Re: Dehumidifier recommendations-Mark

[Guest guest]

Mark,

I bought the LG dehumidifier and it has not gotten lower than 40% humidity. I

was thinking of returning it and getting the two Danby's from Costco. How low

have you been able to get the humidity in your apartment? My condo is about

1300 sq feet.

Tammy

>

> From: kihunrc <kihunshin@...>

> Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> bird mites

> Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> kihunrc. I

> guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> road and find

> this ;-O

>

> Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> and has me

> particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> for 2 weeks

> in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> will continue

> to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> it's

> certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> I'm away as it

> appears many ppl here are having good results.

>

> Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> which

> brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> away, I'd

> like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> of

> course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> they

> accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> meter?

> I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> order

> online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> pick up at

> Home Depot, that'd be great.

>

> Thanks!

>

> kihunrc

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

I have three dehumidifiers running. One is a Haier and two are Danby. The Danbys have humidity sensors; the Haier doesn't. Consumer Reports gave the Danby high marks for sensor accuracy. But, just to be sure, I bought two separate humidity sensors from Target.

For the last three days or so, I have been running two of the three in my worst room. The sensor on the Danby reported humidity there in the range of 23% to 25%. The Target sensor (at a slightly different location in the room) reported humidity in the range of 27% to 29%. The temperate stayed at or around 90 F. And, I am almost afraid to jinx myself by saying so, I think it's making a difference.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am actually considering getting portable heaters to accelerate the process. I may even buy two more dehumidifiers. At this point, it seems a small price to pay to get my life back.

Here's my review of the Danby.

First, the container for water collection is not large and requires regular emptying. Second, most dehumidifiers pull in moist air and blow out dry air. On the Danby, the dry air comes out of the top of the unit. The Haier (and most other dehumidifiers) blow hot air from the bottom of the back of the unit. Some people may not like this air blowing out of the top of the unit. Third, the directions are horrible. For example, the unit has a temperature sensor. But, the directions never mention how to switch from C to F.

On the plus side, it's extremely quiet, it seems to work very well, it allows for continuous draining, it comes with a remote and it doesn't look too bad either. Finally, if you buy from Costco.com, the price is pretty good ($199 plus shipping of $9, I think).

Good luck!!

Mark

> > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>> Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations> bird mites> Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM> > > > > > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to> kihunrc. I > guess I don't want someone to google years down the> road and find > this ;-O> > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories> and has me > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away> for 2 weeks > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites> will continue > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but> it's >

certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while> I'm away as it > appears many ppl here are having good results.> > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to> which > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be> away, I'd > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better> of > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are> they > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity> meter? > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to> order > online and await shipping so if this is something I can> pick up at > Home Depot, that'd be great.> > Thanks!> > kihunrc

[Guest guest]

Mark,

On the Danby model from Costco (I see it on their website), can you

just attach a regular garden hose for drainage or do you need to buy

special ones (maybe like the drain hoses for your washer?). Also,

do you know if it will drain against gravity? If I get it, I'd

definitely run it on 24/7 continuous draining and would drain thru

my kitchen sink.

You mention it's pretty quiet - is it quiet enough for you to sleep

in the same room? I live in a condo where it's almost like a studio

(there's a bedroom but it's not completely enclosed).

I've been thinking about the whole low humidity/high temp method.

One thing I was wondering about was whether high temp accelerates

the killing process. Since 80-90 deg is not lethal temp, I thought

high temperature just makes them reproduce quicker as opposed to

frigid winter temperatures where they largely lie dormant. So as

long as the mites are in a non-lethal temperature range, wouldn't

cooler be better since their activities will slow down? The low

humidity will dry them out regardless of temp in that case... Just a

thought...

Thanks!

Kihun

> >

> > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>

> > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > bird mites

> > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > kihunrc. I

> > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > road and find

> > this ;-O

> >

> > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > and has me

> > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > for 2 weeks

> > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > will continue

> > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > it's

> > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > I'm away as it

> > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> >

> > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > which

> > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > away, I'd

> > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > of

> > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > they

> > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > meter?

> > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > order

> > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > pick up at

> > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> > kihunrc

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammy,

Living also in the same area as you, I haven't been able to get the

dehumidifier below 45% or so. I wonder if our climate has something

to do with that? I live in a smaller place than yours and boy the

temperature goes up to about 85 degrees when that dehumidifier is

working! My electric bill for the A/C will be something else as I am

sure it will be for all of us running these things! Is your place

heating up a whole lot, too? (my dehumidifier from Home Depot is a

Goldstar-30 pt) Hope you are making great strides!

Lady Dee

> >

> > From: kihunrc <kihunshin@...>

> > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > bird mites

> > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > kihunrc. I

> > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > road and find

> > this ;-O

> >

> > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > and has me

> > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > for 2 weeks

> > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > will continue

> > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > it's

> > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > I'm away as it

> > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> >

> > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > which

> > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > away, I'd

> > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > of

> > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > they

> > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > meter?

> > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > order

> > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > pick up at

> > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> >

> > Thanks!

> >

> > kihunrc

>

[Guest guest]

Tammy/Lady Dee,

Would we want to get a unit with the largest pint capacity possible

(without getting into the true basement dehumifier category as they

tend to be too large and noisy)? I see an LG at Home Depot online

that can do 25 pints/day. The Danby at Costco is rated at 58

pints/day, good reviews online, quiet according to Mark, and you get

the excellent Costco warranty/return policy.

Unless you need it today (since it's online only), I'd probably go

with the Costco Danby. I OTOH need one today so I think I'm just

gonna go visit local B & M stores and pick something up.

Thinking about this Frigidaire model:

http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail.asp?

SID=n & ProductID=20315 & BrandStore=All

This one says " Continuous operation is possible when unit is located

near a suitable drain " <-- what does " near a suitable drain " mean?

That you can't connect a hose and run it to the bathtub? The drain

has to be right there at ground level?

Or this Danby model:

http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail.asp?

SID=n & ProductID=21805 & BrandStore=All

My only concern is just how loud is it going to be?

I'm not sure whether Mark's running this Haier model

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?

skuId=8635694 & st=dehumidifier & type=product & id=1194052961920

but the horrid reviews has got me scared to buy this model. I like

the features and the price is excellent tho.

Let's keep each other updated on which model(s) we end up buying!

kihunrc

> > >

> > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin@>

> > > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > > bird mites

> > > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > > kihunrc. I

> > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > > road and find

> > > this ;-O

> > >

> > > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > > and has me

> > > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > > for 2 weeks

> > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > > will continue

> > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > > it's

> > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > > I'm away as it

> > > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> > >

> > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > > which

> > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > > away, I'd

> > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > > of

> > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > > they

> > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > > meter?

> > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > > order

> > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > > pick up at

> > > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > > kihunrc

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Ki,

Thanks for the Danby recommendation. Maybe next month I will look

into those dehumidifiers....gosh with two of them running, the place

will be heat treated by default! Can't beat that! Ha! Got to get

rid of these demons....cooked and dried both!

Have you or others noticed more " dead " black specks around your homes

since running the dehumidifiers? Thanks!

Lady Dee

> > > >

> > > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin@>

> > > > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > > > bird mites

> > > > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > > > kihunrc. I

> > > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > > > road and find

> > > > this ;-O

> > > >

> > > > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > > > and has me

> > > > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > > > for 2 weeks

> > > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > > > will continue

> > > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > > > it's

> > > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > > > I'm away as it

> > > > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> > > >

> > > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > > > which

> > > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > > > away, I'd

> > > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > > > of

> > > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > > > they

> > > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > > > meter?

> > > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > > > order

> > > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > > > pick up at

> > > > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks!

> > > >

> > > > kihunrc

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Kihun,

Although the instructions say otherwise (!), the Danby comes with a drainage hose. I think the unit is designed to work with a standard garden hose if the hose provided is not long enough.

Unfortunately, it does not seem to be intended for drainage against gravity; however, the instructions are not clear on this point. I will be using the drainage feature directly into a shower drain with not tub wall to put the hose over. Maybe Danby's customer service line can give you more help with this question. Here's the number: (800) 263-2629.

Regarding your other questions:

First, I think the Danby is very quiet. My Haier was so noisy that it disturbed my sleep even when I was wearing ear plugs! This one makes a nice steady "white" noise that I find very pleasant. It might seem loud if you don't like "white" noise. But, in comparison to the Haier, it's very quiet. If it's nearly in another room or some distance across a large room, I don't think most people will be bothered by the noise. This is the type of "white" noise that actually helps me fall asleep.

