What Are The Benefits Of A Dehumidifier
Do you live in a humid or muggy climate and notice a lot of condensation on windows and mirrors? Does anyone in your household suffer from allergies or asthma? Have you experienced mildew or mold issues? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your home could benefit from a home dehumidifier. Lets talk about dehumidifier benefits.
How Warm And Busy Is Your Home
Another important factor is how you heat your home. For example if you heat every room in your home 24 hours every day, you probably wont need a dehumidifier at all. However this is a very expensive solution and most people only heat their homes for part of the day and some rooms are never heated at all.
Another factor is the amount of moisture you put in to the air. As we breathe, we add moisture to the air and very day activities such as having a bath/shower, boiling water for cooking, and even drying our laundry also adds moisture to the air. The humidity level in your home is also therefore affected by the number of people in it.
For example, 2 people in a 5 bedroom house will need to remove less moisture than 2 people in a 2 bedroom house, because the bigger house has more capacity to hold the moisture.
Dehumidification: The Allergy Sufferers Secret Weapon
Mold and Dust Mites are the two most pervasive indoor allergens. If you suffer from environmental allergies, there is a great chance that you are sensitive to either mold or dust mites or both. With mold being a fungus and the dust mite being an arachnid, they dont seem to have much in common at first. However, recent research at the University of California revolves around the fact that both mold and dust mites contain the compound chitin. Molds have chitin in their cell walls, and dust mites have chitin in their exoskeleton. Chitin is also found in the exoskeleton of highly allergenic animals like cockroaches, shrimp, and other shellfish. Researchers are still in the early stages, but they may find that chitin plays a key role in triggering the inflammatory response.
Mold and dust mites have something else in common, too:They both thrive in humid climates.
Humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite population growth, says Dr. Michael Ruff of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology . Both are significant indoor allergens and can set off allergic sensitivity and can trigger rhinitis and asthma.
Luckily, neither mold nor dust mites can survive well when the relative humidity drops below 45 percent. Dehumidification, therefore, is the allergy sufferers secret weapon especially during the warm months when humidity peaks.
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How To Choose A Home Dehumidifier
We test our dehumidifiers in real world conditions and the specs and design are the basis for our dehumidifier ratings and reviews. If you have a larger dehumidification problem using commercial or industrial dehumidifiers, additional and different criteria will apply. You might consider these Commercial Dehumidifiers for your home if you have a very large basement and it is unusually moist.
Dehumidifiers Improve Air Quality
Dust and bacteria tend to stay longer in humid air. Most dehumidifiers feature filters to remove pollutants in the air before it is processed inside the machine. You may use a dehumidifier and air purifier combination for a more thorough air filtration.
High humidity also makes the indoor air feel heavy or sticky. Humid air cant absorb your sweat since it is already saturated with moisture. The more humidity in the air the more it becomes difficult to breathe. This is because the air contains high amounts of water vapor and lower oxygen molecules. This kind of environment is not only unpleasant but also harmful even to healthy individuals.
Using a dehumidifier to control humidity keeps out excess moisture and odors, and ensures your health and comfort.
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No 5 Frigidair Fad504dwd Energy Star 50
Frigidair is a great brand with plenty of power. Ive had this 50-pint for over a year and it still works like it is brand new. We have humidity year-round and also use the a/c constantly . This helps keep our home cool and dry, otherwise, wed probably have mold and dampness everywhere. Thanks Frigidair.Frigidair customer
Highlights:
- Continuous operation while near a drain
- Full tank alert system + automatic shut-off
Yes, weve listed Frigidaire 2x in this review. However, this dehumidifier is a 50 pint and slightly smaller than our No. 1 recommended dehumidifier. The 50 pin is still a great choice for large or small rooms.
Its slightly smaller than the 70 pint and measures 19.8 x 11.54 x 14.57 inches and weighs 37 pounds. Similar to its larger version, Frigidaire offers a 1 year, limited warranty. The 50 pint Frigidaire has a 2-speed control for the fan.
Frigidaires 50 pint has the same look to the larger and smaller models, equipped with a top handle and caster wheels to make moving an easier task.
Note: This device cannot be used with an extension cord. If connecting to a drain via a hose, the dehumidifier is gravity-fed and the device should be higher than the drain.
Reviews also say that once delivered, let the dehumidifier stand upright in the box for an extended amount of time before turning on. This will ensure the compressor works properly.
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Do Dehumidifiers Help With Dust Mites
Dust mites are the biggest cause of indoor allergies, scientists have found . Dogs and cats fill out the top three places. Populations of microscopic dust mites proliferate in humid environments and can lead to the tell-tale signs of an allergic reaction to dust mites, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America , including a stuffy nose, itchy eyes or skin, or wheezing and coughing.
