If you live in a coastal area, you might be prone to humidity issues. If your house has poor ventilation, especially in the areas below the house, then you most likely have high humidity problems. This is because the ducts and vents in the house are designed to provide little or no air circulation.
High humidity can lead to mold infestation, structural damage, and even worsen the effects of allergic reactions.
A dehumidifier is a device that removes humidity from the air. It uses liquid water to reduce the humidity in the air.
About 13% of US households have a dehumidifier. They use it to keep their household humidity levels under control.
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What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
A dehumidifier reduces the moisture content from the air due to high humidity. The excess moisture that triggers mold and other allergens pollutes the air which can be prevented by a dehumidifier. It improves the air quality by collecting and filtering the water and maintains an ideal temperature.
The first signs of a humidity problem are often as simple as walking into a room and feeling like it’s humid. They can also be as powerful as a musty smell.
If you have sensitive items such as books and photographs, you might need to use a dehumidifier to keep them at moderate humidity levels.
Comic books and baseball cards can also be damaged by humidity. It is also a good idea to store them in a dehumidifier.
Reduce Mold Growth
Mold thrives in humid conditions and releases spores. According to the NIH, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergic reactions can also experience the effects of mold.
Reduce Dust Mite Allergens
Humid air can also support a healthy population of dust mites. They are among the most common allergen in the home.
A study conducted in 2001 revealed that homes with a low relative humidity level significantly decreased the number of dust mites and allergen-related allergens in the air.
Dust mites are a common allergen and trigger asthma symptoms. Although they can be beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like asthma, they have not been shown to reduce symptoms.
Improve Air Quality
Dehumidifiers help improve the air quality in your home. They can also remove dust and mold spores. Another way to improve the air quality is by using an air purifier.
Having the proper amount of humidity in your home can help control air quality and improve the health of individuals living in humid conditions. It can also help keep the structural integrity of your house.
How Does A Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier works in the same way as air conditioners. They use the same fluid properties to expand and minimize air loss.
The refrigerant is then compressed to cool the coils inside the device. The heat then gets absorbed by the air and is cooled down.
A dehumidifier removes the humidity from the air. This is done by holding a certain amount of water molecules in the air.
As the air gets warmer, it can hold more moisture. This phenomenon, known as relative humidity, makes it feel like 90% humidity on hot, sunny days.
The air is forced to contract to remove the moisture. This causes the air to become liquid water.
A dehumidifier or air conditioner works by transferring air over its cool coils. The air then flows out of the unit and collects on the coils. It then evaporates.
A dehumidifier’s drain bucket has a floating cap that will automatically shut off when the water in the tank gets too heavy. This feature is usually triggered by a switch in the unit.
A dehumidifier is commonly used to remove moisture from the air. It can also set a specific humidity level, which will automatically shut off once it reaches that level. This feature can be activated by pushing a button.
How To Choose The Right Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a type of air conditioning unit that works the same in different locations. It removes moisture from the air in different ways.
The type of room you’re looking to reduce humidity can also affect the type of dehumidifier that’s best for your needs. Below are some key factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier.
Basement
A basic mechanical refrigerant dehumidifier is commonly used to dehumidify a basement. It can help keep the temperatures in the area below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frost can cause the unit to turn on and off unexpectedly, which can impair its performance. It is also possible to cause the unit to get stuck with too much moisture.
This design allows you to connect a hose to a floor drain or sump pump, which will keep the dehumidifier working while you empty the bucket.
Attic Or Crawlspace
Whether you have an attic or a crawl space, it is important to remove humidity to prevent wood rot and mold. For larger attics, a regular dehumidifier is a good idea.
Bathroom
For rooms with specific moisture issues, like bathrooms and kitchens, air conditioning can help. However, these rooms should have vents to direct the moisture away from the house.
If the space is small enough, a dehumidifier is a good option to remove moisture from the bathroom. It can also help prevent the over-absorption of moisture.
Usage Of Desiccant
A desiccant is a device that does not require electricity to operate. It is commonly used to remove moisture from a dish or bucket. When the substance gets saturated, it stops working.
Desiccants are great for small spaces, such as basements and crawl spaces. They can help control humidity in enclosed spaces.
How To Control humidity?
