When Should You Consider Using a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier dehumidifies and maintains indoor air quality. In simpler words, it removes excess moisture from the air. This makes it a very useful appliance if your indoor air has excess moisture. If the water content in the air is above normal, it can lead to a number of problems. Not the least of these is the host of health problems, such as asthma and various allergies that are made worse by high air moisture.

However, it is important to note that not all households require a dehumidifier. In fact, some homes actually need the reverse, a humidifier. It is important to note the difference between the two.

Difference between a Humidifier and a Dehumidifier

A humidifier is used to add water content to the air. This kind of appliance is typically useful when the indoor air at your home is dry. Air that is unusually dry can lead to various problems including skin issues, breathing difficulties and more.

A dehumidifier does the opposite of a humidifier. It removes content from the air instead of adding to it. And as stated above, it is best used in indoor air conditions where excess moisture exists.

If you are not sure whether you need a humidifier or a dehumidifier, you can have the humidity level of your indoor air measured. The ideal humidity level at your home should be between 30% and 50% as per EPA. If the moisture at your home is below this limit, a humidifier is needed. If the moisture content is above 50%, a dehumidifier is the way to go.

When to Use a Dehumidifier

Even if you don’t have a definite way of measuring the moisture content at your home, you can identify various telltale signs that indicate the need for a dehumidifier. These signs include:

• Condensation. When the air has excess moisture, it can appear as the condensation of vapors on the windows and other surfaces. If you routinely get such condensation, this is a clear sign that a dehumidifier is needed.
• Unusual Odors. Excess moisture can build up into various areas of your home such as the walls, wooden boards and ceilings. This ultimately leads to musty odors.
• Sticky Air. If the air feels sticky, swampy or stuffy, these are clear indications that there is excess water content in the air.
• Wood Damage. When the moisture is persistently above normal for a long time, this can lead to wood damage. You may identify this when wood boards may become warped or rotten.

Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier effectively takes care of a wide range of problems caused by high moisture content. This results in a number of notable benefits including:

• Helps Manage Allergies. Air impurities such as dust mites thrive in humid air conditions. These can lead to various allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, irritation in the eyes and heaviness in the chest. A dehumidifier brings down the moisture level. This effectively prevents dust mites and many other irritants from surviving in the indoor air.
• Prevents Worsening of Asthma. If a person suffers from asthma, excess moisture in the air can make it worse. Higher water content makes the air heavier, making it even harder to breathe for someone with asthma. With a dehumidifier, the air becomes less laden with water and lighter. This makes it easier for asthma sufferers to breathe this air.
• Protects Your Home. High humidity can cause damage to the structure of your home. This includes harm to the wood beams, rust to the metal components as well as the growth of mold in the walls and other areas.

When using a dehumidifier, it is important to choose a unit that is right for you. Dehumidifiers come in various sizes which are graded in terms of their capacity as measured in pints. You may choose the right size on your own or get an HVAC expert to help you make the decision.

Hiring an HVAC Expert in Greenville SC

If you want to know whether or not you need a dehumidifier, or if you are uncertain what is the right dehumidifier size for you, we can help you. Here at General Air, we help homeowners and businesses across Greenville make informed HVAC decisions. We also offer a comprehensive range of HVAC services including the installation, repair and maintenance of all the relevant appliances. Contact us today to get free estimates, schedule an HVAC service or simply discuss your HVAC issues with our experts.