An over-abundance of humidity in your home is not only likely to be environmentally uncomfortable for you and your family, but may also pose some very serious risks to your health. While outside humidity is manageable, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor humidity be kept between 30 and 50 percent.
When the humidity of an indoor space reaches higher than 60 percent, occupants may find themselves facing several health hazards. High humidity can increase the chances of mold and mildew, which may be toxic to pets and humans, especially those already suffering from asthma, allergies, or an otherwise compromised immune system.
For homeowners trying to battle excess indoor humidity, a whole house dehumidifier may be the best solution…
How Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Work?
A dehumidifier works by removing some of the moisture from the air that circulates through your home. Moist air enters the dehumidifier and is refrigerated before being moved through a condenser coil that extracts the water. The water is collected by a drip pan, allowing the air that is released to be drier and slightly warmer than the air which entered.
There are two types of dehumidifiers available to manage indoor humidity: room dehumidifiers and whole house dehumidifiers. Single room dehumidifiers can be more costly to run, as they require frequent emptying, and are also limited to the immediate space around them. Whole house dehumidifiers, on the other hand, work with a home’s existing HVAC system to tackle high humidity in every room with better efficiency.
Some people try to manage their humidity problem with their central air system – however, without a whole house dehumidifier, homeowners have to run the AC more frequently and at lower temperatures. This could mean excessively high utility bills.
Benefits to Your Health
Dehumidifiers also act as air purifiers by cleaning circulated air through several replaceable filters. Partnering a whole house dehumidifier with a central air system can be beneficial for those who may have asthma, or for people who may be allergic to dust mites. High humidity may also be described as “sticky” or “heavy,” and a whole house dehumidifier can help rid your home of that musty and stuffy feeling that many people experience when stepping out of a hot shower.
Mold and mildew prefer to grow in moist, warm areas, such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. The spores they create are known to trigger allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. By having a whole house dehumidifier, the level of moisture in your home is decreased, lowering the risk of toxic mold growth and a dust mite invasion.
Benefits to Your Home
A high-humidity environment is also unfriendly to your home because the growth of mold and the condensation of water may cause structural damage. Mold attaches itself to furniture, clothing, or other mold-friendly surfaces. The collection of water in ceilings or under cabinets can be devastating to the structure and safety of the house as well as the integrity of the foundation.
To protect your home and family from the ill-effects of humidity, many health professionals recommend having a whole house dehumidifier installed in addition to your existing central air system. The addition of a low-maintenance, energy-efficient, whole house dehumidifier can increase the performance of your existing central air system, while providing a cleaner environment for the comfort and safety of your family.
