Dehumidifier constantly running...???

I've notice that ever since the weather has cooled down that my dehumidifier is running non-stop. Before I would just have to set it on the humidity level and it would kick on every so often. Now I have to put it on the 3hr on- 3hr off mode so it's not running all the time. Is this normal??? I have a bungalow style home with an unfinished basement. No musty odors or any mold problems. Thanks for the help.

 

June,

Usually cooler temps have nothing to do with units running constantly as it is usually winter time that one needs to add moisture to the air if a home is properly sealed and methods have been done to limit infiltration of moisture from basements, crawls spaces and slabs.

If it is running constantly and water is flowing from it, then you have high levels of humdity which means your unit is working fine.

If it is running constantly and no water is flowing, it may be in need of repair.

In the summer humidity is more a nuisance than a problem. High humidity can make warm days uncomfortable, and hot days unbearable. Controlling humidity can lower heating and cooling demands. High humidity may also cause mold and mildew problems.

In winter, however, high humidity can cause condensation problems where warm moist air meets cold air. These are usually visible in window and door areas. Even more concerning would be condensation where you can’t see it. This could eventually cause structural problems.

You need to purchase a hygrometer. It is a device that measures the moisture content of the air in your home in the area the hygrometer is placed. A home needs to stay at 40-50% Relative humidity, anything 60% or higher will grow mold.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks for the info Doug. I'll have to look into purchasing a hygrometer to check what level my basement is at. I'm currently running the dehumidifier at 70% and it's is filling in about 2 days.