How Dehumidifiers Can Help At Home

4/14/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your home fresh and free of excessive humidity!

High humidity can cause many health related issues ranging from the unpleasant to the severe. Optimal humidity levels are between 30- 50%, with around 45% humidity being most desirable. Dehumidifiers help to maintain indoor humidity at comfortable levels. This can both save you money and help you avoid any number of health risks. Here are 3 ways dehumidifiers can help you at home.

1. Helps prevent the formation and spread of mold and mildew

Mildew emits a strong scent, which can permeate an entire home. If you leave your clothes in the washer too long when humidity is high, they can become "mildewy" and need more cleaning. This can pile up huge water and energy bills. Mold can become toxic and even life threatening to people with any kind of respiratory problems. Children and pets are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of mold and many people have mild to severe allergies to mold. Famed legal personality Erin Brockovich had to spend nearly $600,000 to have her million dollar dream home purged of toxic black mold. Since mold and mildew thrives in warm, moist environments, dehumidifiers help keep them in check.

2. Helps keep you comfortable

As your body temperature rises, your body releases moisture (sweat) to help cool you off. When humidity levels are optimal, your sweat evaporates into the air, leaving you cool and dry. When air molecules are already saturated with water, there is no room for them to absorb further water, which means you run around wet and sticky. Bacteria is another organism that thrives in humid environments. This means minor cuts and injuries are more susceptible to infection. A wide range of minor medical issues can also be exacerbated by humidity such as acne and athlete's foot.

3. Helps your HVAC system operate efficiently

When air molecules are ladened with water, it makes them harder to heat or cool down. Think of a pan of water. A half full pan will heat and cool more quickly and efficiently than a full pan of water. The same is true of air molecules that are half filled with water (humidity is at 50%). A dehumidifier will help your HVAC system heat up and cool your home down faster and more efficiently, which can save you significantly on cooling and heating costs.

If your HVAC or air ducts need cleaning, call SERVPRO of Belle Meade in Nashville. We can help keep your air quality at optimal levels in your home!