Home Dehumidifiers

Advantages of Home Dehumidifiers

There are many advantages of home dehumidifiers. It should be thought of as an investment in the health of your family and the protection of your home. With the many different types of dehumidifiers on the market, it’s important to understand the potential benefits in order to select the right one for your home.

Increased Comfort

The main purpose of a home dehumidifier is to remove moisture from the air and thus lower the relative humidity in your home. High humidity is what causes your home to feel uncomfortable during key times of the year and may cause you to sleep with blankets on even in the middle of summer. Restless and sleepless nights are often alleviated by using a dehumidifier. Additionally, lowering humidity may also make it possible to run the A/C on a lower setting. If you have a cold or are particularly congested, a home dehumidifier can make it easier to breathe and provide you with a better night’s rest.

Reduction of Allergens & Mold

People with allergies and other respiratory ailments such as asthma, recurring bronchitis or sinus problems may find that using a dehumidifier in the home alleviates the symptoms of these conditions. It can also help reduce the number of dust mites which thrive in as low as 50% humidity. Surfaces in your home that are wet from excess humidity can also be a breeding ground for mold. A home dehumidifier will be able to prevent this from happening too.

Deter Insects

Many types of insects, including roaches, silverfish, spiders and centipedes love a moist environment and these types of insects are a nuisance if they decide to take up residence in your home. Termites are another insect that are attracted to moist environments and if they take up residence in your home, they can cause serious structural damage before you are even aware that they have moved in. Removing the excess moisture from the air in your home can make your home a less attractive environment for insects.

Prevent Structural Damage

Home dehumidifiers can reduce the need to worry about structural damage that can be caused due to high humidity. Wood floors, cabinets and furniture that absorb excess moisture can warp and cause further structural damage over time. Doors and drawers that absorb excess moisture may be difficult or impossible to open and close due to swelling. Of even more concern is the fact that when wood swells it pushes apart joints and can loosen screws and nails which will jeopardize the structural soundness of your home over time.

The recommended humidity level for your home is 40-50% or lower. Many people try to use their central A/C to remove excess moisture from their home which is not very efficient. A home dehumidifier is a more effective way to keep relative humidity within acceptable ranges and can be a worthwhile investment if you do your homework and choose one that meets your needs.

Disadvantages of Home Dehumidifiers

There are many types of home dehumidifiers that can be effective in removing moisture from your home. Before you make a decision to purchase a dehumidifier, however, it’s important to be aware of the disadvantages with this type of equipment.

Noise Level

It’s a good idea to read buyer reviews of different dehumidifiers before purchasing to ascertain if there are any drawbacks. One common drawback is the noise level. If the unit needs to be located near a place where you will spend a lot of time, a noisy model can be a nuisance. This is especially true in areas that include the television, phone, or even a study area where distractions are best avoided. This might not be an issue if it will be used periodically or in a quiet area of the house like the basement.

Maintenance

Another thing to be aware of with home dehumidifiers is that the maintenance that is required to keep the unit operating efficiently. Dehumidifiers have a collection tray or bucket that collects excess water removed from the air. Depending on the model that you have, you may have to empty the tray or bucket daily in order to keep the machine from shutting off automatically. If the model you purchase is not a top discharging unit, you will also need to position the dehumidifier away from things such as walls, furniture and curtains so that air can properly circulate.

Size

Home dehumidifiers come in different sizes and it’s important to purchase one that is the correct size for the area where it will be used. Large dehumidifiers are heavy and can be difficult to move, which may also require professional installation and subsequent fees. Smaller dehumidifiers may not be adequate enough to remove moisture from all areas when stationary, and may have to be moved from room to room in order for it to be effective.

Energy Use

Home dehumidifiers use about the same amount of energy as a refrigerator when they are running efficiently. One issue with dehumidifiers is that the energy use can vary due to the amount of time it needs to run to remove moisture in the air. Another thing that can be a disadvantage is that you need to remember to keep windows and doors closed in order to prevent excess moisture from entering the room. Energy use can also be increased if the filter of the dehumidifier becomes clogged due to excess dirt and dust and so regularly cleaning of the filter is needed.

If you determine that the humidity of your home is more than the recommended 40-50% range on a regular basis, you may want to consider a home dehumidifier. If you decide one is needed, it will be well worth your time to explore the different types and models that are available so that you can find one with features that will minimize the disadvantages.