Utilizing a Dehumidifier in Your Home

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

Humid conditions can cause many health related issues; some can be severe. Optimal humidity levels are between 30 - 50%, with around 45% being the most desirable, and utilizing a dehumidifier can help to maintain indoor humidity at these comfortable levels, keeping the air in your indoor spaces healthy. This can both save you money and help you avoid any number of risks, such as potential mold growth.

Here are 3 ways dehumidifiers can help you at home:

• MOLD AND MILDEW. Mildew emits a strong odor, which can affect your entire home. Leaving clothing in the washer too long when humidity is high, they can become "mildewy" and will need to be re-washed, which only adds to your water and energy bills, as well as that moldy smell. Since mold growth and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments, dehumidifiers help keep them in check and will prevent the need for mold remediation and mold removal in the future.

• COMFORT. As your body temperature rises, your body releases sweat to help cool you down. When humidity is at an optimal level, your sweat evaporates into the air, leaving you cool and dry, but when air molecules that are already saturated with water have no room to absorb further water, you will feel wet, sticky, and uncomfortable. Bacteria is another organism that thrives in humid environments, and minor cuts and injuries are more susceptible to infection when that’s the case. Some minor medical issues can also be made worse by humidity, such as acne, athlete's foot and some respiratory conditions.

• HVAC SUPPORT. When air molecules are ladened with water, it makes them harder to heat or cool down. For example: a pan only half full of water will heat and cool more quickly and efficiently than a pan that is full, and the same is true of air molecules that are half filled with water, like when humidity levels are at 50% or above. A dehumidifier will help your HVAC system heat up and cool down your home faster and more efficiently by reducing the water in the air, which can significantly save you cooling and heating costs.

Contact SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca for all your cleanup projects, both large and small, and remember that we are mold remediation experts! Our phone number is (419) 443 1790. We offer our services to a wide area across the greater East Seneca areas, including Sandusky, Castalia, Milan, and more!