Dehumidifying Your Home To Prevent Mold Growth

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Studies have shown that high humidity can cause many health-related issues; some are very severe. Optimal humidity levels are between 30- 50%, with around 45% being the most desirable for both health and comfort. Dehumidifiers help to maintain indoor humidity at these comfortable levels, keeping the air in your indoor spaces healthy. This can both save you money and help you avoid any number of health risks. 

Dehumidifying your home will prevent mold growth: 

• MOLD AND MILDEW. Mildew emits a strong odor, which can affect an entire home. If you leave your clothes in the washer too long when humidity is high, they can become "mildewy" and will need to be re-washed, which only adds to your water and energy bills. Since mold and mildew thrive in warm, moist environments, dehumidifiers help keep them in check.

Along with mold and mildew prevention, dehumidifying your home will help you:

• LIVE IN COMFORT. As your body temperature rises, your body releases sweat to help cool you off. When humidity is at an optimal level, your sweat evaporates into the air, leaving you cool and dry. However, air molecules that are already saturated with water have no room to absorb further water, which means you run around wet and sticky. Everyone knows how uncomfortable that can be! Bacteria is another organism that thrives in humid environments, and minor cuts and injuries are more susceptible to infection in such a situation. Some minor medical issues can also be made worse by humidity, such as acne and athlete's foot.

It will also help you save on energy:

• HVAC SUPPORT. When air molecules are ladened with water, it makes them harder to heat or cool down. Did you know that a pan only half full of water will heat and cool more quickly and efficiently than a pan that is full? It’s true! And the same is true of air molecules that are half-filled with water. In the same way, a dehumidifier will help your HVAC system heat up and cool down your home faster and more efficiently by reducing the water in the air, which can significantly save you cooling and heating costs.

SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville is here to help with all your cleanup projects, both large and small, and remember that we are mold remediation experts!