Enter the dehumidifier—a home appliance that removes water vapor from the air to help you control humidity. There are some clear signs when a dehumidifier is a must: dampness on windows, mildew growth, musty odors, peeling paint.
Using a hygrometer is the easiest way to measure the humidity in your home. The device measures humidity and temperature and is easy to use as a simple thermometer.
Do you live near a large body of water? If so, you've probably noticed the astronomical levels of humidity. Well, an AC unit won't be able to sufficiently remove all that moisture from the air. You'll likely need a dehumidifier to feel comfortable in your home.
Some versions provide the option of draining into a sink or out a window so that you don't have to worry about the collection tank filling up. A dehumidifier and an air conditioner can be used simultaneously.
Air purifiers are great for a quick fix when used to actively combat air pollutants in your home, and a high quality dehumidifier is a sure way to limit moisture in your household, helping create an environment that is much more difficult for those unwanted contaminants a mold to thrive in the first place.
Your home smells musty, moldy, or mildewy. Some people describe this as smelling smoky. If you're used to the smells in your home, you might need to leave temporarily and come back inside to be able to detect odors. The surfaces in your home, including your furniture, feel moist or look discolored.
Chapped lips and cracked skin on your hands are some of the most common signs. But you may have noticed some of the following signs too: Irritated sinus and nose bleeds can make it hard to breathe or sleep at night. If you wake up in the middle of the night coughing, it might be from dry indoor air.
Signs of high humidity in your home include: Condensation on windows during the winter. Excessive mildew in the bathroom. Mold growing on interior surfaces (corner of a closet, kitchen or bathroom).
Avoid putting it in the bathroom, too. 'We don't advise using a dehumidifier in the bathroom because it isn't IP rated,' says Meaco's Chris. 'But positioning a dehumidifier as close to the bathroom as possible with the door open still can help to reduce moisture quickly. '
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies.
Should a Dehumidifier Run Constantly? No, your dehumidifier should not have to run constantly to regulate the air humidity. An optimal humidity level to shoot for is between 30 and 50 percent. Your dehumidifier should reach this in 8 to 12 hours.
How long will it take to get the moisture under control? As long as the dehumidifier you choose is large enough for the area it is working in, and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will normally reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.
A dehumidifier should collect a certain amount of water each day - generally, around 10-20 pints of water per 24-hour period. This should require you to empty most dehumidifiers daily or bi-daily when in operation.
Dehumidifiers can have many benefits around the home, especially if you live in areas of high humidity or, like much of Australia currently, high rainfall is causing moisture build-up within the home.
While it may seem counterintuitive, it is actually helpful to open the windows and remove the stale, dry air from your house. Open windows during the daytime to let the fresh air in. It will help you breathe easy, and your skin won't feel that dry and itchy. Plus, it will also improve your home air quality.
Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture.
The lack of free exchange of air cancause high indoor humidity levels. An indoor humidity level less than 30 percent is too dry.
For ideal sleep and health, you don't want your room to be at an extreme humidity level. Much like Goldilocks, you want it not too dry, not too humid, but just right. If you stay within the recommended 30 to 50 percent humidity level, then you shouldn't need to worry about damage to your health or belongings.
“If the humidity in your home is above 50%, it may cause mold and fungus growth, which can aggravate allergies, which can also impact sleep.” During allergy season, humidity below 50% is recommended to reduce risk of allergen growth (dust mites, bacteria, etc.).
Although the energy consumption for small and medium-sized dehumidifiers is relatively low, long-term usage (especially older, less energy-efficient models) can add up to be quite a substantial amount. This is compounded by the fact that most dehumidifiers run 12 to 24 hours daily.
Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a comprehensive whole-house ventilation system that eliminates moisture and mould in your home.