4 Important Reasons to Use a Dehumidifier

Many people use air conditioners and humidifiers. However, dehumidifiers are less common. Once you understand how important a dehumidifier, though, you might never want to be without one.

Put simply, a dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air. You won’t always see the direct results of high humidity right away, but you’ll feel a difference if your air is above the normal range of humidity (between 30% and 50%).

Reason #1 - Keep Your Body More Comfortable

We’ve all felt uncomfortable in humid buildings, and I don’t just mean saunas. Sticky homes or offices can keep our bodies from functioning at full efficiency. High humidity can cause dehydration, fatigue, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Dehumidifiers allow you to regulating the amount of moisture inside. In addition to helping your respiratory and dermatological systems, it promotes healthy sleeping.

Reason #2 - Prevent Mold and Mildew from Growing

A leaky faucet, laundry room condensation, a bathroom without proper ventilation, and other similar scenarios can create breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Many health issues can be traced back to the presence of mold and mildew. And it’s not just repsiratiory issues, depression and other mental disorders have been reportedly caused by mold and mildew when left unattended over a long period of time.

Reason #3 - Protect Your Home from Condensation Damage

Peeling wallpaper and paint from walls is a common sign of too much humidity. Frequently-used kitchens and bathrooms are at risk for damage from humidity. If walls are made of drywall, the damage can seep through and require replacement. The finish on wood kitchen cabinets can lose their luster and yellow over time, as well.

Reason #4 - Promote Healthy Living

Modern homes are built to be energy-efficient. Unfortunately, they can also trap chemicals from furnishings and mold from moisture. Your body will often surface warning signs when it feels under attack. Allergies, respiratory problems, nervous system difficulties, and flu-like symptoms can appear from out of the blue in homes with high humidity. If other family members begin complaining about physical ailments, it may be time to search from within your home.

Aim for Comfortable Humidity Levels

The EPA recommends keeping your humidity level under 60% during the summer months and between 30% and 50% in the winter months. A hygrometer is a great little tool for measuring the amount of moisture in your home or outdoors. Fortunately, many dehumidifiers are equipped with this feature. You can also pick up an indoor/outdoor hygrometer for under $20.

The human body is very sensitive to relative humidity. For example, if the temperature is 75 degrees and the humidity level is 0%, the air will feel like 69 degrees. On the other hand, if the humidity level is 100%, your body will think it is 80 degrees instead of 75 degrees.

You don’t have to have a sealed basement or poorly-ventilated bathroom to be subject to encounter the problems of high humidity. Anywhere that moisture collects is enough to cause problems. Check your window sills for black spots from mildew, look for condensation around windows and in the bathroom, and don’t ignore musty smells. Consider a dehumidifier to keep your family or coworkers healthy.

Still have questions? Ask an HVAC expert directly via chat or phone.

---

Recommended Reading