There are some household accessories that you might not realize you have a need. A dehumidifier is one of these accessories. A dehumidifier may or may not be included with your home; most homeowners end up needing to purchase their own after moving. And because of their portable size, they can be easily moved to a new house if needed.
You might be wondering if you need a dehumidifier or if it something you can hold off on purchasing. Part of this answer depends on your house and your needs as a family.
Keep reading to learn more about the signs and reasons someone might need a dehumidifier.
What are the signs you need a dehumidifier?
Sometimes, purchasing a dehumidifier might be necessary for homeowners. Certain signs are indicative that you need one.
Some areas, such as basements, are naturally more moist than others. Several factors contribute to moist basements, including cracks in the foundation, poor drainage, or rain water pooling against the house.
Whatever the reason, moisture is never a good thing because it leads to mold. An obvious sign that you need a dehumidifier for a house is if you have moist areas or visible mold in your house. A dehumidifier can help remove some of the moisture from the air to help reduce the possibility of mold.
A musty smell is another sign that there might be moisture lurking within your house somewhere. If a particular area of your house smells musty, try using a dehumidifier to see if that improves the situation.
Finally, another sign that might not be as obvious as some of the other ones mentioned above: stuffy rooms. If certain areas are stuffy, and you’ve tried circulating the air with a fan or by opening a window, you might need a dehumidifier to help remove the moisture in the air.
What are the benefits of dehumidifiers?
As mentioned above, an obvious benefit to a dehumidifier is that it removes moisture from the air and helps to reduce mold and mildew from the air. Nobody wants to have to deal with mold in their house. Breathing in mold can lead to respiratory problems, such as throat irritation, coughing, and asthma attacks.
For people with dust allergies, using a dehumidifier can reduce the number of dust mites found within the home. Dust mites thrive in humid areas, so reducing the humidity in the house can eliminate their living environment. While getting rid of dust mites completely is impossible, you’ll want to combine a dehumidifier with other cleaning methods, such as vacuuming and dusting at least once a week.
In addition to reducing dust mites and eliminating the possibility of mold, dehumidifiers can also help to reduce other toxins from your home. A dehumidifier paired with an air purifier can greatly improve the air quality of your house, allowing you to breathe easier.
Removing the humidity from the air can also help protect your home. For example, if wooden structures within your house (such as attic beams) are continuously exposed to moisture, eventually they will start to rot. Moisture left on metal can also cause the metal to begin to rust. By getting rid of humidity from the air, you can slow down the deterioration of your home.
Finally, some people use dehumidifiers just to feel more comfortable! Humidity in your home can make your house feel warmer. Removing the moisture from the air can help cool things down.
What factors to consider when buying a dehumidifier?
When deciding to buy a dehumidifier, you will want to determine how large a dehumidifier you need. For example, a person with allergies might only need a small one in their bedroom. But if your entire house is humid, you might need to buy a larger one that can remove the moisture from several rooms.
You’ll also want to make sure the dehumidifier can be easily maintained. You’ll need to change the filters and empty the water from the dehumidifier regularly. Make sure the unit is easy for you to use.
Some dehumidifiers come with extra features, such as auto-shut off or automatic restart. You can use a site such as Get Dehumidifiers to read reviews about dehumidifiers and choose one that meets your needs.
Final thoughts
Not every homeowner will need a dehumidifier. However, if your house is humid or if you suffer from allergies, it could be worth investing in a dehumidifier as soon as possible. A dehumidifier will remove the moisture from your house, prevent mold, and improve air quality.