A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air.
But perhaps you could be wondering: “does a dehumidifier heat a room?”
Well, in this post, we look to answer this question and then go over other dehumidifier questions.
Does A Dehumidifier Heat A Room?
A dehumidifier can heat up a room, depending on the setting it is on. The heat is generated by the compressor turning on. Also, the heat can come from the dried air that passes over the hot coils during the moisture removal process. This can result in a dehumidifier heating up a room.
Let’s take a closer look at how a dehumidifier heats a room…
Humid air is brought into the dehumidifier, where it’s cooled so that its water vapor reaches a level of saturation with respect to temperature.
When this state occurs, water droplets form on surfaces in contact with cooling coils or other objects in which they are absorbed as a liquid from their gaseous states—a phenomenon called condensation.
The dried air then leaves through an outlet after being heated naturally by passing over hot coils connected to another part of the device known as a condenser.
Another way a dehumidifier heats a room is through its compressor.
When it runs, the compressor generates heat. And when the compressor is on, it directs air out of a vent to warm up an adjacent room or area.
How Much Heat Does A Dehumidifier Produce?
Generally, the amount of heat a dehumidifier produces depends on how much water it removes from the air.
While the temperature rise may not be noticeable, sometimes the dehumidifier can increase the room temperature by as much as 15 degrees.
The heat generated from a dehumidifier is also dependent on the settings it’s set at—namely, whether or not the compressor and vent are running, how efficient its coils are, and other factors such as insulation in your home.
The greater the humidity level of an area that a dehumidifier has heated with a thermostat setting for heating mode turned on, the more energy will be required to maintain this higher air temperature versus when it was used in the cooling mode without any thermostatic control.
Does A Dehumidifier Reduce Heating Bills?
If a dehumidifier is used in cooling mode, then it may. And if the compressor and vent are turned off—meaning that heat from the device’s coils isn’t being emitted into an area of the home where heating equipment might be acting like a furnace or radiator.
This could reduce your energy costs for wintertime as well. Also, if you live in a dry climate, then the dehumidifier might reduce your heating bill.
How To Vent Heat From A Dehumidifier?
To vent heat from your dehumidifier, follow the following steps:
1. Turn off the compressor and vent.
If you have a thermostat, set it to cool mode or turn it off altogether.
2. In wintertime, with no heat on in your home, close windows to block out any drafts that could produce extra warmth from other sources like heating vents.
If you don’t want to do this because of cold air coming into the house, either crack open a window just enough for fresh air but not enough to let the drafty wind come through or use an exhaust fan by installing one near where the dehumidifier is positioned.
This will help push moisture and heated air outside rather than letting it stay inside. They would create condensation and make the environment feel humid (or if there are humidifiers inside the home, it could increase humidity levels in some rooms).
3. Keep your dehumidifier a couple of feet away from walls or other objects that might be vulnerable to heat, like furniture or curtains.
4. If you have a window air conditioning unit, it must be in use and on the opposite side of your home as where the dehumidifier is positioned so that they both work to keep each other cool.
Can You Use A Dehumidifier As A Heater?
While a dehumidifier may sometimes heat a room, you cannot use it as a heater.
This machine is not designed for that purpose.
Again, the temperature rise it produces may not be noticeable, but it’s not a heater. Therefore, you cannot replace your HVAC system with a dehumidifier because these two appliances have different purposes and needs.
The dehumidifier has a heater built into it, but this is not the same as using it to heat an entire room or area of your home.
Also, unlike many other heating systems, which are self-regulating to maintain a certain temperature level set by a thermostat (or if there’s no thermostat, the temperature will rise to a point where it’ll automatically shut off), a dehumidifier can run continuously.
Dehumidifier vs. Heater
A dehumidifier is a device that removes excess moisture in the air, and it can lower your heating bills.
A heater is a device that produces heat to warm an area or room up by means of convection currents or infrared radiation (IR). A dehumidifier cannot replace your heating system because they work differently.
The main difference between a dehumidifier and heater is that while they both produce warmth-based sources for warming areas, one operates through ventilation systems that release hot air into the environment outside when used as cooling equipment.
The other releases hot gases from its coils internally without venting them outwards like with heating modes.
Again, a dehumidifier just heats a room through its process of removing moisture from the air. It is not designed to heat rooms.
On the other hand, a heater is designed to produce heat using convection currents or infrared radiation.
Should You Run A Dehumidifier When Heat Is On?
A dehumidifier can be run even when heat is on, and there are two reasons why this might happen.
However, you need to pay attention to the room temperature and humidity levels, which may cause you to spend more money on your heating system.
Also, it’s important to note that running a dehumidifier and heater at the same time will not reduce your heating bill.
Final Thoughts
A dehumidifier may heat a room, but as we have seen, this depends on various factors like air circulation, climate, and the settings you have on.
I would put it this way: a dehumidifier doesn’t “intentionally” heat a room. It only does this while removing moisture from the air.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We will be glad to help.
Looking For Dehumidifier Guides?
If you’re looking for more dehumidifier resources, consider checking out our other posts on dehumidifiers.
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(Author)
Irene Batres is eager to help others create an indoor allergen-free home. She has years of experience testing out air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other products designed to help with indoor air quality. Learn more about me.
