.

By controlling the humidity levels of the air within the appropriate range (between 50% and 60% according to the World Health Organization), the dehumidifier combats the proliferation of dust mites in the environment.

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that feed on dead skin cells from humans and animals, easily inhabiting pillows, mattresses, sofa upholstery, curtains, stuffed animals, and more. One square meter of carpet can contain up to 100,000 dust mites.

Their spores and secretions are highly allergenic and can cause severe respiratory allergies in individuals with rhinitis, asthma, or bronchitis, weakening the immune system and making it more susceptible to harmful viruses and bacteria.

The primary factors for the widespread reproduction of these microorganisms are high humidity and temperature (when humidity exceeds 60%), along with areas with a high presence of dust.

The most effective treatment for allergies triggered by dust mites is prevention. By controlling the humidity, the Desidrat air dehumidifier creates an inhospitable environment for the development of dust mites, as they require high humidity to thrive. It effectively combats these microorganisms, preventing frequent respiratory crises.