Choosing a Boat Dehumidifier
Moisture can encourage corrosion in the electronic components in your boat, not to mention that the growth of molds and mildews due to the dampness will destroy your upholstery. This is why you need a good boat dehumidifier to control the moisture levels and also keep your boat smelling fresh and clean when you feel like going for a cruise. However, not every dehumidifier will work equally effectively at controlling the humidity levels. Here are some tips that can help you choose a good marine dehumidifier for your boat.
Boat dehumidifier basics
Your boat dehumidifier should have the capacity to extract the moisture present within the boat and it should also be able to work at low temperatures. So, buy a dehumidifier that has the capacity to extract the moisture in the whole boat and at the same time works equally effectively at low temperatures. Refrigerant machines with full reversing defrost systems or desiccant-based systems are ideal as marine dehumidifiers since they work well even at lower temperatures.
Smaller models may not be effective in reducing the humidity in your boat. Buy a humidifier that is larger in size and can extract up to ten liters a day. These are more effective at keeping the humidity levels below 50 percent.
There are some compact and lightweight models available that do not occupy much floor space and can be easily mounted on the walls also. However, as mentioned above make sure that it has the capacity to extract all the moisture in your boat.
Buy a dehumidifier that has a humidistat which can make a model quite economical to use. A humidistat measures the humidity levels in the area and adjusts the dehumidifier accordingly. This feature can really save a lot of your money in terms of your overall energy costs.
Look for a boat dehumidifier with an automatic drainage system. The units can then be easily attached to a hose and the water can be allowed to drain into the sink, a tank or overboard.
Buy a dehumidifier that is ignition protected since it makes it safe to use in areas where combustible fumes may be present.
An auto restart feature after power interruption is another feature that you should look for in your marine dehumidifier. You can set the unit on a timer and leave it unattended. Not all models have this provision and in some cases you will need to press a button to make sure that the system restarts once the power comes on.
A good boat dehumidifier should be able to maintain the humidity level between 30 to 50 percent even at lower temperatures. Maintaining low moisture levels ensures that there are no dust mites, molds and mildews, and other allergens floating around in the indoor air or attached to your upholstery. Not to mention the fact that a good marine dehumidifier will take care of the damp and musty smell in your boat and keep it smelling fresh and clean.