There are many health benefits to owning a dehumidifier, but there are also some negatives you should be aware of if the system is not used properly.
Dehumidifiers are becoming more popular and common in the average American home. However, dehumidifiers should be coupled with a high SEER rated air conditioning systems to help take the humidity out of the air in your home.
In many areas around the United States, the humidity levels are so high that mold and mildew are a huge risk, often growing in people’s homes if a dehumidifier is not present. Respiratory problems can develop as a result and a dehumidifier is often the only solution to help keep it under control.
Other health conditions that dehumidifiers have been known to help prevent include:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Fungal infections
- Hypersensitivity
- Dust mites
However, before you install a whole house dehumidifier, read the following tips to make sure you experience the full benefits of your residential dehumidification system:
Get the right size.
You must choose a dehumidifier that is the proper size for a room. If you install one that is too small, you may feel it’s helping but in reality there will still be mold and mildew growth because you are using an insufficient system. Humidity must drop below 50 percent in order to deter mold growth. Size your system according to the amount of square feet it must cover.
Remove existing mold.
If your home already has a mold problem, a dehumidifier will not solve it. Existing mold must be removed first. Mold can cause major health problems so this must be taken very seriously. A professional should be called in order to make certain the mold is fully removed.
Service dehumidifier regularly.
A dehumidifier contains noxious gasses and should be serviced regularly, especially if you detect a leak of any kind.
Water collection basin cleaned.
A dehumidifier’s water collection basin should be cleaned regularly so that mold does not grow, or else the dehumidifier is going to do more harm to your health than good. Clean and disinfect the basin regularly and change the filter.
Adjust settings to seasons.
If your dehumidifier is set too high in the winter, this will not be good for your health. For instance, dry winter air indoors means sore throats and other health issues.
These are some of the many benefits of using a dehumidifier, but as mentioned above the proper size must be determined and the system must be cleaned and regularly maintained in order for it to be fully beneficial to your health.
To read more information regarding the benefits of dehumidifiers, check out: The Benefits of a Whole House Dehumidifier.
Call Richmond’s Air of Houston, Texas for more information about maintaining the ideal humidity level in your home with a whole house humidifier system.
