Benefits of a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, improving comfort and reducing allergies. These machines are available in small capacity models for a single room, and large capacity ones for the basement or an entire house.

The right humidity level is a bit of a Goldilocks situation: too little, and you’ll have dry skin and irritated breathing; too much, and it can lead to mold, mildew and flaking wallpaper.

Reduces Allergens

A dehumidifier can greatly reduce mold spores, mildew, and other allergens that exacerbate allergies. It can also help prevent mold growth in damp areas of the home, such as bathroom or window seals.

Those suffering from asthma and other respiratory conditions can greatly benefit from using a dehumidifier, especially in warm seasons such as summer or spring. High humidity can lead to irritation and inflammation of the lungs, which can cause wheezing and coughing. A dehumidifier dehumidifier can reduce this problem by taking moisture out of the air, helping to keep the humidity level at a more manageable level.

Humid conditions are ideal for the growth of dust mites, which trigger allergies in many people. These microscopic pests thrive in humid climates, where they can easily cling to furniture, carpeting, and bedding. Dehumidifiers can significantly reduce allergy symptoms by keeping relative humidity at an optimum level, between 35 and 45 percent.

Another common use for a dehumidifier is in attics or basements, where books, photos, and other valuable items can deteriorate if the moisture level is too high. A dehumidifier can significantly increase the lifespan of these sensitive items by ensuring that relative humidity is low. Look for a model with a built-in hygrometer to monitor the level of moisture in the air and adjust the dehumidifying speed accordingly.

Prevents Mold Growth

Mold spores can thrive in high levels of moisture. They typically like humid environments and require water, dampness, and warmth to grow. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels, and by extension, help to prevent unwanted mold growth in homes. Mold is a health hazard and can cause structural damage in homes that requires expensive restoration and repair services.

Whether due to water leaks, condensation, or even high outside temperatures, mold can form in homes that experience excess moisture. When this occurs, it can lead to musty odors, flaking paintwork, and damaged furniture. Dehumidifiers help to keep the level of humidity in a home at an optimal and healthy level, which is the best way to minimize the occurrence of mold and mildew.

The ideal relative humidity for a home is between 30 and 60 percent. Humidity in excess of this range can result in chapped lips, irritated airways, and other discomforts. Additionally, it can create an environment where dust mites thrive, which can also be a problem for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. By dehumidifying the air, homeowners can easily reach this desirable range. Additionally, a dehumidifier helps to make it easier to clean because dirt and dust won’t cling as readily to surfaces. This can help to cut down on the need for frequent cleaning, which is also good for the budget.

Drys Out the Air

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, making it easier to breathe. It’s also a good way to discourage insects, such as roaches, silverfish and centipedes, from living in your home. A relative humidity level of around 50 percent is comfortable and helps protect your belongings, prevent mold growth and control dust mites. A hygrometer can help you gauge the humidity in your home.

A mechanical dehumidifier operates much like a refrigerator: warm, moist room air is blown over cold coils that are cooled by the refrigerant in the device. As the air passes over the coils, it becomes cool enough to condense, sucking up moisture in the form of liquid water and falling into a collection tank or pan. The dehumidifier’s cooling coils are then reheated so the air can be sent back into the room, but it is now dry and slightly warmer.

Some models require emptying the water collection tank or pan on a regular basis. Others allow you to drain the collected water directly into a sink, bathtub or drain via a hose. You may be able to use the greywater from a dehumidifier to water your plants.

If you are using a dehumidifier to repair damp walls or plaster or to recover furnishings that have been damaged by flooding, make sure you choose a model with a large water collection capacity. Also consider the size of your space and how often you’ll need to empty the dehumidifier’s water receptacle.

Helps Prevent Water Damage

Moisture in the air can lead to a host of problems, dehumidifier from mold and mildew to cracked and warped flooring. A dehumidifier can help you prevent these issues by pulling the moisture out of the air and preventing it from causing damage to your home.

If you’re experiencing any of the obvious signs of excess humidity, such as sticky doors and windows or a musty smell, it’s important to take action right away. These problems can get worse if you don’t address them, and the longer they go on, the more expensive they will become.

Dehumidifiers work by pulling moisture out of the air and storing it in their water tanks. They can be refrigerator-style, with a cold coil that pulls in vapor and drops it into the tank, or desiccant types, which pass the air over a desiccant and then blows dry air through the space.

If you have significant water damage from a leak or flood, getting a dehumidifier set up is a must. It will be able to absorb the large amounts of moisture that can linger in your home, even after you’ve had professionals check and clean the affected area. They can also help speed up the drying process by working much more quickly than air dryers alone. This is especially important because mold can start growing in 48 hours or less in a moist environment.