Second, I don't understand the science of it but, if you look back to the PowerPoint presentation I sent along from a link Jeff sent in his "Please Don't Water the Mites" message, the data may suggest that both low and high temperatures could work. Here "low" would be below 68 F. There are actually graphs in the PowerPoint that will help you see what temperatures seem to facilitate mortality. Let me know if you think the PowerPoint helps answer this question. Someone might want to consider testing COOL/DRY as an alternative to HOT/DRY.

By the way, this is different from killing with heat. To actually kill through heat, I think the temperature has to be at, and ideally above, 150 F. Here, you're not trying to use temperature to kill but to accelerate dessication (which may ultimately kill). The higher you get the room temperature over the 75 F temperature in which they thrive (hosting wild parties and feasts on you!), the more effective the low humidity is. Thus, HOT/DRY speeds up drying. If you shoot for 80 F and you keeping your humidity below 30%, the process should take about five weeks. If you can get the termperature above 80 F, you may be able to shorten the five week period, depending on how high over 80 F you go and how dry your dehumidifier is keeping the apartment. Again, in this approach, you're not using heat to kill directly but rather to speed

up drying (which should lead to death).

Mark

From: kihunrc <kihunshin@...>Subject: Re: Dehumidifier recommendations-Markbird mites Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 3:26 PM

Mark,On the Danby model from Costco (I see it on their website), can you just attach a regular garden hose for drainage or do you need to buy special ones (maybe like the drain hoses for your washer?). Also, do you know if it will drain against gravity? If I get it, I'd definitely run it on 24/7 continuous draining and would drain thru my kitchen sink.You mention it's pretty quiet - is it quiet enough for you to sleep in the same room? I live in a condo where it's almost like a studio (there's a bedroom but it's not completely enclosed).I've been thinking about the whole low humidity/high temp method. One thing I was wondering about was whether high temp accelerates the killing process. Since 80-90 deg is not lethal temp, I thought high temperature just makes them reproduce quicker as opposed to frigid winter temperatures where they largely lie dormant. So as long as the mites

are in a non-lethal temperature range, wouldn't cooler be better since their activities will slow down? The low humidity will dry them out regardless of temp in that case... Just a thought...Thanks!Kihun> > > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>> > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations> > bird mites> > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to> > kihunrc. I > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the> > road and find > > this ;-O> > > > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories> > and has me > >

particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away> > for 2 weeks > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites> > will continue > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but> > it's > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while> > I'm away as it > > appears many ppl here are having good results.> > > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to> > which > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be> > away, I'd > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better> > of > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are> > they > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity> > meter? > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time

to> > order > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can> > pick up at > > Home Depot, that'd be great.> > > > Thanks!> > > > kihunrc>

[Guest guest]

Rats, I think the Frigidaire is the only option I have for a local

pick up. There are other models but I'm trying to avoid Haier or

other badly-reviewed models.

Just wondering - b/c you started the dehumidifier treatment, have

you stopped other regimen for killing mites, such as windexing or

spayring insecticides? I've sprayed my condo with beta-

cyfluthrin/nylar(IGR) and was thinking about doing a follow-up

treatment but I will not do it if you think dehumidifier is enough.

kihun

> > >

> > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>

> > > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > > bird mites

> > > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > > kihunrc. I

> > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > > road and find

> > > this ;-O

> > >

> > > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > > and has me

> > > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > > for 2 weeks

> > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > > will continue

> > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > > it's

> > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > > I'm away as it

> > > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> > >

> > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > > which

> > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > > away, I'd

> > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > > of

> > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > > they

> > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > > meter?

> > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > > order

> > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > > pick up at

> > > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > > kihunrc

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Kihun,

Other than vacuuming, I must confess that I had not yet adopted any other aggressive approach on a consistent basis. I would have been delighted to get an exterminator in here to spray anything but none would even consider coming until I provided them with a specimen of my "guests." Unfortunately, I was never able to get one. And I wanted to avoid the "matchbox" symptom, so I stopped trying to get one. At this point, I am not going to try any new eradication until I determine whether HOT/DRY works.

