Do you need a Dehumidifier in Your Home?

There are a number of factors to consider and a number of common misconceptions that need to be addressed before you decide whether or not a dehumidifier is right for you.

First of all, you need to know what a dehumidifier actually does. In very simple terms, a dehumidifier takes moisture out of the air. It does this by using a fan to pull warm air currents into its coils. The warm air flows over refrigerated coils which creates condensation. The condensation collects as water droplets in the tank of the machine. The cooler, drier air is then released back into your home. Most experts agree that a home with a humidity level between 40% and 50% is the healthiest and the most comfortable.

Why do some experts consider high humidity in a home less healthy? For some people, especially those with certain lung conditions, humid air can actually be more difficult to breathe. Unlike people however, there are other things that thrive on humidity, such as mold, dust mites, and some pests. Mold can grow at a relative humidity level of 60% and flourish when it gets closer to 70%. Dust mites prefer a relative humidity level of approximately 65% and common pests like cockroaches are susceptible to desiccation (their body dries out) so they prefer a more humid climate as well.

You do not have to live in a rain forest to have high humidity levels in your home. Humidity levels can rise from the simple day to day activities we perform in our homes. Cooking, running the dishwasher, and taking hot showers can all add moisture to the air. The relative humidity will also depend slightly on the time of year because the amount of moisture that air can hold depends on the temperature of the air; as temperatures go down, air is able to hold less moisture.

A dehumidifier is not necessary in every home, and if used in the wrong space there are some potential side effects. If your home is already dry, removing more moisture from the air could lead to problems. Some medical conditions, including pneumonia, can become worse if the air too dry. Living in a home with extremely low humidity can also affect your skin; in fact people with eczema (atopic dermatitis) may experience flare-ups in a dry environment.

How do you know if your relative humidity is high? If you have mold growth in your home or if you find that your allergies seem worse when you are inside, you likely have a humidity problem. The safest way to know for sure is to call Mold Solutions by Cowleys. If you have a humidity issue the best way to make sure that it is fixed correctly is by installing a commercial-grade whole-house dehumidifier that is designed to work 24/7. These machines can work in the challenging environment of basements and crawl spaces and can bring your air to a humidity level that is comfortable and healthy.