A dehumidifier is a device that extracts excess moisture from the atmosphere. It can be helpful in areas where there are molds or mildews due to high humidity conditions.
To alleviate the humid conditions in the air, and to keep yourself healthy, dehumidifiers are of great use.
Working Principle of a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers work by drawing moisture-rich air from the air. The moisture that is found therein condenses by the surface of the coil into drops of water.
The air is then circulated across a heated rod and then passed to the atmosphere using airflow. The air becomes dry and clean as it becomes free of humidity.
Dehumidifiers are usually more difficult to work in cold weather as they could affect the refrigerated coil and freeze which may prevent air from traveling throughout it. Modern machines have built-in functions to counteract this and it's essentially keeping the coil at the proper temperature.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do to Your Home?
A dehumidifier is a home ventilation system used to remove moisture from the air. This is especially helpful in rooms that have high moisture (kitchens, bathrooms, work-out room) or where it is difficult to maintain relative humidity (basement apartments, bedrooms).
The following are what dehumidifiers do:
1. Water Is Removed
Dehumidifiers work by removing the water out of the air with water-reinforcing materials. The mopping action includes either absorption (where water soaks in anything) or adsorption (where water is stuck on a surface).
A dehumidifier in your home can be used in parts of your room or basement where there is excess water or damp spots. The easiest way to use a dehumidifier is to map out the areas that need moisture removal.
2. Controls Moisture Levels
Condensation causes mold and mildew to form, warping and deteriorating. Even furniture is susceptible to damage caused by long-term humidity and high moisture levels.
Ironically, these homes designed to be energy costs efficient are often susceptible to indoor air quality issues. Therefore, you need a dehumidifier to help prevent further damage to your living space.
Related Article: How Much Moisture Can a Dehumidifier Remove Per Day?
3. Prevents Condensation
A dehumidifier works by reducing the humidity in the air around your windows, thus reducing condensation on the glass.
Most homeowners do not think about condensation until it is too late. Condensation can cause a variety of problems, from wet window sills and leaking roofs to water damage or mold in walls.
Condensation occurs when humidity levels are high enough for cold surfaces to create frost or water droplets on them. If there is elevated humidity, condensation can happen.
4. Help Reduce Mold and Mildew Growth
A dehumidifier can help control and alleviate many symptoms of mold by reducing the amount of relative humidity in a room. Many people know that molds cause a variety of issues from eye and throat irritation to skin rashes, sneezing, or an itchy throat. To avoid further problems due to mold, the relative humidity level should be reduced below
National Institutes of Health also suggests using a dehumidifier to control mold spores. It is important not just to control humidity, but also any allergens especially if you have an allergic reaction.
Related Article: Dehumidifier Help With Mold
5. Helps Eliminate Dust Mites
Dust mites can live for just about anything with moisture. A dehumidifier can reduce the dust mites population, as a humidity level of 30% or less will kill them.
In addition to pollen and mold spores, dehumidifiers also help reduce dust mites allergens. This is a great solution for anyone who has allergy triggers or allergy symptoms.
6. Reduces Pest Related Problems
Many pests are drawn towards moist situations and especially spiders and cockroaches. If you've seen creepy crawly guests sharing your bed sheets from your room or crawl space, then a dehumidifier will help reduce them from entering.
Observe the place where you've detected the pests but if there's water in a specific environment in it or the humidity is elevated in that area, you probably have your problem. A dehumidifier can keep insects out of your home.
7. Reduces Allergies
You can reduce allergen stimuli in your residence by dehumidifying the environment using a home dehumidifier. Using a dry dehumidifier will reduce the humidity levels in your home and keep the allergen in one low moisture environment.
Related Article: Dehumidifiers for Allergies: Benefits, Side Effects, & How to Use
8. Bad Odor Elimination
A dehumidifier can help eliminate offensive odors in a room. The device removes the moisture from the air and eliminates any bad smells that are often associated with it.
Bad smells can be very common in bathrooms, where there are high levels of humidity that encourage the growth of organisms. You can also use a dehumidifier to control pet odors in your home.
Benefits of a Dehumidifier
Improve Air Quality
Dehumidification is a vital tool in improving your indoor couscous. Clean air inside your home is measured not only in the number of toxins that you haven't breathed or the humidity levels - in both thee.
