Summer is the hottest season of the year. It is also humid and sticky. Too much heat can be uncomfortable and unbearable to most people. Having a dehumidifier in your house can very helpful in such a season. Dehumidification is essential for people suffering from breathing problems such as asthma and allergies.
4 Seasons Heating & Air is an HVAC company in Alpharetta, GA. The company has been in service for over 40 years. 4 Seasons Heating & Air also provides services in north Atlanta.
Research shows that humidity levels above 50% can be harmful. These levels host mold and dust. Dust and mold trigger allergies and other related health issues. Having a dehumidifier in your house or office can prevent some of these issues. A dehumidifier is an appliance that works by removing the excess moisture from the air. The following are the benefits of a dehumidifier.
1. Reduced Allergen Growth
Most allergy triggers like mold, bacteria, and dust mites thrive in humid temperatures. The moist environment is found in rooms with poor air circulation and high-water usage. Such rooms include laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements.
Having a dehumidifier decreases the amount of moisture circulated in the house. Reduced humidity decreases the growth of allergens such as molds. Low growth of allergens thus minimizes the chances of allergy reactions in the house.
2. Reduced Pest-Related Problems
Pests thrive in humid environments. Pests such as cockroaches, termites, and spiders make their homes in rooms with moist climates. A dehumidifier will help you control the moisture levels. In return, the pest problem can be resolved.
3. Controlled Moisture Levels
High moisture levels can cause significant damage in the house in the long run. High moisture levels aid the growth of mold and mildew. The odor that comes from the mold can be very uncomfortable.
The low air circulation caused by high humidity levels can cause the paint on the walls to peel. The damp environment can also damage wooden furniture over time. Books are damaged when exposed to moisture over a long period. A dehumidifier can be used to prevent such damage in the house.
4. Improved Comfort
Controlled humidity levels provide comfort. With controlled humidity comes increased air circulation and reduced heat. Your house becomes warm, and the air becomes relaxed and fresher, thus improving indoor air quality.
Dust and humid air can irritate your skin and respiratory system. The irritation makes your breathing uncomfortable. A dehumidifier helps reduce dust in your house, improving your breathing. Less dust also means that you do not have to dehumidify as often.
5. Reduced Bills
High humidity levels make an air conditioner work harder than it should be. That is because the air conditioner will have to cool the air and get rid of the moisture at the same time. The strain on the air conditioner makes it inefficient. The air conditioner wears out faster, which calls for recurrent replacements. The replacements put pressure on your bills.
A dehumidifier boosts the efficiency of the air conditioner. The machine will clear out the humidity as the air conditioner cools the air. The combination, in return, saves on the energy levels used, thus saving on the energy bills.
6. Improved Health
When damp and moist air is inhaled, it can cause coughing and other asthma-related symptoms. Keeping the air in your house less humid can prevent such health issues. Low humidity levels also avoid the increase of some toxins, such as formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a toxin released from substances such as paints, varnishes, and cigarette smoke. The toxin is usually released on high levels when the surrounding air is humid. Dehumidification cleans the air, making it easier to breathe and more comfortable.
7. High Efficiency
Unlike other air conditioners, a dehumidifier is hardly noticeable. It clears the water vapor efficiently and quietly. The dehumidifier is perfect even in an office setting because it causes little to no noise distractions.
8. Reduced Damage
High humidity levels can cause significant damage to various household goods. Moisture causes corrosion on tools made of steel and iron. Foods such as bread goes stale faster in highly humid environments, which also damage clothes. With high levels of moisture, clothes take a while to dry, causing the damp odor on them.
Condensation can also cause excessive damage to ceilings and walls. When the walls and ceilings have prolonged exposure to a highly humid environment, the accumulated moisture causes wet spots on the walls and ceilings. In the long run, the wet spots turn into holes, causing leakages when it rains. Using a dehumidifier can help prevent this potential damage.
Common Reasons to Consider a Dehumidifier
Other than allergic reactions, the following indications are a cue for you to purchase a dehumidifier:
- Visible water stains on your walls
- Poor ventilation in your house
- Musty odors
- Excess condensation on the windowpanes
- Peeling paint
- Mildew growth
- Compromised air quality
- Insufficient cooling
The following factors should be considered when choosing the right dehumidifier:
1. Choose the Right Size
When choosing a dehumidifier, consider the size of the room that you want to dehumidify. Always ensure that you measure the room. Match the size of the room to the size of the dehumidifier.
A large room, such as a basement or warehouse, requires a large dehumidifier. A large dehumidifier will work faster and will not need emptying often. A small room, on the other hand, will require a small dehumidifier to save on the electricity costs.
2. Choose the Right Capacity of Dehumidifier
Other than the size of the room, consider the level of moisture in the place that you would like to dehumidify. The humidity in the room is measured in pints of water extracted from the room in 24 hours. Consider consulting with our team to determine the proper capacity.
3. Choose a Specialized Dehumidifier for a Special Area
Certain areas such as a spa, pool house, and warehouse require special dehumidifiers. When purchasing, choose a dehumidifier that is meant for these particular areas. Always consider consulting an expert before the purchase.
4. Choose a Portable Dehumidifier
A portable dehumidifier is a perfect choice if you will consider moving it. Most portable dehumidifiers have wheels. The wheels make them easy to move around.
5. Choose a Dehumidifier With Your Preferred Features
Different dehumidifiers have different features. Some features to consider include:
- Adjustable humidistat: A feature that enables you to set the level of moisture you require in the room. The machine automatically stops when the required standard is reached.
- Hygrometer: The hygrometer should be built-in. This feature reads the level of moisture, allowing it to adjust it as required.
- Automatic shut-off: The automatic shut-off feature enables the machine to stop once the required level of humidity is reached.
- Automatic defrost: Frost forms on the dehumidifier when it is overused. That can damage the machine. The automatic defrost feature enables the dehumidifier to defrost when the frost is built up automatically.
A dehumidifier can help improve your health and make your home feel warm and cozy. 4 Seasons Heating & Air can select and install a suitable dehumidifier for your property. We can also lend a hand with other cooling, heating, plumbing, and hot water heater efforts. Please contact 4 Seasons Heating & Air today!