Central air conditioning is a great way to maintain the humidity in your home. It works by dehumidifying the air that’s inside the house.
Ventilation can help with the humidity in crawl spaces and attics.
Having a low humidity level can also cause issues such as structural damage and health issues. In colder weather, try not to operate a dehumidifier excessively.
There are some things that can be done to prevent moisture from entering a basement, such as installing vapor barriers. However, these tend to trap moisture and cause more issues than they solve.
Benefits Of Dehumidifier
The important benefits of keeping a dehumidifier inside the house are listed below.
1. Reduce Mold Growth
Mold thrives in humid conditions and releases spores. According to the NIH, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergic reactions can also experience the effects of mold.
Mildews can appear on various surfaces such as windows, pipes, ceiling tiles, and wood. They can also grow on upholstery.
A dehumidifier uses electricity to remove moisture from the air. It can help prevent the growth of fungi and mold in the home.
2. Reduce Dust Mite Allergens
Humid air can also support a healthy population of dust mites. They are among the most common allergen in the home.
A study conducted in 2001 revealed that homes with a low relative humidity level significantly decreased the number of dust mites and allergen-related allergens in the air.
Dust mites are a common allergen and trigger asthma symptoms. Although they can be beneficial for people with respiratory conditions like asthma, they have not been shown to reduce symptoms.
3. Improve Air Quality
Dehumidifiers help improve the air quality in your home. They can also remove dust and mold spores. Another way to improve the air quality is by using an air purifier.
Having the proper amount of humidity in your home can help control air quality and improve the health of individuals living in humid conditions. It can also help keep the structural integrity of your house.
4. Water Leakage and Flooding Cleanup
Having a dehumidifier can help minimize the effects of water damage and flooding in your home. It can also help remove the moisture from the air and prevent the damage caused by the water.
A dehumidifier can help with the immediate effects of flooding, but it can also help prevent mold and mildew from forming. It’s also helpful for minimizing the effects of other disasters.
5. Prevent Musty Odors
If you smell musty or foul odors in your laundry room or basement, it’s likely due to the weather conditions that have created damp air. This can also be caused by the growth of fungi and mold.
Dehumidifiers help keep the environment at a healthy humidity level. They can also help prevent odors by taking the excess water from the air.
Other factors such as humidity and mold can also cause musty smells in your home.
6. Minimize Condensation
In addition to being harmful to your home, condensation can also cause fires. It can also indicate that your home has too much humidity.
If the moisture in your home is too much, it can cause your house to decay over time. This can happen even if the wood has been treated properly.
Having a dehumidifier is also beneficial for keeping your home’s humidity and moisture levels at a minimum.
7. Reduce Pest Related Issues
Pests can also thrive in excess humidity and water.
Damp conditions make them easier to find in areas where water is present. Also, they can live in the wood for a long time without being disturbed.
A dehumidifier can help control pests and reduce the water in the air, which can create a more balanced environment.
8. Lower Energy Costs
Dehumidifiers help reduce humidity in the air, which helps in making your home more energy-efficient.
Perfect Aire’s Flat Panel Dehumidifiers have been Energy Star certified, which means they use less energy when they’re running.
9. Reduce Dust Mites
Having a dehumidifier can help keep the dust at bay in your home. It can remove moisture from the air and prevent it from spreading.
A dehumidifier is powerful enough to remove dust from the air. Its washable filter helps remove dust from the indoor environment.
Dust levels in your home will significantly decrease after a dehumidifier is used. It will also help keep the home clean and allergen-free.
10. Improve Respiratory Issues
Too much moisture can make it difficult to breathe. It can also cause issues for people with respiratory conditions.
Dehumidifiers help keep the air in your home comfortable. They can also help people with respiratory conditions like asthma.
11. Protect Household Items
A dehumidifier can help keep the air in your home humidity-free and prevent pests and diseases from growing. It can also help protect and maintain your valuable possessions.
12. Dry Clothes Faster
Dehumidifiers are great for people who prefer to air-dry their clothes or have items that require hand-washing. They can also help keep your clothes dry by drawing out the water from the air.
13. Improve Comfort
A dehumidifier can help you keep the humidity in the air in your home at a comfortable level. It can also help lower the temperature inside your home.