Dehumidifiers take moisture away from your home when there’s too much inside. But how do you know when you need one? There are lots of different ways to figure out if a dehumidifier is what your house needs.
Let’s check them out so you can keep your house dry all year long.
What’s the best humidity for your home?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says the ideal humidity range for your home should be between 35% and 50%. When humidity levels go over 50%, it can make your home a bit unpleasant and create the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Dust mites thrive in higher humidity levels. And if humidity levels are pretty high, it can cause structural damage to your home.
For example, high humidity can cause wood to rot, and it can also cause other materials to break down. When this happens, it makes it easier for termites to continue breaking down wood.
Needless to say, it’s a good idea to keep your home’s humidity levels under control to prevent these problems. And the best way to do that is with a dehumidifier. It’s a product that draws dampness out of the air, helping to keep the air – and your home’s surfaces and materials – dry.
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How to measure the humidity in your home
One of the easiest ways to measure home humidity is with something called a hygrometer. It’s a thermometer that measures moisture levels.
You can check the moisture throughout your entire home by measuring the humidity in each room. Some rooms will be more humid than others.
With over 3,000 positive reviews, the ThermoPro TP55 Digital Hygrometer Indoor Thermometer Humidity Gauge with Jumbo Touchscreen and Backlight Temperature Humidity Monitor is a great hygrometer to start with.
Signs you need a dehumidifier
Even without a hygrometer, you can still tell if your home is too humid. Just a quick glance around your house will give you plenty of signs. Here’s what to look out for.
Mold
It ain’t pretty, but it’s a sure sign that your home needs a dehumidifier. Mold thrives in wet, damp and warm places, and common areas for mold to grow in include bathrooms, basements, windows, areas with poor plumbing and leaks.
You can usually spot mold. But sometimes, you can smell it, too.
Window condensation
Do you notice droplets of water on the inside of your windows? This happens when there’s moisture in the air. It’s common during the winter months because the outdoor temperature is colder than the indoor air temperature.
Because your window is a cold surface, it makes the moisture in the warm air condense.
That’s why you see condensation on windows, and possibly even on walls.
Dehumidifiers can definitely help. But consider having your windows checked, too. Drafty windows can increase humidity, and if they’re not sealed properly, they can add to the problem.
Water in the basement
When it rains, do you notice water collecting in your basement? Can you spot watermarks on the basement floor or walls? This could indicate that water run-off is increasing humidity in your basement. A dehumidifier can definitely help you keep the humidity under control.
However, if this is a consistent problem, have your basement checked by a home expert. A serious structural problem could be the reason for high humidity levels and you should fix that ASAP.
Water stains
Have a look at the floorboards, ceilings, and walls. Can you spot water stains? If so, this means water is leaking and seeping into the materials of your home. This ups the humidity levels, and can also increase the spread of mold.
So, always try to get to the bottom of this problem and use a dehumidifier in the meantime.
Allergies at home
Do you notice that your allergies kick in when you arrive home? This might be due to poor air quality thanks to high humidity levels. Remember, mold, dust mites and airborne allergens love humidity and you might be breathing these things in every time you come home.
Stuffy rooms
If your rooms just feel stuffy and uncomfortable, consider the possibility that there’s too much moisture in the air.
Musty odors
Can you smell must, mold, and air that just isn’t fresh? This, too, is a sign of high humidity and unclean air. It’s definitely a worst-case scenario, as it indicates that moisture has lead to the growth of mold!
A dehumidifier can definitely help to clear out the moisture and keep your air clean and dry. In addition, you want to make sure you get to the bottom of the problem: why is there so much humidity in your house in the first place?
Why you should get a dehumidifier
If you notice any of those seven signs in your home, definitely consider a dehumidifier. In addition to getting rid of extra humidity, a dehumidifier also provides some pretty great benefits.
Clear air
For one thing, because the dehumidifier keeps the air dry, it also helps to purify the air. This is important for everyone, but it’s especially helpful for people with allergies or when you’re sick.
Prevent mold
Another great reason to get a dehumidifier, even if you don’t see or smell mold, is to prevent it completely. Mold has some serious health risks if it gets out of hand. Why not stop it before it starts?
Protect your house
Over time, high humidity can do a number on your house. It can compromise the structure and damage home materials. Repair costs can be pretty exorbitant. With an affordable dehumidifier, you can prevent these costly problems.
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Dehumidifiers are easy to use
Even if you’re not super adroit at home maintenance stuff, you can still use a dehumidifier to keep the air cool and dry. Look for machines that have an automatic shut-off so even if you forget about it, it will turn off on its own.
Also look for a dehumidifier with a top-loading filter. This way, you can conveniently switch out the filter without any inconvenience and hassle.
Dehumidifiers are an affordable and easy way to keep your air humidity levels just right. They also help to keep you and your family healthy, while also protecting the integrity of your home. Do you think you need a dehumidifier?
