How to Purchase a Dehumidifier For Your Home

Do You Have a Household Moisture Problem? If you notice creaking floors, condensation developing on windows, or exacerbated allergic reactions, your home's humidity levels could be out of whack. Low humidity levels can cause problems such as for example increased static electricity; respiratory problems; and cracking and peeling of furniture and paint, but purchasing an inexpensive humidifier for the home can be an easy solution. However, high humidity levels are often a more challenging problem. If your property is too wet, it's rather a breeding ground for mildew growth; stained ceilings and walls; and excess condensation on windows and mirrors. Those living in hot, humid climates could also find that their homes provide the optimal environment for pests such as termites.

All About Humidity Levels - We hear about humidity daily in weather reports, and humidity is frequently likened to that muggy, steam-room feeling you experience on a summer day. Humidity is normally expressed in ways such as absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity identifies the mass of water vapor divided by the mass of dry air in a volume of air at confirmed temperature. Therefore, the hotter the air, the more water it includes.

However, relatively humidity refers to the ratio of the existing absolute humidity to optimum absolute humidity. If a host has completely relative humidity, this means the air is saturated with water vapor and may hold forget about moisture. Due to this fact, this creates the possibility of rain. Overall, humans are very sensitive to humidity because the skin relies on air to get rid of moisture. Sweating is your body's way of keeping cooling and maintaining its current temperature. Because of this , you are feeling much hotter than the actual temperature when humidity levels are high. Conversely, if you find low relatively humidity, you are feeling much cooler compared to the actual temperature because sweat is quickly evaporating and cooling us off. Put simply, if the air temperature is 75� F with zero relative humidity, the temperature will feel just like it's 69� F. However, if the relative humidity is completely at exactly the same air temperature, it'll feel like it's 80� F.

With that in mind, based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, it is recommended that relative humidity be kept between 30% to 50% in the summertime, and 30% to 40% in the wintertime. So that you can measure humidity levels, you can buy a small, inexpensive hygrometer (often called a humidity sensor or relative humidity indicator). This product measures the humidity level at home and can confirm whether there's too little or too much humidity. Thoughts is broken aware of the humidity levels at home, after that you can decide if you want to take action.

Again, if your air is too dry, it is possible to regulate moisture levels with a humidifier. However, if your air is too moist, a dehumidifier can help keep up with the indoor relative humidity at the required level, control musty odors, and protect furniture from water damage.

Exactly what is a Dehumidifier? Dehumidifiers are household appliances that lessen the humidity levels in the air. You can find primarily two types of humidifiers - desiccant and mechanical.

Click for source  (or passive dehumidifiers) are named for their use of a desiccative substance to dehumidify the air. It comes with an affinity for water vapor, and the dehumidifying process involves exposing the desiccant matter to an air stream with high relative humidity. These dehumidifiers usually do not utilize compressors and are best used in areas with low temperatures and relatively low humidity levels. Desiccant dehumidifiers could also be used instead of mechanical units or in combination with them. Although not as efficient as mechanical models, they're usually very inexpensive to purchase. Examples of desiccant dehumidifiers would be the Eva-Dry EH-500F and the Eva-Dry EDV300.

Mechanical dehumidifiers (or active dehumidifiers), however, are much more common, efficient, and are simply ac units with both the hot and cold coils in the same box. A fan draws the room's air over the cold coil of the AC to condense the moisture, which is often collected right into a bucket. Dry air will then go through the hot coil to heat it right back up to its original temperature. Therefore, mechanical dehumidifiers will slightly raise the air temperature, as opposed to air conditioners, that will cool the air since it dehumidifies it. Examples of mechanical dehumidifiers would be the NewAir AD-400 and the Soleus CFM40.

How to Buy a Dehumidifier When searching for a dehumidifier, there are numerous factors to consider including the size of the machine, dehumidification capacity, and safety features. Below is a list of many of the most common things to look for when choosing a dehumidifier and what they mean for you:

Size: How big is a dehumidifier is normally based on the level of moisture extracted from the air in 24 hours, that is usually measured in pints. Buy a larger capacity model over a smaller one because larger units can dehumidify more area in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, a dehumidifier with a smaller capacity may run continuously but still not lower the humidity to proper levels.

Portability: If you're looking to move your dehumidifier from room to room, choose a unit that's compact, lightweight, and includes a carrying handle or rolling casters.

Built-In Humidistat: If you want to have the ability to adjust different humidity levels, getting a dehumidifier with a humidistat is key. This feature will automatically turn the machine on/off depending on the humidity setting.

Automatic Shut-Off: This function will help you to turn the machine on or off without having to unplug it, and it also prevents overfilling when the storage tank is full.

Low Temperature Operation / Automatic Defrost: If you may be using the dehumidifier in temperatures colder than 65� F, search for a unit that has an anti-frost sensor and will operate in cold temperatures. This prevents quick cycling and frost from accumulating on the sensor.

Storage Tank Capacity: Almost all dehumidifiers have storage tanks for the collected water. If you are not planning to buy a model with a continuous drainage port, you'll have to empty the tank periodically. If the dehumidifier is to be placed in a location where you might not be in a position to empty it frequently, choose a tank size of at least 15 pints.

Continuous Drainage: Dehumidifiers with a continuing drainage port will get rid of the hassle of emptying a condensation tank. Simply attach a hose to the dehumidifier, and the moisture will drain out through the hose.

Washable / Removable AIR CONDITIONING FILTER: Dehumidifiers that have washable filters trap airborne dust and particles. If the filter is washable, this makes maintenance a piece of cake: simply pull out the filter; rinse it with mild soap and water; and replace it back within the unit.