The Benefits of a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth and mildew, and it can reduce allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies. They’re often used in crawl spaces and basements, but they can also be effective in bedrooms and living rooms.
The size of the space and the level of moisture in the air will determine what type of dehumidifier is needed. Some store collected water in tanks or pans that must be emptied, while others pump the moisture into a drain or sink.
1. Reduces the risk of mold and mildew
Even if your home doesn’t have any major leaks or water damage, a dehumidifier can help prevent mold and mildew from forming. These organisms thrive in humid environments, and they can wreak havoc on walls, carpeting, curtains and other household items. They also produce spores that can trigger allergies in some people.
Fortunately, a dehumidifier can easily reduce the moisture levels in your home by pulling water out of the air. This is especially effective in areas where condensation forms – such as in the kitchen and bathroom – or in rooms that don’t have enough ventilation.
The dehumidifier will collect this excess moisture in a bucket, which you can empty daily or every few days. The water that shows up in the bucket is called greywater, and it can be used to water plants and flowers if you want. Just be sure to check local laws before using greywater, as some municipalities have restrictions on its use.
Besides preventing mold and mildew, a dehumidifier can also prevent condensation from causing damage to your home. This is because condensation can lead to rot and structural problems, including warping and deterioration. It can also cause stains on ceilings, wallpaper, and wood surfaces. A dehumidifier can significantly dehumidifier reduce the likelihood of this damage by keeping humidity low.
2. Reduces the risk of health problems
A dehumidifier can help mitigate humid conditions that can lead to condensation, musty odors and the growth of mold and mildew. These are all factors that can make a living space uncomfortable, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory problems.
High humidity makes it harder for you to breathe, which can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing. In addition, moisture can cause other health issues, such as a cold, sinus infections and fungal nail infections, according to Healthline.
Keeping your indoor humidity below 65% can keep you healthy and comfortable. A dehumidifier can also help keep your home free of pests. Moisture attracts pests, such as millipedes, cockroaches, moths, silverfish and other annoying critters that can damage your possessions. A dehumidifier can remove excess moisture from the air in your basement, crawl spaces or laundry rooms to discourage these pests and other unwanted guests from making themselves at home in your house.
While you’re shopping for a dehumidifier, look for one with a large tank so that you won’t have to empty it too often. You should also check its energy efficiency and water-removal effectiveness before you buy it. And be sure to consider how much it will cost to run. Dehumidifiers consume anywhere from 280 to 360 watts, so they can use up a lot of electricity, depending on the size and model you choose.
3. Reduces the risk of water damage
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding or has a history of water damage, then a dehumidifier can help reduce the risk of water damage. This is because it can remove excess moisture from the air, preventing mold growth and other water-related issues.
Humid environments are ideal breeding grounds for a number of pests, including spiders, cockroaches, moths and silverfish. By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can eliminate these pests and keep them away from your home.
Most dehumidifiers use a process known as refrigeration to remove excess moisture from the air. The warm air is passed dehumidifier over a cooling coil, and the water vapor condenses and drips into a collecting tank. The dry air is then released back into the room.
A dehumidifier can be used to help maintain indoor relative humidity levels between 30-50%. These levels are recommended to be comfortable and safe for your health.
The collected water in the dehumidifier is called condensate, and it can be used to water plants and other houseplants. However, it should not be drunk by humans or pets as it may contain traces of chemicals that can make you and your family ill. It’s a good idea to store the dehumidifier water in a clean container such as a mason jar or empty water bottle, and to clean the container regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
4. Reduces allergies
Whether you suffer from allergies or asthma, a dehumidifier is a good idea for your home. Mold, mildew and dust mites thrive in damp environments and spread through tiny spores that can trigger breathing problems when inhaled. By keeping indoor humidity levels below 50%, a dehumidifier makes your home less hospitable for these organisms.
Excess moisture in the air can also promote the growth of fungus, bacteria and viruses. This may explain why some people experience a variety of symptoms from excessive humidity, including itchy eyes or skin and wheezing.
Dehumidifiers stabilize indoor humidity to under 50%, making the environment less hospitable for dust mites, the most common cause of allergies. These critters can live in bedding, curtains and rugs. When they settle in a humid room, the spores from their bodies can enter your lungs and trigger allergic reactions that range from a stuffy nose to itchy skin.
Some dehumidifiers collect the excess water they remove from the air and store it in a tank or pan that needs to be emptied. Others pump the water into a drain, sink or out a window. The water collected in these models is called greywater and can be reused for gardening or for flushing toilets, but you must check local regulations first. Some communities restrict the use of greywater, especially in areas with salty groundwater.
