Dehumidifier – How it Benefits You
If you suffer from allergies on a regular basis, you know how aggravating they can be. There are several triggers for these issues when you live in a humid climate. These include dust mites, mould, mildew, and seasonal allergies, to name a few. If you’re experiencing a lot of discomfort, a decent dehumidifier can help in more ways than one. Here are some of the advantages of using a dehumidifier. As well as how to find the best one for you.
Allergy Triggers Thrive in Humidity
Some of the most common reactions to allergy triggers include:
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Skin rashes and other irritation
In humid surroundings, several of the most common allergy triggers thrive. Particularly dust mites, mould, and mildew. You could be suffering from these issues whether you reside in a humid region. Or simply have a humidified living space. Even in dry climates, moisture can build up in compact living spaces with restricted airflow. Such as bathrooms or kitchens in small apartments or basement units. Mould allergies play a role in paediatric asthma. Which may be a debilitating and expensive disease for children who develop symptoms early in life.
A Look at the Benefits
Having a dehumidifier in your house, cellar, apartment, or business space has various advantages.
Dehumidifiers lower humidity levels in your home, making it less inviting to allergens like dust mites, mould, and mildew. They don’t interfere with your regular routine and operate silently and efficiently in the background, with few people noticing. Dehumidifiers assist to eliminate the “musty” or “rotting” scents that might accompany mould and mildew in your house.
These gadgets help to lessen the chances of mould growth. Mould spores can form on your clothes, furniture, and other linens such as curtains or bed sheets. Dehumidifiers help you breathe easier and feel more at ease in your house. This is done by reducing irritation to your skin and respiratory system. Clothing will dry faster in a lower-humidity environment. Rust or corrosion on computer equipment, electronics, and tools will be absent. Even breads and cereals will stay fresher longer without going stale. A dehumidifier also reduces dust in your home, allowing you to clean less frequently.
A dehumidifier also saves money on electricity by allowing your air conditioner to function more efficiently. When the air in your home becomes more humid, the air conditioner must cool the air while also eliminating moisture. Which means it must work harder. This also causes your air conditioner to wear out faster, which may cause more frequent replacement and repair.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Here are common signs you may need a dehumidifier. Water stains on your home’s walls or ceilings are an indicator of too much humidity. Be sure to check rooms with high humidity and weak or no ventilation, especially in areas like bathrooms that have no windows. Another sign is if in certain places of your home there is a lot of condensation on the windows. Any musty or mildewed odours may be a giveaway as well. Lastly, small black spots (mould spores) on the walls or in high-humidity places like the bathtub or shower.
If you live in an apartment complex, you may want to use a dehumidifier. Since mould and mildew spores can move via ventilation systems and develop in the walls between units. Allergens from other parts of the building can affect your health and that of your family. Even if you keep your living space clean.
Choosing a Dehumidifier
When it comes to dehumidifiers, there are numerous units available. Which one you select is determined by the space in which you want to utilize it. As well as the humidity levels in your home or individual rooms. There are small capacity versions for a single tiny room. As well as big capacity models for larger spaces. Such as a large room, basement, or apartment. Whole-house units are also available if you live in a humid environment, have severe allergies, or have a large property. Consider getting a dehumidifier with additional characteristics if you have more particular and unique requirements.
There are factors to consider before investing in a dehumidifier for your home. In some cases, too much moisture from the outdoors leaks into your home. Even the finest dehumidifier won’t be able to keep up. Cleaning out gutters and ensuring that downspouts carry rainwater at least 5 feet away from the home can assist. You will also need to consider where the unit will go. Noise can be a concern in living spaces.
Notable Features Available
The majority of portable dehumidifiers now come with comparable features. Here are some of the most common features you’ll encounter and should look for.
Controls that are easy to use. Electronic controls allow you to choose between three basic humidity levels. Normal, dry, and very dry. While digital controls allow you to set a precise humidity level using % figures. A self restart function that turns on the dehumidifier after a power loss. This is very useful if you’re away from home and there’s a blackout.
An included hose attachment is something to look for as well. Many dehumidifiers on the market allow you to attach a hose to the unit. This eliminates the need to empty the bucket by diverting the condensed water to a floor drain. A dehumidifier with a pump can convey water up through a window or to a slop sink. Or to another high drain in a basement without a floor drain. A built-in timer feature is something else that you may want to consider. You can use a timer to schedule the unit to turn on and off while you’re away from home. It can also save money by using the dehumidifier at night in locations where electricity is cheaper off-peak.
For a quick and easy-to-follow dehumidifier buyer guide check out this page. It answers the important questions that may come up during the shopping process.
Take the time to learn about the many models and choices available before you make your purchase. Determine which one will best suit your needs and provide clean, healthy air in your house. As always, for any guidance, maintenance or HVAC related projects please feel free to reach out to us here!