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Cold weather will arrive soon, and with it, allergies and respiratory issues may arrive. For these issues and other reasons, your home may benefit from a dehumidifying system. Although people use dehumidifying systems in bathrooms, attics, or basements most commonly, they can be beneficial in all areas of the home.
How Does Humidity Affect My Allergies?
If you live in a naturally humid climate, you know how annoying it can be. Humidity makes the air feel wet and heavy; it’s unpleasant to go outside, exercise, or do many normal activities. In addition, humidity adversely affects the inside of your home. Allergens (including pollen, dust, and dander) love humid areas. Bacteria, molds, and other hazards often thrive there, no matter how clean your home is.
Even if you don’t live in a naturally humid climate, humidity easily builds up in certain areas of your house. Bathrooms are big offenders, because hot water, steam, and the droplets of water left after you drain the tub or turn off the shower add humidity to the environment. Attics and basements are hotbeds of humidity too, especially if it is naturally moist or if your area gets plenty of precipitation.
Will Humidity Harm My Health?
Yes, you can develop serious health problems from an overly humid environment. Some problems (think itchy, watery eyes) might be mild at first but become a real hindrance to daily life. Other issues, such as respiratory infections and mold-borne diseases, are much more serious. They could require hospitalization, and if you don’t handle the problem quickly, you might have to leave your home indefinitely.
Benefits of Buying a Dehumidifier
First, a dehumidifier will do plenty to reduce the allergens, molds, and other dangerous organisms in your house. Dehumidifiers drastically reduce humidity levels so allergens can no longer survive. Dehumidifiers also help water and steam dissipate more quickly, reducing the chances that mold will grow on your fixtures, curtains, bedsheets, and even clothing.
Dehumidifiers keep your home cleaner and your food fresher. Running a dehumidifier reduces dust, so you can enjoy your furniture, fixtures, and knickknacks without constant cleaning. It also prevents mold, bacteria, and viruses from breeding in susceptible foods like bread and yogurts. This makes it easier to tell whether foods are still fresh even after several days and can keep you from accidentally eating something that will make you sick.
Some people are hesitant about dehumidifiers because they think they are noisy or waste energy. In reality, dehumidifiers are usually quiet; if you hear much noise, it’s a sign the machine needs repair. Additionally, dehumidifiers reduce the energy costs associated with HVAC systems. The less humid your home’s air is, the easier it will be for your HVAC system to operate, reducing the need for repairs and replacements.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Certain signs will let you know whether you should purchase a dehumidifier immediately. These include:
- Water stains on floors, walls, or fixtures
- Constant condensation on windows, mirrors, and other surfaces
- Rooms that feel especially stuffy or humid
To learn more about dehumidifier systems, please contact Sheldon's Heating & Air Conditioning online or by phone.
