Do I Need a Dehumidifier?

Depending on the amount of moisture in your home, a dehumidifier might be just what you need to fix those levels and get you back into the comfort zone.

What’s a Dehumidifier?

Put simply, a dehumidifier reduces the moisture in the air. When there is humidity in your home, the dehumidifier pulls in moist air that is condensed into water vapor. The water vapor drips down cooling coils and is collected in a container. Then, the dry air is released back into the room. A portable dehumidifier is one of the most common types of dehumidifiers among homeowners as it can easily be transported from one room to another. Basements and crawl spaces are the most typical places that dehumidifiers are needed, but they can be useful in any room.

Why do I Need a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier regulates the air moisture in your home. According to the EPA, indoor humidity should range from 30% to 60% so that you decrease the chances of mold, odors, and health issues. With a humidity level of 50% or higher, dust mites become a risk. And when the humidity level increases to 70% or higher, mold and mildew growth can occur. With a dehumidifier, these levels can be maintained, reducing both damage to your home and your personal health.

How Can I Tell if I Need a Dehumidifier?

Mold spots, condensation on windows and walls, musty odors, water stains, and an increase in allergies are all common signs that humidity levels in your home are higher than recommended. Humidity levels can rise when windows and doors are not properly caulked or your basement experienced flooding and the excess water was not properly removed. You can also use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels in a room. If the humidity level is higher than 60%, you should consider investing in a dehumidifier.

Besides lowering humidity levels and increasing comfortability, a dehumidifier will help maintain your cooling and heating costs. It also reduces the amount of dust in your home, which makes cleaning a lot simpler. If moisture control is not part of your HVAC unit and it feels humid in your home, consider investing in a dehumidifier to reap its many benefits.