Dust mites grow best at high humidity levels, says the AAFA . So think your cooler home is safe? Think again. A 2003 PubMed survey of US homes found that “most US homes have detectable levels of dust mite allergen”. A UK PubMed study found similar levels of infestation, noting that “factors such as older homes, carpets, and mattresses, damp and condensation are associated with higher mite allergen”.
By stabilizing relative humidity at an optimum level of under 50%, dehumidifiers play a crucial role in reducing dust mite infection, PubMed research has established. The impact is massive, with researchers noting allergen levels were ten times lower in homes that used a dehumidifier.
If you have children, a dehumidifier could help reduce the risk of them developing a range of conditions, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and abnormal lung functions, one World Allergy Organization Journal study found.
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What Is A Dehumidifier Good For
We all know by now what dehumidifiers do, but what is the importance of drying the air? Lets look at the most important aspects of maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home.
Helps With Allergies
Allergens are one of the most common in-home issues we face on a daily basis. Everything from seasonal allergies to respiratory issues like bronchitis or asthma can be traced back to allergens in the home.
With a proper humidity level, many of the allergens in your home can be controlled. Maintaining a humidity level between 45 and 50%, for example, will prevent mold and mildew from growing. With the right dehumidifier, you can dial in the humidity level you need based on your individual situation to get the level of protection you need.
Reduces Pest Related Problems
Like mold and mildew, other pests such as spiders, roaches, and even dust mites require moisture to survive. If you remove the humidity from the home, these pests wont have the required moisture for hydration and will either die out or move on.
While it is unlikely that simply lowering the humidity can get rid of an infestation, maintaining the correct humidity levels will help prevent them from forming in the first place.
Controls Moisture Levels
Improves Comfort
Along with normal moisture levels in the air, it also makes things more comfortable. Humid air is harder to breathe, and if the humidity is too high, it can also lead to illness and respiratory issues.
Reduces Energy Costs
What Is The Difference Between Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers
As you can probably surmise, a humidifier and dehumidifier are opposites. Of course, the primary difference is that a humidifier adds moisture to the air while a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air.
Each one has its place and time of use, as well. For a humidifier, they are best used when the air is drier, humidity levels plummet, and the seasons turn colder. Late fall and winter are when you will find most humidifiers in action.
A dehumidifier, on the other hand, is best utilized when the air is full of moisture, the temperature is hotter, and allergens are at their peak. You will find dehumidifiers best used in spring and summer.
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So Which Humidifier Should You Use
Cool-mist humidifiers are safer because they dont use hot water that can burn you if you spill it. This makes them safer to use around children.
But cool mist can also carry airborne bacteria or viral material if the humidifier isnt cleaned regularly or properly. Steam vaporizers boil away bacteria or pathogens in the water before releasing steam.
If you have children or pets, you may want to stick with a cool-mist humidifier. The hot water inside steam vaporizers may burn if its spilled.
How To Pick The Best Dehumidifier
If you have made up your mind about getting a dehumidifier by looking at its benefits, then you must follow the buying guide mentioned below to get the best dehumidifier for you.
The first thing is to know the type of dehumidifier you need. If you want to solve the problem of your whole house, then there is no better option than a whole-house dehumidifier.
If you want it for a room and you are design-conscious, then you should go for a refrigerator as it is usually a modern design and works the best for single rooms.
If low maintenance is your concern, then you should buy a desiccant dehumidifier.
It is the daily moisture removal ability of a unit. You can convert it into gallons and decide better. If your humidity is very high and your area is large, then you should go for higher pints above 50.
If you want it for small spaces, then a small pint equal to 20 or 30 can also work the best for you.
If you want to get a dehumidifier with a compatible area capacity that matches your target area, then you should measure your area before you buy a unit. It will help you to know your need, and you will be able to get a dehumidifier that meets your demands.
The drainage system should be concerned while buying a dehumidifier. There are two types of dehumidifiers. One is manual, and the other one is automatic.
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Help Prevent Nosebleeds And Sinus Congestion
Humidifiers can keep nose cavities hydrated and prevent frequent nosebleeds. Bacteria or bacterial particles can’t go up to and through your nose in moist environments.
Keeping a good water temperature can help you avoid sickening and help ease the strain. Humidifiers also help improve your nasal passages and keep you hydrated.
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.
