Dehumidifiers are common household appliances used to reduce humidity levels indoors. By removing excess moisture from the air, dehumidifiers help prevent mold, mildew and musty odors. They also allow you to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home.
However, there are some safety concerns when operating a dehumidifier. One question homeowners often ask is: Are dehumidifiers a fire hazard?
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
To understand if dehumidifiers pose a fire risk, it helps to know how they work. There are two main types of dehumidifiers:
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
These are the most common models for home use. Refrigerant dehumidifiers work by drawing air over a series of cold coils. The coils condense moisture out of the air, collecting it in a bucket or draining it through a hose.
The coils stay cold because of a refrigeration system, similar to a refrigerator or air conditioner. Refrigerant flows through the coils, absorbing heat from the air and cooling the metal. This causes condensation to form on the coils.
A fan pulls air across the cooled coils, lowering the air’s temperature below its dew point so moisture condenses out. The now drier air is reheated and blown back into the room.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Instead of using cold coils, desiccant dehumidifiers rely on materials that absorb moisture. Air gets drawn through a rotor containing silica gel or another hygroscopic material that adsorbs the moisture. This material gets periodically heated to release the moisture it has removed from the air.
The regenerated, dry air gets blown back into the room while the moist air gets expelled outside. Desiccant dehumidifiers don’t lower the air temperature like refrigerant models.
Do Dehumidifiers Pose a Fire Risk?
So do either of these dehumidifier designs make them a potential fire hazard? Let’s go through the main fire risks and how they relate to dehumidifiers.
Risk #1: Flammable Refrigerants
Many refrigerant dehumidifiers use a flammable gas like R-22 or R-410A as the refrigerant. While Rare, leaks can occur in the refrigerant lines or coils that allow this flammable gas to escape into the room air. If there is a nearby ignition source like a spark or open flame, these refrigerant gases could ignite.
However, the amount of refrigerant in a dehumidifier is very small – only a few ounces. This makes the chance of a dangerous leak leading to a fire very unlikely. Proper handling by manufacturers and yearly maintenance checks for leaks can further reduce any risk.
Risk #2: Electrical Issues
Like most appliances, dehumidifiers rely on electricity for operation. This means there is some inherent fire hazard due to potential electrical faults. Issues like loose wiring, defective components or overloaded circuits could lead to overheating and ignition of nearby flammable materials.
However, modern dehumidifiers contain multiple safeguards to prevent electrical fires. These include:
- Fuse boxes or circuit breakers to automatically shut off power in an overload
- High-quality wiring and insulated connections
- Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) outlets on many models
- Automatic shutoff if the unit overheats or tips over
As long as you buy a brand-name dehumidifier from a reputable retailer, it should meet the latest electrical safety standards that drastically reduce any fire risk.
Risk #3: Improper Location
Where you place a dehumidifier can impact fire safety. Because dehumidifiers pull a lot of moisture from the air, placing them near flammable materials could be hazardous.
For instance, putting a dehumidifier right next to drapes or bedding can remove moisture from these materials and make them more prone to ignition. The same goes for positioning a dehumidifier too close to clothing, books, furniture or papers.
Proper placement is part of reducing fire risk with a dehumidifier. Leave at least one foot of clearance on all sides between the appliance and any flammable items. Don’t put it in closets or cramped spaces without adequate ventilation.
Dehumidifier Fire Safety Tips
While major risks are low, it’s smart to take precautions when operating a dehumidifier to maximize safety:
- Buy from a reputable brand and check it meets current safety certifications
- Position away from flammable materials like drapes or bedding
- Leave plenty of clearance on all sides for airflow
- Don’t use extension cords – plug directly into a wall outlet
- Have it inspected yearly for refrigerant leaks or electrical issues
- Clean dust and debris from coils and grilles regularly
- Turn off and unplug when not in use for long periods
- Don’t try to repair it yourself – seek professional help
You should also check the dehumidifier frequently while running. Make sure the bucket doesn’t overflow and spill water, which could create an electrical hazard. Watch that the appliance isn’t overheating or making strange noises that could indicate an issue.
Dehumidifier Alternatives
If you’re concerned about potential fire hazards with electric dehumidifiers, there are some alternatives to consider:
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
As mentioned earlier, these work differently than refrigerant models by absorbing moisture into drying materials. They don’t require coils or compressors, avoiding refrigerant leaks. The units run at room temperature rather than getting cold, reducing risk of condensation issues.
However, desiccant dehumidifiers can cost more upfront and be less energy efficient than refrigerant types. And there is still some electrical fire risk, though minimal with quality models.
Ventilation Improvements
Sometimes humidity can be reduced through better ventilation rather than a dehumidifier. Strategies include:
- Opening windows regularly – especially when cooking or showering
- Using exhaust fans when humidity-generating activities occur
- Adding vents or fans to crawlspaces and attics
- Running AC which acts as a dehumidifier while cooling
Improved airflow can remove humid air and reduce the need to actively dehumidify in some situations.
Passive Dehumidifiers
Special materials can passively absorb and trap moisture without fans or electricity:
- Moisture-absorbing packs – these contain crystals like calcium chloride
- Dehumidifying containers – items like Eva-Dry rely on silica gel
- DampRid hangs on walls to soak up humid air
The downside is needing to regularly replace packs and materials in passive dehumidifiers. But they provide an option with virtually no fire risk.
Conclusion
Overall, dehumidifiers do carry a slight fire hazard due to their electrical components and use of flammable refrigerants in some models. However, design improvements and safety standards have made modern units very reliable.
With proper placement away from flammables along with routine maintenance and cleaning, dehumidifiers pose minimal risk. Just take sensible precautions, and inspect your unit regularly to identify any potential electrical or mechanical issues before they occur.
If you follow safety best practices and choose a high-quality dehumidifier from a leading brand, a fire is very unlikely. These appliances can effectively and safely reduce humidity when used properly.