If your home feels like you’re in the middle of a jungle due to the humidity, then investing in a dehumidifier is a good choice for you. A humid environment can be caused by a variety of things such as poorly ventilated construction, an air conditioner that’s too large for the home or a problem with your HVAC system. Running appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher can also contribute to the moisture and so can a hot shower in a windowless bathroom.
Even if the humidity doesn’t bother you, it’s a problem for your home. When moisture collects in the walls it doesn’t dry out. What it does do is to cause the decay of the wood, which is never good for any dwelling. It also creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew. These growths spread quickly and can further deteriorate your structure. They can also cause major health problems for you and your family, especially for those with an existing health condition such as asthma.
Dehumidifiers will quickly turn your wet, sticky environment into a warm and dry one. They work by sucking the excess moisture out of the air. The water runs through a drain line and out into a collection pan. The air is recirculated and is sent throughout your home making it comfortable for everyone. There are many styles and sizes of dehumidifiers, so it’s important to pick out just the right one.
The nice part of this is that the dehumidifier industry has made it easy to purchase the right size for your home or commercial space. All models will have their capacity listed on the packaging. What capacity refers to in this case is how many pints of water the equipment can handle removing from the air per day. It may be hard to believe that the interior of your home holds water measured in pints, but this is often the case in noticeably humid homes.
The size of the dehumidifier correlates to the room's size. If you’ll be using it for a single room, then you’ll want to measure that room. If you plan on using it in the entire house, or your room is over 2,500 square feet, then you’ll want to purchase a whole-house dehumidifier. This type of appliance may need to be installed by an HVAC professional, but it will regulate your home’s moisture levels efficiently. For single rooms, you can opt for dehumidifiers that are on the lower end of how many pints of water they remove per day.
The two types of dehumidifiers are refrigerant and desiccant, with desiccant being preferred for cooler temperatures. The refrigerant models are great for humid, hot places. If the space you’re using the unit in is extremely damp, then it’s wise to opt for a model that will pull more water out of the air for a healthy, humidity-free home.