Top Five Reasons to Own a Dehumidifier

Supplement Air Conditioning with a Dehumidifier

Top 5 Reasons to Own a DehumidifierWhy should you use a dehumidifier? Using a dehumidifier is a great way to save some money during the summer months. Also, using a home dehumidifier in addition to air conditioning is an great way to help your family feel more comfortable. Consider getting a new air conditioning installation, if you keep having problems your current ac unit. Professionals can take a look at it and determine if perhaps only an air conditioning repair is all that is needed. If your heating runs independently to this system, then have a heating contractor take a look at it as well to avoid running into issues during the winter, specially since more people spend time at home indoors during this season. Doing both of these things will help keep your air clean and temperature at an acceptable level. Removing moisture from the air by using a dehumidifier actually make you feel cooler. This is because moist air can “hold” more heat than dry air. Often we throw money down the drain by turning down the thermostat. When in reality we could make our homes more comfortable just by simply removing the excess moisture in the air.

Dehumidifiers Minimize Mold Growth

Ebac DehumidifiersKeeping humidity down helps control mold and mildew growth. Mold spores are all around us, all of the time. When they land on a surface that provides them with moisture and nourishment, they multiply to form colonies. On top of being unsightly and undesirable, mold can cause a variety of allergic reactions in sensitive people. Be sure to keep a small dehumidifier in areas that are not well ventilated. These include small windowless bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawlspaces which can get steamy or damp. We Recommend using a dehumidifier in basements, crawlspaces, or other areas of the home that aren’t air conditioned. This is especially true during humid summer months. This will help keep mold under control in areas that we might not give a lot of thought to.

Keep Dust Mite Populations in Check with a Dehumidifier

Keep dust mites in check with dehumidifiersDust mites thrive in moist, warm climates. That’s why they love to live in beds. In fact, dust mites count on moisture in order to live. Thus they thrive when it’s humid. Humidity levels over 55% cause dust mite populations to skyrocket because they can quickly reproduce. And with mold colonies on the rise as well, this can put your allergies over to the top. Both mold and dust mites grow in more humid, warmer conditions. And while an air conditioner can help cool your home, it won’t remove the same amount of moisture as a good home dehumidifier.

Save Your Furniture – Moderate Humidity

Digital Humidity GaugeDo you notice that wooden doors in your home have a tighter fit in the doorjamb when it’s humid? That’s because humidity causes wood – including your furniture and flooring – to expand. Over time, the swelling and shrinking that happens between winter and summer can damage your furniture and floors. Keeping a healthy humidity level in your home below about 35 – 40% is ideal. Not allowing humidity levels to go up and down too much can go a long way in saving your valuables. &nbsp

Keep a Dehumidifier on hand for Emergencies

In recent years, Atlanta (home of AchooAllergy.com) has had some of the worst flooding reported seeing in over 80 years. Families who never dreamed their homes would flood found their basements or first floors under inches – or wmore – of water. As a result, leaving carpeting and other flooring waterlogged and ruined. In addition, drywall, concrete, and wood can wick moisture up into the walls. We all also go through less harsh cases, like a large amount of water spilling on your carpet. Having a dehumidifier on hand is key to avoiding damage caused by too much moisture and mold growth. For more on home humidity, see our article, Home Humidity and Allergies.