Moisture & Humidity Control

Moisture & Humidity Control

While certain events are unavoidable (storms, excessive rainfall, etc.), there is much you can do on a regular basis to ensure moisture levels in your home are properly maintained. Water flows throughout your home, so it is always a good idea to pay attention to certain areas of the your home while looking for possible signs of trouble.

Anywhere you have a sink, inspect under the sink for any leaks or possible discoloration caused by water.
In places where there are water lines (refrigerator's ice maker, sinks, bathtub, toilet, ensure the water connections are secure and not leaking.
In areas like the shower or bathtub, inspect caulking to ensure a tight seal that prevents water from leaking in, around or under the walls and flooring.
Additionally, if the caulk around these areas has blacks spots, that's mold. Replace the caulk immediately.
The air conditioner has a condensate line that needs to be properly ported into existing drain lines.
Check hot water tanks for rust or leaks.
Lastly, look for any possible leaks. Leaks, no matter what causes them, never fix themselves. You can check for possible hidden leaks by turning off all water using appliances. After an hour, check your water meter then examine it again to see if it has changed. With all appliances off, a change in this reading could indicate a water leak.

Humidity levels in your home can be actively monitored via a hygrometer. We offer a few models that range from the Mold Alert, which is larger hygrometer that has a built in alarm, to a Mini Hygrometer that is basic and compact. A traditional best seller has been the Acu-Rite Hygrometer since it can display indoor and outdoor temperatures as well as indoor relative humidity. Regardless of which model you select, each offers accurate humidity readings for any part of your home.

Controlling Moisture Year Round - Use a Dehumidifier

Aside from ensuring the area around your home is adequately drained and all regular maintenance is performed, a dehumidifier is one of the easiest ways to keep humidity levels in an individual room, basement and crawlspace in check. The type of dehumidifier you should consider depends upon several factors.

Coverage Required
- Cubic Footage is the best, but square footage will also give you a good starting point.
- Factor in coverage area with a dehumidifier's water removal capacity to find a unit that will adequately remove water from the affected area.
Drainage
- Does the dehumidifier have a reservoir tank that will have to be manually emptied?
- Alternatively, will you port the unit for a direct drain approach?
  - If using direct drain, does the unit come standard with a condensate pump?
Price
- Additional features, water removal capacity and brand name can make a big difference in price.
- This can vary dramatically, but it is always important to remember, you get what you pay for.
Additional Features
- Internal Humidistat, Built-in Condensate Pump, Auto Restart, Auto Defrost (de-icer), and portability are common features that customers may require.

Top Three Dehumidifiers

Home Dehumidifiers	Basement or Crawlspace Dehumidifiers	Restoration Dehumidifiers

The Danby 70 Pint Dehumidifier is by far one of the most popular models on the market. What consumers like most about it is that for the price, it offers useful features such as a direct drain option, auto restart (after power outage), an auto de-icer, and excellent performance, all at a reasonable price point. This brand has faired extremely well in a variety of consumer review magazines and is year to year, a best selling model.	The Dri-Eaz CMC100 is very popular for individuals who need maximum moisture removal in a versatile and efficient package. Of the three units listed here, this model will remove more water per day than the rest. The size and ability to be reconfigured gives this basement dehumidifier the ability to function as a crawlspace unit as well. Digital controls and a compact size make this an ideal unit for most residences.	With all steel construction and an integrated centrifugal pump the Ebac Triton is an ideal unit for restoration sites, residential and commercial. Its compact size and water removal capacity, coupled with its ability to pump water, both vertically and horizontally, make this unit a best fit for cleanup and the continued removal of high amounts of moisture. Though it lacks an hours run meter it is a very economical restoration model.
Water Alarms Another convenient way to help detect leaks in your home is with a water alarm. Water alarms are simple devices, often battery operated, that operate in a similar fashion as a smoke alarm. A water alarm will detect all types of water from standing and running water to condensation or moisture trapped in carpeting. Common areas where water alarms are used include laundry rooms, under sinks, in basements and other places where water may potentially leak and condense or cause mold and mildew problems. They are inexpensive and very easy to install, and best of all, they provide a simple, maintenance free way to detect potential moisture problems before they become costly repairs. Though avoiding a storm or flood will largely depend on where you choose to live, there are many types of flooding and moisture problems you can avoid. With regular maintenance and some simple preventative measures you can help keep your home safe, dry, and free from mold, mildew, or other health concerns.
View all Ebac Dehumidifiers, Dri-Eaz Restoration Products, or visit one of our helpful resources below.