Humidity Percentage – An Introduction

The humidity percentage on a dehumidifier refers to the rate of moisture present in the air. In other words, it tells you the relative humidity level in any specific space, depending on the outdoor temperature and state of ventilation.

Let us sift through this comprehensive guide about the humidity percentage.

How Does A Dehumidifier Work?

A dehumidifier is an electronic device that decreases the humidity percentage to a safe level by removing water vapours from the air and maintaining it in the long run. The humidity percentage on a dehumidifier is the desired level of humidity to be attained in a specific area.

In order to make the most of dehumidifiers, you need to fully understand the working mechanism of dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers work on the simple rule of removing water vapors from the air, as a result of which the dampness of air is removed. 

They work more like an air conditioner. The moist, warm air is drawn into the dehumidifier, worked into the coil, and cooled down. The moisture from the air is condensed into water drops, collected in a removable bucket or hose, and the dry air is released back.

The difference that an industrial dehumidifier holds against the residential ones is the specialized  manufacturing, size and the humidifying capacity.

Setting the desired humidity level for your dehumidifier setting to prevent molds and pests is not much of a big deal. The device has a dial or button marked ‘dryness level’ or ‘humidity level’. 

What Percent Humidity Feels Humid?

The correct percentage of humidity may differ according to area and the nature of operation. The location of your industrial or commercial space and its ventilation is also an important factor for the right level of dehumidifier. 

Certain spaces like the basement of your warehouse may be more humid than yours due to poor ventilation and may need a higher percentage of dehumidifiers. However, relative humidity between 30% to 50% is considered comfortable. 

Over 50% of the environment may start feeling excessively humid, and you may feel warmer than the actual temperature outside, which may cause  more bad than good.

Interpreting Higher Vs Lower Percentages

The dehumidifier percentage setting ranges between 5% – 98%. The amount of water vapors in the air exceeding its holding capacity is called relative humidity. Generally, the higher the temperature, the higher the moisture level is, and vice versa. 

If the air seems moist to you, you need to press the up button to increase the percentage of the dehumidifier.in contrast, the down button must be pressed if the air is too dry to breathe.

How Much Humidity Can A Dehumidifier Remove?

You cannot exactly conclude how much does a dehumidifier lower humidity level. Most of the industrial dehumidifiers can remove around 50-70 litres  of water per day, to even 1000 litres per day depending upon its size and capacity. Additionally, a newly installed dehumidifier may remove more vapors in the initial days. 

Still, as soon as the humidity level of your workplace reaches a favourable level, the device works in cycles. It is in regular working condition as it has a built-in sensor that shuts down once the desired level is reached.

How To Set The Humidity Level On The Dehumidifier?

Following a dehumidifier settings chart for the humidity level can be more than helpful while determining the right balance of humidity in your indoors. The hazards of high humidity aren’t confined to just damped walls and damaged furniture; your raw materials, stored goods, machines, and even chemicals may also be affected. Moreover, it gives rise to pests, molds, or other microorganisms.

A corresponding dehumidifier setting is given in the table for each temperature level, making the task easy for you. It must also be noted that if your area is prone to severe weather conditions, the settings may need to be changed accordingly.

Dehumidifier Percentage Setting

Before proceeding to the humidity percentage on a dehumidifier in any season, it’s essential to know that the right humidity level in your industry or workshop is crucial to maintain the well-being of your infrastructure, your stock, and, to some extent, your health. 

You must know the correct ratio to keep the balance, as the lower percentage of humidity might pose some damage to the production process and raw materials for you in the same way that higher humidity is hazardous for them. You must note that you need a dehumidifier in case the percentage of relative humidity in your desired space is more than 60%.

Humidity Percentage On A Dehumidifier In Winter

What should the dehumidifier be set at in winter? While winter brings dry air into your place, which is responsible for several damages and adverse effects on the production and raw materials, you need to take into account two things while using a dehumidifier. 

The water in the tank may freeze due to the low temperature and damage the dehumidifier. Secondly, dehumidifiers with silica or charcoal desiccants are more recommended for large space industrial dehumidification in freezing winters.

The humidity level in the winter must be between 45% to 70%, depending on the type of goods produced in industry . Any level higher than this may cause damage to the electrical equipment, materials, and chemicals. If you plan to buy a dehumidifier for operation under lower temperatures, e.g., if the temperature of your place falls below 60℉ in winter, low temperature dehumidifiers are the best.

Humidity Percentage On A Dehumidifier In Summer

What should I set my dehumidifier at in summer? 

Water vapor condenses when relative humidity reaches the point where the air is saturated. When enough water vapor condenses, it creates a cloud of water droplets, leading to mold and mildew growth if the air is not constantly circulated.

And if your working unit is in an area that is not only warm but also a coastal region, chances are that there will be an increased humidity in the air. In summer, the humidifier must be between 50% and 60% relative humidity to maintain moisture. High temperature dehumidifiers are ideal for areas above 95℉.

Do All Dehumidifiers Have A Humidity Percentage?

Commercial dehumidifiers are mostly equipped with tools to measure the humidity level of a space. However, if your dehumidifier model does not serve this perk, you simply have to buy a standalone hygrometer to take the humidity reading.

Final Words

After the above guide, with dehumidifier settings explained in detail, you must not ignore the fact that the relative humidity level is never fixed.  

If you are at a loss about finding the best suitable dehumidifier level for keeping your valuable machinery corrosion-free and your stocks crisp and mold-free, we are always at your disposal to assist you.