If you don’t use your dehumidifier correctly, you could end up wasting time and money on what should be an easy home improvement job. Here are eight mistakes you want to avoid when using your dehumidifier.

Mistake #1:Using the dehumidifier outside of the correct operating temperature

Read the manual to learn about the operating range of the equipment you're working with. You should take daily measurements and adjust the environment accordingly to ensure that you're drying effectively and that your equipment is operating within the manufacturer's specified range. If the equipment has been operating for 24 to 48 hours, temperatures will rise when it leaves this temperature range. Dehumidifiers won't be effective in rooms that are over 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, you still need to control the temperature range of the room.

Mistake #2: Not measuring the correct values every day

You need to take a measurement with your meter on the material you are drying, and evaluate what the data is telling you. If you are not getting good grain depression then you need to think about why. It could be that it is outside of the acceptable temperature range, or that it is in defrost mode, Adams says.

If you're not reading your meter every day, you won't know how close you are to your target consumption.

As a result, your gear could be on but it's not working as it should, which will lead to wasted time, energy, and money.

Mistake #3: You look around the room to determine how much equipment is needed instead of making the necessary calculations

You need to get the right dehumidifier for the project and make sure you do the math. They all remove 80 gallons of water per day at 60 degrees, but depending on the project you're working on, you may need one that can remove 120 gallons.

Contractors often have to try to calculate on their own how many air conditioners they need on the first day of a project. Alorair's software and apps can help with this.

Mistake #4: You dry materials you aren't familiar with

Your ability to dry a room depends on what kind of materials you're working with because some materials are more difficult to dry than others. Since there are different drying standards for different materials in different states, you'll need to set standards for your own household as well.

There are many other types of floor coverings besides wood and carpet. To be diligent, inspectors should first make sure they're up to date on all materials they work with. If they neglect to do this, they may leave a small layer of water on the floor or think it's dry when it's not.

There could also be other damage such as mold growth or other problems such as the failure of the flooring system.

Mistake #5:You don't standardize your equipment for repairs, maintenance, and training

If you're in the field and have a piece of equipment that needs a replacement filter, you don't want to waste your valuable time on maintenance. Your technicians will have a much easier time taking care of the dehumidifiers and making sure they run smoothly if all your units are the same make and model. If you standardize your equipment, everyone who works for you'll know how to operate it, no matter what the job. In the worst-case scenario, if your dehumidifier breaks, it's easier to contact customer service and get help over the phone.

Mistake #6:Broken equipment that makes you look unprofessional

Even if you use a dehumidifier regularly and are familiar with its maintenance, it's easy to overlook it when you're just tired and constantly on the go.

If your equipment is worn out, in poor condition, or already full of dirt, your customers will question whether they can trust you to take care of their home.

Make sure your dehumidifier isn't too noisy and that it's properly maintained to keep it that way.

Maintaining your equipment is the other thing customers see besides your smile and your charisma. Even if you have the nicest smile and the most outgoing personality, if your appliances are dirty or broken, your customers won't care.

The homeowner might see your lack of equipment maintenance and wonder if you're a good candidate to do quality work.

Although proper maintenance takes little time, it'll greatly improve your performance and reputation.

Mistake #7: You don't clean your dehumidifier at the end of each job

Every time the contractor finishes a job, he or she should make sure that all the equipment is still functioning. If there is standing water on the floor, the risk of microbial growth is higher. Too much humidity in your carpets can make your dehumidifier stinky and dirty. Dirty air coming out of the dehumidifier will carry bacteria, which is going to screw up your next carpet job. If you spent a good chunk of change on your dehumidifier, make sure you know how to keep it clean when you transport it.

Mistake #8: Replace the filter screen regularly

When you clean a dehumidifier, don't forget to clean the filter, as dirt and grime may impair the unit's function. For example, if you use the unit at full power when you first set the desired relative humidity, you should clean the filter regularly. And you'll be amazed at how much dirt can accumulate in the filter of a dehumidifier.