Using a home dehumidifier can help reduce the number of toxins in your air, making it healthier for you and your family to breathe.
May Help Control Asthma
If you are an asthma sufferer, a dehumidifier can help control the symptoms of your disease.
Numerous studies have shown that homes with elevated humidity levels are approximately 3-5 times more likely to develop health problems caused by humidity and condensation (such as respiratory diseases).
Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms
People who suffer from allergies or allergic reactions will notice a big difference in their symptoms after using a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can help ease allergy symptoms, especially if you suffer from allergies such as hay fever or respiratory allergies.
Dry Clothes Faster
If you wash clothes, clothes dry faster with the help of a dehumidifier. The dampening effect that comes from moist air can make your clothes take longer to dry.
If you want to dry your clothes without having them smelling bad, place a dehumidifier near or on top of the piles and close the doors.
Eliminate stains
If you've ever leaked into your house, then you know what a big mess it is to clean up. The longer the water sits, the more problems you'll have when it comes to water stains.
A dehumidifier can help eliminate those difficult and persistent stains caused by water damage. It will also make your carpet look much cleaner after removing excess moisture from the floor.
Helps in Water Leakage and Flooding Cleanup
Dehumidifiers are also very helpful in the removal of water leakage and flooding. If your home is prone to flooding, a dehumidifier can help dry up the water in your basement or lower areas of the home.
Reduces the Risk of Structural Damage
Using dehumidifiers help reduce the level of humidity that reduces the risk of environmental damage to structures, house, or office space.
The high moisture in your home can have a remission effect over time. The presence of excess moisture can accelerate the decay of structures and cause structural damage.
Moist water can destroy wood at the bottom or end of a structure to be warp. Mold may be growing on a wall. Metall fittings might begin rumbling.
A dehumidifier is an easy way to slow the decline in the humidity of the home while creating an optimum lifestyle for your family.
Helps You Feel Comfortable
When there is moisture in the space, the temperature can be warmer than the actual temperature. These things happen especially in the hottest seasons of the year.
When moisture is removed from the air you're more comfortable without needing an air conditioning unit. You could probably raise the heat in your house and use it better.
Potential Side Effects of a Dehumidifier
In general, you could have negative side effects with the use of a dehumidifier.
Mold and bacteria can begin at the unit, thus damaging the atmosphere that is thrown down into the air which is negatively affected and contaminating your health.
In addition to causing dry eyes and skin, a low level of humidity can also cause respiratory issues like flu or colds.
Low temperatures can also affect wooden items, causing cracks and reduced structural integrity. When this happens, it is only a matter of time before the piece becomes damaged.
In addition, the evaporator coils of a dehumidifier must be very cold to create condensation, which can cause damage to anything they touch.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do FAQ
How Well Does a Dehumidifier Help With “Cooling” a Room?
A dehumidifier does not cool the air, it simply reduces the humidity level so that you feel more comfortable.
The unit runs with an insulated cooler that cools the coils to allow moisture out of the air. This process effectively makes room temperature seem cooler because it's dryer and therefore you feel better than before.
Does a Dehumidifier Help to Prevent Pastry Dough From Being Too Moist?
A dehumidifier can help reduce the moisture present in pastry dough. Excess humidity can prevent dough from rising properly, resulting in a hard piece of bread or pastry instead of fluffy and tasty.
Since dehumidifiers work to remove excess moisture, they should be able to improve the texture of homemade baked goods.
Will a Basement Dehumidifier Reduces Humidity Upstairs?
A basement dehumidifier helps to remove excess humidity from the air, so it can reduce the amount of moisture that gets upstairs.
However, you must keep in mind that dehumidifiers work best when they are placed in a central location with which the majority of the air in the building flows through.
Your unit may not be able to reduce the humidity level enough to keep it at a comfortable level for the entire home.
Summary
A dehumidifier does a lot of things. It is an excellent and simple technique to avoid moisture from accumulating in your house.
This will improve the air quality, allow you to effortlessly regulate humidity levels, and make it easier to keep your furniture and carpets clean.
Aside from these benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with it, although not nearly as many as compared to its benefits.
This is a simple method for your family to get rid of extra dampness and enhance their capacity to breathe freely, feel great, and live in a healthy setting.
