Dehumidification
The Importance of Dehumidification
The ideal humidity range within a home is between 35% and 45%. A dehumidifier’s primary purpose is to lower and control the humidity in the air, which helps eliminate odors, create a more comfortable living environment, and significantly reduce the chance of mold growth. Maintaining this range also discourages populations of common household pests, including clothes moths, fleas, cockroaches, woodlice, and dust mites.
When humidity levels reach 60% or higher, mold growth becomes almost inevitable, along with other potentially harmful and expensive issues. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, producing water—referred to as condensate—which must either be collected or disposed of. Units equipped with direct drainage into plumbing or a sump pump can simplify this process and ensure efficient operation.
Basements are particularly susceptible to high humidity levels due to their unique conditions. Because basement floors and walls are in contact with soil, they tend to remain cooler, as soil temperatures several feet below the surface consistently range between 50°F and 60°F or lower. The lack of windows or solar heat gain further contributes to cooler air, which is denser and less capable of holding water vapor than warmer air. Cooler air is also less active, meaning its molecules are more likely to exist in a liquid or solid state rather than as vapor. This combination of factors leads to higher relative humidity in basements, making them a common trouble spot for moisture problems. Moisture in basements can come from external sources, such as surface water seeping into the soil, a high water table, or flaws in the foundation’s water protection layer. Water may enter through cracks, by gravity, or through hydrostatic pressure from the soil beneath the walls or floor. It can also infiltrate via a wicking action, where moisture is drawn upward through porous materials.
Properly managing indoor humidity, especially in areas like basements, is essential to prevent the growth of mold and maintain a healthy, safe environment. A well-maintained dehumidifier can play a critical role in controlling these conditions and protecting your home.
Where Moisture Comes From
Air Leaks
Air can leak into the home through walls, roofs, and floors and have damaging effects on a house. Uncontrolled airflow through the envelope of the home not only carries moisture into framing cavities, causing mold and rot, but it can also account for a huge portion of a home’s energy use and can cause indoor air quality problems. In a leaky house, large volumes of air – driven by exhaust fans, stack effect, and the wind – can blow through the floor, walls, and ceiling.
Diffusion Through Materials
This is a process by which vapor spreads or moves through permeable materials caused by a difference in water vapor pressure. An example of this is when the soil becomes saturated and moisture enters the crawl space through the walls by vapor diffusion. Installing a vapor barrier can help reduce the amount of moisture that makes its way into the crawl space and into the rest of the home.
Internal Moisture
A family of four produces on average two pints of water an hour, or up to 25 pints of water a day, simply by washing dishes, taking showers, cooking, and breathing.
Property Protection
Symptoms of High Humidity:
Mildew- Mold
- Wood rot
- Wet insulation
- Musty odors
- Dust mites
- Rusty ductwork
- Sweating windows
- Insects and pests
- Buckling floors
- High cooling costs
- Damaged cabinetry & other woodwork
Each of these factors contributes to the damage and deterioration of your home, property, and valuable possessions. They require very little to thrive—just moisture and condensation from high humidity levels for water, and an organic-based material for food, such as fabric, wood, paper, or furniture.
It’s no surprise that these issues are prevalent in humid environments. Cooler surfaces are particularly vulnerable, as the relative humidity near them can reach 100%, leading to visible condensation. For this reason, the EPA recommends maintaining humidity levels below 50% to prevent these problems.
These conditions can also develop in micro-environments, such as beneath carpeting, rugs, or storage boxes. Mold, mildew, pests, and the degradation of organic materials can often be prevented or minimized by controlling humidity levels. Maintaining reduced relative humidity and ensuring cooler surfaces remain dry are key steps in protecting your home and belongings.
To prevent moisture-related issues and ensure a comfortable, healthy, and safe living environment, a dehumidifier is essential. It helps maintain relative humidity between 45% and 50%, as recommended by the EPA.
The Santa Fe dehumidifier is specifically designed to remove odor-causing moisture while maintaining optimal relative humidity levels. This creates ideal conditions for an odor-free storage space and a comfortable living environment for you and your family.
How Dehumidification Works
In the simplest of terms, dehumidifiers regulate humidity by removing moisture from the air. This creates living spaces that are comfortable to you but inhospitable to dust mites, mold and other allergens.
- First, humid air is pulled into the dehumidifier through the high-efficiency air filter.
- It then passes over the evaporator coil. The cold surface of the evaporator coil combined with the humid air forces water to condense and droplets to form on the coil.
- This water then drops into the drain pan and runs out of the dehumidifier through the drain tube.
- The now cold, dry air passes over the condenser coils and is heated. This warm, dry air is then supplied to the location(s) needing dehumidification.
Why Dehumidification?
Did you know that 50% of the air in the upper levels of your home originates from the basement or crawl space? These areas often contain high levels of moisture, which can lead to musty odors, mold spores, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. The damp air can also damage your home’s structure and stored items. Experts agree that controlling indoor humidity is essential for comfort, reducing health risks, and protecting your property.
Our Solutions
We are a proud authorized dealer of Santa Fe dehumidifiers and are able to offer every product with the same great price and guarantees. All Santa Fe dehumidifiers include a 6-year full warranty.
We also offer FREE HOME DELIVERY. Call us today for a free quote on a new Santa Fe Dehumidifier, & keep your home free from excess moisture & mold. You can also learn more & see the difference between each dehumidifier we carry by clicking here: PRODUCT LINE
Disclaimer:
Free delivery is available to all customers within our service areas. Deliveries outside these areas may incur additional fees. Installation and setup require a properly dedicated electrical outlet and drainage line, both of which must be provided by the customer, homeowner, or landlord. Please note that we do not perform electrical installations or plumbing work. Customers are encouraged to check with their local municipalities regarding regulations and laws for electrical and plumbing requirements. For proper setup and operation, please refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines, as our service is limited to delivery only.
Returns are accepted within 5 days of purchase and are subject to a $250 restocking fee. Additional pickup fees may also apply.
Why Choose Us
Frequently Asked Question
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.
Moisture is the most common problem in basements. 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.
Industry leading warranties, energy efficient. Large capacity. Commercial quality with unmatched reliability and superior filtration (MERV-13). These are the reason you can’t go wrong with buying a Santa Fe dehumidifier.