What's the model number of the Frigidaire? I will look to see if there are any Consumer Reports reviews for the model you're buying.

I saw some of those bad reviews for the Haier. Mine works fine; my only complaint is that it's VERY LOUD. However, long after it was too late to take back, I noticed that it had a dent in its side and that it must have been damaged in transit to the store. This may explain the noise (and the fact that the noise gets worse if it's not level). Other Haiers may not be so loud. One thing I like about the Haier is that it has a very large water collection bucket, much larger than the Danby. I can let it go two days without emptying the Haier. It's other downside is that it has no humidity sensor.

As for the Danby, Consumer Reports gave it high marks for noise, energy efficiency and sensor accuracy. And, it seems to be working. I have one in the larger bedroom with bathroom (16x13) and it reports 26% humidity (and my nearby Oregon Scientific (OS) humidity sensor from Target reports 28%). When I had Haier in this room as well, the room got as low as 20% after I had been out of the room for a few hours (breathing raises humidity a bit). I have the other in the smaller bedroom (14x11), and it reports 18% humidity (OS, 20%). The Haier is in the living room.

I confess I am actually thinking of buying two more Danby dehumidifiers to try to accelerate the process.

Mark

From: kihunrc <kihunshin@...>Subject: Re: Dehumidifier recommendations-Markbird mites Date: Monday, September 29, 2008, 6:57 PM

Rats, I think the Frigidaire is the only option I have for a local pick up. There are other models but I'm trying to avoid Haier or other badly-reviewed models.Just wondering - b/c you started the dehumidifier treatment, have you stopped other regimen for killing mites, such as windexing or spayring insecticides? I've sprayed my condo with beta-cyfluthrin/nylar( IGR) and was thinking about doing a follow-up treatment but I will not do it if you think dehumidifier is enough.kihun> > > > > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>> > > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations> > > bird mites> > > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to> > > kihunrc. I > > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the> > > road and find > > > this ;-O> > > > > >

Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories> > > and has me > > > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away> > > for 2 weeks > > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites> > > will continue > > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but> > > it's > > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while> > > I'm away as it > > > appears many ppl here are having good results.> > > > > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to> > > which > > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be> > > away, I'd > > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better> > > of > > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything

(are> > > they > > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity> > > meter? > > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to> > > order > > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can> > > pick up at > > > Home Depot, that'd be great.> > > > > > Thanks!> > > > > > kihunrc> >>

[Guest guest]

Great points. I saw the powerpoint before and I'll check it out

again.

I will be gone for 2 weeks in Oct and hoping to use that time to

really dry out my place. I just picked up a Frigidaire 50pt one

(loud compressor!) and hope my home will have gotten much better by

the time I return. It appears that the dehumidifier method did not

work for myrtle in Maui, which I feel sad about and I worry about my

place too.

What will low humidity do to eggs?

-kihun

> > >

> > > From: kihunrc <kihunshin (DOT) com>

> > > Subject: Dehumidifier recommendations

> > > bird mites

> > > Date: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 11:19 PM

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Hi I changed my profile name from k i h u n s h i n to

> > > kihunrc. I

> > > guess I don't want someone to google years down the

> > > road and find

> > > this ;-O

> > >

> > > Anyway, I'm reading about all the defumidifier stories

> > > and has me

> > > particularly interested. I'm actually going to be away

> > > for 2 weeks

> > > in and I'm concerned that during that time, the mites

> > > will continue

> > > to multiply. A defumidifier may not be the one answer but

> > > it's

> > > certainly something I'd like to keep on 24/7 while

> > > I'm away as it

> > > appears many ppl here are having good results.

> > >

> > > Having said that, do any of you have a recommendation as to

> > > which

> > > brand/model to get? Which do you like? Since I'll be

> > > away, I'd

> > > like to have the option of hose drainage. Quieter is better

> > > of

> > > course. And do humidity read-outs really mean anything (are

> > > they

> > > accurate?) or would I need to invest in a separate humidity

> > > meter?

> > > I lieve in an >800 sq foot condo. I may not have time to

> > > order

> > > online and await shipping so if this is something I can

> > > pick up at

> > > Home Depot, that'd be great.

> > >

> > > Thanks!

> > >

> > > kihunrc

> >

>