How to Refill Your Dehumidifier
Whether it is located in your home or office, and used for allergies or comfort, the time comes when you have to refill your dehumidifier. The following article is designed to walk you through the generic steps for this process.
First: Determine the type of dehumidifier
There are two basic types of dehumidifiers: the refrigeration type and the desiccant type. The first step to refilling your dehumidifier is to determine which of these types you own. This is a relatively simple process, as refrigeration dehumidifiers work by compressing and cooling the air, and require power. If your dehumidifier has an electrical cord, it is a refrigeration type. Desiccant dehumidifiers are simpler, and work by using a chemical process. Since they require no power, and do not need to cool the air, they work great in cold environments.
Second: Refilling a desiccant dehumidifier
If you have a desiccant dehumidifier, and is not functioning at optimum capacity, refill it. First, determine what type of chemical was used originally in the dehumidifier, and purchase it from your local hardware store. Typically, desiccant dehumidifiers use a silica gel that is relatively cheap and harmless to people. Once you purchase replacement materials, open the dehumidifier, discard the old solution, and refill it.
Third: Emptying a refrigeration dehumidifier
If you have a refrigeration dehumidifier, or one that works by cooling and compressing the air, empty the water that has collected. This is considered greywater so while you cannot consume it, or feed it to pets, it is most likely suitable for watering plants around the house. For most free standing household dehumidifiers, first turn off the unit, then open the front panel and the collection pail is located at the bottom of the unit. At this time, simply remove the bucket, discard the water, and place it back in the unit. You are now ready to turn it back on.