How Can a Dehumidifier Benefit You?

During the wintertime in Southern California, winter humidity levels rarely rise about 30%, but unfortunately, the rest of the country isn’t so lucky. Temperatures can stay below freezing, and humidity levels can very easily rise above 50% in many areas. As a result, these increased humidity levels can cause mold and mildew to grow inside homes, which can subsequently cause a variety of health risks and even damage walls and furnishings. To address high humidity levels, a dehumidifier can help reduce the level of humidity in the air, protect your health, and prevent damage to buildings and property.

Dehumidifiers are vital for environmental control in areas where humidity can rise above 50% naturally, and this appliances work by drawing water from the air and collecting it into a holding tank or pushing it out through a hose connection. There are primarily 2 types of dehumidifiers – active and passive.

The internal machinery in an active dehumidifier is almost identical to that of an air conditioner. However, whereas an air conditioner cools on one side and releases heat on the other, a dehumidifier cools and then reheats the air. When the air is cooled inside the vent of a dehumidifier, the water in the air condenses in the same way it condenses on the surface of a cold beverage can on a hot day. This condensed water then drips into a collection area and away from the airflow.

On the other hand, passive dehumidifiers employ a desiccant material to produce a dehumidification effect. Because they are generally only effective for low-temperature and low humidity levels, they are only used for certain climates or in conjunction with an active dehumidifier.

Here are some additional features to look for when choosing a dehumidifier:

- Auto shut off when the water storage container is full, or even a unit with a continuous drainage system. These usually require a floor-level drain in the room they are being used, but this will save you time and effort in the long run.
- Built-in humidistat that can automatically control the humidity in the room. This helps prevent the air from getting too dry.
- Variable fan speeds.
- Extra features such as an air filter that can help trap airborne particulates