Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers Profile:

Believe it or not, your home  humidity level can have an impact on your health. When there is too much humidity in the air, it creates the perfect environment for mold to grow, which can give your home a musty odor or mildew-like smell. It also allows allergens to thrive. Humidity levels will be different based on your location and will fluctuate depending on the seasons.

The ideal humidity level in any home is between 30% to 60%.

Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers

What is the difference between humidifiers and dehumidifiers? It is simple humidifiers add moisture and dehumidifiers remove moisture in the air.

How do you know if you need a dehumidifier?

You will want to invest in a dehumidifier in your home if you have too much moisture in your air. Here are a few signs to look for that will help you identify if you have excessive moisture in your home:

• If you notice that your walls or ceiling have moist or wet stains
• If the air in your home feels stuffy
• If your windows have condensation on them
• If your home has a musty odor
• If you notice mold growth on surfaces like walls or furniture
• If you have noticed an increase in the amount of dust you are finding on surfaces around your home 

Different Types of Dehumidifiers

When it comes to different types of dehumidifiers the two most common ones are free-standing dehumidifiers and whole-home dehumidifiers. Free-standing ones are usually small dehumidifiers that are portable and whole-home dehumidifiers are usually installed near your furnace.

Dehumidifier Benefits

There are many benefits to having a dehumidifier in your home. As we mentioned before, excessive moisture in your home  air can cause mold and bacteria to thrive on surfaces in your home and it can even make your wooden furniture swell. When you have a dehumidifier in your home, you will notice that your home will start to feel more comfortable and signs of too much moisture in your home will start to disappear.

Running your air conditioner constantly during the hot summer months to keep your home cool can put a strain on your system and electric bill. It can also overcool the home making your living space uncomfortable. A dehumidifier can help keep your home comfortable during the summer which will put less of a strain on your AC and your wallet.

How to Choose the Best Dehumidifier for Your Home

When shopping for a dehumidifier for your home, you will want to make sure that you select the right size and model. Which size and model you choose will depend on square feet and the climate that you live in.

If your home has a basement, excessive moisture can seep in from the surrounding earth and make your basement feel damp and musty. It can also be a breeding ground for mold. That is why it is ideal to have a dehumidifier for your basement.

If you live in the southern United States, you are no stranger to high humidity and fair-weather followers. This might mean that you move from the north to warmer climates during the winter months and to cooler locations in the heat of summer to avoid the intense humidity.

Surprisingly, both high humidity and the snowbird lifestyle can have an impact on the longevity and health of your home.   If your home is vacant during the sweltering and humid summer, humidity can build up while you are away which can lead to structural damage and mold growth. If you run your air conditioner on blast during the most humid time of year, you can overcool your home. A whole-home dehumidifier can help protect your home even when you are away.

Crawl spaces are one of the last places you want to find water. Excessive moisture and temperature change can lead to structural damage and can lead to issues with mold, mildew, and insect infestations. To prevent this from happening, it is a good idea to seal up your crawl space and manage the dew point with a crawl space dehumidifier that is freestanding.

If you live in an area that experiences dry heat  like the southwest United States, this can present a whole different set of problems when it comes to keeping your home comfortable.

If you are running your air conditioning all summer long to combat the intense and unbearable heat, this will zap the already low amount of moisture that is in the air. This may lead you to have dry skin, a scratchy throat, and can cause those annoying static shocks. If this is the case a whole-home humidifier might be your best bet.

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and protected, dehumidifiers are essential in combating too much moisture in your home. We are here to help you find the best dehumidifier for your home. We carry a wide selection of Lennox Dehumidifiers, Hunter dehumidifiers and energy-star certified AprilAire Dehumidifiers.