The Benefits of Keeping Your Home Dry With a Dehumidifier
The rainy season is here, and many homeowners are putting their dehumidifiers to good use. But it’s not just springtime that makes it humid here. Summers can be just as humid - if not even more - than springtime. But many homeowners haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing a dehumidified house. To be sure, there are many reasons other than staying dry and comfortable to use a dehumidifier. So read on to find out how to choose the best dehumidifier for this rainy season and beyond!
How Does a Dehumidifier Work to Prevent Mold?
Mold prevention is one of the main reasons to use a dehumidifier. Mold needs moisture to grow. It can grow behind walls, on clothes, and on pretty much any surface with enough moisture. Mold can be very dangerous. It is especially dangerous for those with allergies, but those without severe allergies can also suffer health consequences from breathing in mold spores.
Luckily, a dehumidifier can prevent mold from growing in the home. It does this by removing moisture from the air. The unit pulls warm, moist air over cooled coils in the dehumidifier. As the warm and humid air comes into contact with the coils, the difference in temperature helps to trap the moisture on the coils. From there, the condensation drips down into a receptacle, effectively taking it out of the air and making it hard for mold to grow.
Two Main Types of Dehumidifiers
Those homeowners ready to invest in a dehumidifier need to first consider what kind they need. The two main types include portable dehumidifiers, used to remove moisture in a single room, and whole-home dehumidifiers. Portable dehumidifiers can be used in rooms that are unusually moist. These rooms include the basement, kitchen, and bathroom. Whole-home dehumidifiers are better for removing moisture from the entire house, as opposed to just one room.
In addition, there are two different designs when it comes to dehumidifiers. One is called a refrigerant dehumidifier, and it works much like a fridge or air conditioner does to remove moisture from the air. The other type is called a desiccant dehumidifier. Instead of using refrigerants, these kinds use a material called desiccant to filter moisture out of the air. The big difference between the two is that desiccant dehumidifiers can operate at lower temperatures than refrigerant dehumidifiers.
Which Dehumidifier is the Right Choice?
Which type is best depends on an individual’s specific circumstances. Those who rent a home or an apartment should probably stick with the portable kind unless they have an agreement with the landlord where the cost of a whole-home dehumidifier will be taken out of the rent.
Those who own their home and deal with significant moisture should invest in a whole-home dehumidifier. Most households are better off installing a whole-home dehumidifier because of how humid the state is. They tend to use less energy than portable dehumidifiers.
They’re also installed out of the way and, as a result, operate without much noise, unlike portable ones. Those looking to have a whole-home dehumidifier installed should contact a trustworthy HVAC company for more information.
About Elite Electric & Air
The Florida humidity is no joke! That’s why the experts at Elite Electric & Air work 24/7 to provide excellent, efficient, and safe service for their customers. They’ve been in the industry for more than 30 years, so homeowners can trust that they will get the job done right no matter what. It’s time to call today to learn more about indoor air quality services in Jupiter, FL!