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Looking For Allergy Relief Your Humidifier Or Dehumidifier Could Help
Autumn 2021 will bring a lot of changes beyond the leaves. Kids may be going back to the classroom full time and adults might be headed back to the office after more than a year largely spent at home. But one part of fall never seems to change: the sniffles, coughs and sneezes of allergies. And while we still have some summer left, allergy season is already here.
Its a trifecta this time of year, said David Stukus, M.D., a pediatric allergy and asthma specialist at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and associate professor of pediatrics at the Ohio State University College of Medicine. The most common cause is circulating viral infections as kids go back to school, Stukus says. The other would be changes in the weather pattern, which can cause worsening symptoms that are often preexisting. We have ragweed and mold spores, especially on rainy days and when the leaves collect in the fall.
Things might not be much better indoors for those with dust mite or other environmental allergies. As temperatures drop and the windows are closed, those allergy symptoms can get worse.
Depending on the symptoms and cause, the course of treatment might include use of a humidifier or dehumidifier. Heres how each could help:
No 4 Homelabs 9 Gallon Dehumidifier Energy Star Safe Mid Size Portable Dehumidifiers
Two words, Quiet and Dry. We needed a large dehumidifier for our basement and hOmeLabs has exceeded our expectations. Seriously, you dont understand how humid and damp your house is until you try it. This dehumidifier is easy to use, runs quietly and stops when full. Doesnt look bad either. hOmeLabs customer
Highlights:
- Comes with drain hose for continuous use
- Auto shut off with 9 gallon tank
- Nice, modern design
- Reduces odor and bacteria
You might not be familiar with the HomeLab company, but we sure are. Home makes indoor electric products ranging from cookers to ac units, to humidifiers. Most of their products are energy efficient including this one.
We like Homes dehumidifier because it makes a great first impression and runs quietly. Because its energy efficient it wont surprise you on your electricity bill either. The control panel is digital with push-button controls.
The two-year limited warranty is enough time to give me confidence the company backs its product. Other dehumidifiers dont provide a hose for drainage, however, this one does and gives you the option for manual water removal or hose to the sink.
Homelabs gives our No. 1 option some tough competition. Especially with an excellent average review!
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Dehumidifiers Help Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Environmental allergens can cause symptoms like:
- wheezing
Drying out the air in your home keeps triggers to a minimum.
Dust mites, in particular, need a relative humidity level of to survive and procreate. Thats a level that can be easily managed by using a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifying the air also controls mold growth.
Main Types Of Dehumidifiers: Which Will Work For Your Home
As we have touched on so far, there is more than one type of dehumidifier. The three major types are refrigerant-based, whole home, and desiccant-based. Lets take a closer look at all three.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant based systems work very similarly to a portable air conditioner. They are generally portable themselves and use a fan to pull air in over coils to cool the air and remove humidity.
Once the moisture is removed, it is collected in a reservoir tank that needs to be emptied, or is automatically removed through a drain line. These models are best for smaller areas, or specific uses, such as seasonal or when you are ill.
You will also find these used most often in bathrooms with lower ventilation and even in kitchens where humidity rises quickly.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant models use absorbent gels or salts to collect moisture. You will generally find silica beads or grains inside pouches that absorb the moisture. Once they are full, you will need to either replace the pouches, the entire dehumidifier device, or plug it in.
Plug in models use an electric coil to heat the silica and evaporate the moisture so they can be used again. Other types can be put in the microwave or oven to heat the silica.
One-time use options are fairly cheap and are great for small areas like inside your kitchen cabinets. You can also use them in gun safes, vehicle cabs, and other areas that are difficult to maintain.
Whole House Ventilation Dehumidifiers
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Air Purifier Vs Dehumidifier Which One Is Better To Fight Allergies
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Contrary to popular belief, budding trees, blooming flowers, and cuddling pets are not the most prevalent causes of allergiesour homes are. More specifically, the problem is all the dust, pet hair, pollen, and other allergens in the air and settled on furniture.
Fortunately, you can easily improve the quality in your home with modern technology, and, in this article, we are taking a closer look at two most popular devices that are commonly used to help alleviate indoor allergies: air purifiers and dehumidifiers.
Reduces The Presence Of Allergens
The most important benefit of a dehumidifier is that it reduces allergy triggers in the air. Mold, dust mites, and dander can cause hay fever-like symptoms and can stir up asthmatic attacks for those with the illness.
As dehumidifiers remove moisture, they also curb the spread of these allergens, making the air safer and healthier. Dust mites need a relative humidity level of at least 65% to survive.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that the indoor RH level is below 60%, with the ideal level being between 30% and 50%. This level will effectively terminate most dust mites.
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