Dehumidifiers regulate humidity by removing moisture from the air to create living spaces that are comfortable for people and inhospitable to dust mites, mold and other allergens. Excess moisture leads to mold growth, and mold growth leads to property damage, bad indoor air quality, increased odors from off-gassing of mold spores, and damage to items stored in the basement. There are three main sources of moisture in your home: the first source is leaks, the second is diffusion through materials, and the third is internally generated moisture.
Fifty percent of the air in the upper levels of your home comes from the basement or crawl space. Both contain high levels of moisture that cause musty odors, mold spores, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. Damp air in these areas may also damage the structure of your home and stored items. According to experts, controlling humidity inside the home is essential for comfort, reduced health risks, and property protection. Here are the top 5 reasons to get a dehumidifier.
- Musty Odors – Musty odors are typically a result of high humidity levels in the crawl space and basement. This polluted air below the house will eventually move to the rest of the house, carrying musty odors and other contaminates. Specifically, musty odors in your home come from the off-gassing of mold spores when they feed on organic materials. Solve the moisture problem and you will solve your mold problem.
- Comfort – A home dehumidifier draws moisture out of the air which allows your A/C system to perform more efficiently. This prevents the “cold and clammy” feeling you may get when you rely solely on your A/C to lower the temperature in an attempt to lower the humidity level in your home.
- Controlling Dampness – If after heavy rain, you notice water dripping on your basement floor, sweating walls, or rings of mold spores, you should use a dehumidifier to dry it out. If you have a regularly damp basement it’s a good idea to keep one running throughout the year.
- Helps With Allergies – Designed to work with your home’s HVAC system, a whole-home ventilating dehumidifier brings in fresh, filtered outdoor air. This process dilutes allergens and contaminants, all while dehumidifying the entire home to maintain a set relative humidity (RH) level.
- Safer Food Storage – The use of a dehumidifier can improve the shelf life of porous foods such as cereal, bread, and chips by absorbing moisture and other contaminants that contribute to spoilage.