use less energy: high or low setting on a dehumidifier?

[rh71]

If I set it to something like 55%, it will auto-shut off when it reaches that level. But obviously high uses more energy. Does it save energy if I use low to reach that number even though it takes longer?

Don't care that it's humid for longer, just that it takes it out at some point. We're not down there at all but I have some sweaty gear I'm trying to dry out for the next time. Having a dry basement is a bonus.

 

[rh71]

it's been 8 minutes, no answer? ATOT is slipping.

 

[sdifox]

just turn on your ac

 

[Ronstang]

If your goal is to use less energy then man up and turn the damned thing off.

 

[Red Squirrel]

You are probably better off keeping it at max as my guess is the max/med/low setting is just for the fan, the compressor is most likely still running at the same pace, and that's what uses most of the power. You could make a split wire cord and use a clamp on amp meter to test each setting and go from there though. Then figure out how long it runs and break it down in kwh to see how much each setting uses in a given day.

If you have central AC, you are better to turn that on instead though since it will cool down and take out the humidity. A dehumidifier is basically a small AC with no exhaust so it will just heat the room up.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

What sort of sweaty gear are we talking about? Can it go in a dryer? Seems that would be more economical than a dehumidifier.

 

[rh71]

it's hockey gear which doesn't get washed after every game but needs to air dry - pretty difficult in a damp basement. And that's the only place I can leave it as I have no garage. A buddy recommended I put it next to a de-humidifier to dry anyway and in the summer it would run full time (question would've applied then too). Right now it's not quite damp down there but not good enough to air dry. I don't have central air ducts in the basement. I'll go for high.

If your goal is to use less energy then man up and turn the damned thing off.

Not even stinky athletes like stinky gear.

 

[Thegonagle]

High will move more air. If your gear is near the machine, the additional air movement will help dry it faster.

 

[Red Squirrel]

You could also blow a fan on it, that will help too. Though you'll still need the dehumidifier if it's very humid but the fan will speed up the drying process.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

You can't air it outside?

 

[rh71]

You can't air it outside?

I'm not leaving stuff I wear outside overnight after I get home at midnight. Also I really wanted to know about the dehumidifier. The high/low does say "fan speed" on it so I guess high makes sense.