Dehumidifiers: Why use them?

Overview:

A dehumidifier is a device that extracts moisture from the air in a room. This can assist to reduce humidity, prevent mould and mildew, and enhance indoor air quality.

When is the right time to use a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are the key to removing humidity within the home, you will know if humidity is an issue within your home when you start to notice:

• Condensation: moisture droplets on walls and windows, particularly in basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• A musty smell is an indication of the growth of mould, particularly in cellars and basements.
• Peeling wallpaper or paint: Paint may lose adherence if it gets too wet.
• Wood that is warped: When wood absorbs moisture, it expands and warps.
• An increase in asthma or allergies: Elevated relative humidity can exacerbate asthma and allergies.

Benefits:

A dehumidifier has numerous benefits, both in terms of health and house protection.

Health:

• A dehumidifier can help eliminate dust mites, the leading cause of allergies and asthma. Therefore, alleviating you or your family members from the pain caused by these health conditions (this also accounts for any respiratory conditions/problems, as they allow for easier inhalation of the air within the home.)
• Dehumidifiers will also help you sleep more peacefully through removing mugginess.

Home protection:

• Dehumidifiers assist in preventing mould and mildew formation by lowering moisture in the air.
• They will also make your home less appealing to pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, and millipedes!

Other:

Dehumidifiers not only provide the benefits listed above, but they also help to reduce the cost of drying laundry because they can do so for cheaper and more conveniently than the average dryer. In addition, making the clothes feel less clammy or musty as they sit within your home.

Dehumidifiers location

A minimum space of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) surrounding the dehumidifier is advised by the majority of manufacturers. Any surface where air enters or exits the device must have cabinet openings that do not hinder airflow. A compressor or fan that has restricted airflow may overheat and become less effective. Dehumidifiers will absorb moisture as effectively as possible when used in an enclosed space with the windows and doors closed. Since the "world" cannot be dehumidified by a dehumidifier, little outside air should be allowed into the room!

Maintence of device:

In addition to limiting the unit's airflow, dirty or clogged filters may harbour potentially dangerous microorganisms. As a result, they, along with the air intake and exhaust grills, should be inspected, cleaned, or replaced as needed. This will prevent overheating and lessen excessive strain on the fan that circulates air throughout the machine.
Internal coil ice buildup is common in cold room operations, and most units feature a de-icing cycle that can temporarily produce a strange ticking and vibrating noise before they resume normal performance.