Dehumidifiers: Essential or just nice to have?

Humidity is the measure of water vapour in the air and, depending on where you live and the time of year, it may be too high or too low.

Relative humidity is considered low if it falls below 30% and high if it rises above 50%. Poor indoor air quality brought on by an excess of relative humidity can be detrimental to both the health of your home and your health. Though there are many ways in which humidity levels can become too high or too low, the ideal range for your home is between 30% and 50%.

A dehumidifier is an essential item for your home as it removes the excess moisture from the air and automatically maintains that comfortable level.

How dehumidifiers protect your health

High relative humidity levels can have harmful consequences on your health.

• Air that is humid feels heavy and dense. Your body must work harder to breathe as a result, and you feel exhausted, out of breath and need more oxygen. A dehumidifier helps reduce the symptoms of asthma or allergies by reducing the amount of moisture, thus making the air easier to breathe.

• Airborne allergens like mould and mildew can spread in your house if the air is too humid. Mould prefers damp environments and prospers in places with consistent moisture. Small mould spores circulate in the air and grow in moist spaces like your bathrooms and kitchens, especially if such spaces are poorly ventilated. Nasal congestion, throat discomfort, wheezing, eye and skin irritation, as well as coughing and a runny nose, can all be brought on by exposure to mouldy conditions. A dehumidifier takes moisture out of the air thus preventing the spread and growth of mould and mildew in your house.

• Dust mites are microscopic bugs that commonly live in house dust and feed on flakes of dead skin or dander, that are shed by people and pets. They thrive in warm, humid environments and can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. A dehumidifier can help to reduce dust mites in your home because dust mites cannot survive without adequate levels of moisture in the air. When humidity levels are less than 55%, dust mites will gradually dehydrate and die.

• Blocked pores: High humidity levels prevent your body from sweating as the air is already saturated with moisture. This can cause heat rashes to occur, or can cause breakouts, particularly blackheads and whiteheads. A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity allowing your pores to open up and your body to sweat.

How dehumidifiers protect your home

If you live in a climate with high humidity your home and possessions may be negatively affected and need constant maintenance. It is a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier before you notice any damage to avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Rot and structural damage: Extended periods of high humidity in your home can result in rot and structural damage. It is harmful to your furnishings, door frames, drywall, window frames, mouldings, and wooden furniture. Use a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels in your home at the right levels.
  
  
• Damp and mould: If you have damp in your home that is caused by condensation, a dehumidifier can help to lessen the amount of moisture damage and help to dry out your home. You should try get to the root of the problem and fix any plumbing issues or leaks causing the damp and mould.
  
  
• Rust: Metal corrodes at a greater rate in humid conditions due to the reaction that occurs between the moisture in the air, the oxygen, and the electrons on the surface of the metal. Steel corrosion or metal oxidation can be avoided by using a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels below 50%.
  
  
• Musty odours: If your home or clothing smells musty, chances are you have mould or mildew. A dehumidifier can help to alleviate the problem by reducing the moisture in the air.
  
  
• Peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint: Your painted walls may develop water-filled bubbles due to too much moisture, and wallpaper adhesive may start to weaken. Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor moisture levels and keep room humidity levels between 40% and 50%.
  
  
• Faulty electronic devices: Condensation can form in your appliances as a result of humid air. The internal parts of appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, televisions, and even computers are not made to withstand moisture. A dehumidifier helps to keep the moisture in the air at the right level to prevent condensation from occurring.
  
  
• Possessions: High humidity can cause damage to your tools, bicycles, guns and musical instruments to name a few. Items made from wood, or metal are at risk of being negatively affected by high levels of humidity.

How dehumidifiers lower energy costs

• Cools your home: An air conditioner can run more efficiently with the aid of a dehumidifier. Your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain comfortable inside temperatures when you remove extra moisture from the air.

• Dries your clothing: You can use a dehumidifier to dry your clothing. Tumble driers add moisture to the air which will in turn increase your humidity levels. Conversely, a dehumidifier draws moisture from the air, making the air in the room drier which in turn dries your clothing. It takes longer than a traditional tumble drier, but it is a lot cheaper as it uses less electricity.
  
  

A dehumidifier is an essential appliance to own. Not only does it provide benefits to your health and home, but it saves you money in the long run.

Chat to the team at Solenco to learn more about the dehumidifiers available so you can reduce the levels of humidity in your home before any problems occur.