For those of you that do not quite know what a dehumidifier is good for, this article is for you. A dehumidifier works in order to reduce the humidity in the atmosphere of a room, whether it is your home, your office, a classroom, anywhere really. Basements on the other hand, regardless of the weather of the area you reside in, could essentially require a dehumidifier, especially if you store things down there, or you have turned it into an area of the home that people frequently utilize.
A lot of people tend to turn their basements into mini home theaters, gaming rooms, and sometimes also put in a bar down there for hosting friends. Basements aren’t made with already existing ventilation systems like the rest of the house does, and the idea to utilize the basement as anything other than a storage space usually comes after people move in. By then there isn’t much that can be done unless you’re willing to undergo some renovation at your residence.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Here are some common signs that can indicate a problem that could be resolved with the help of installing a dehumidifier.
1. A Damp Basement
Basements usually tend to be damper than other areas of a household. That is because they are below ground level and often times have no source of ventilation. This can lead to problems like mold growing within the room, which can pose to be a health hazard if not taken care of in time – and that’s because mold spreads fast.
So how does a basement become damp? Or feel damp for that matter? Well, lack of ventilation is one reason. Another is leakages from pipes or any sort of water intrusion. Highly insulated walls in a basement can help prevent this moisture from being trapped, but other than that a dehumidifier for basement can help balance out the humidity levels.
2. Humidity
In states where there is a naturally humid climate, there is the problem of growth of mold and mildew along with damage to property, machinery, metal wiring and furniture too like the wood rotting. Additionally, the presence of moisture can also bring up the problem of termites and ants.
Keeping in mind all of the above as to what havoc humidity can wreck onto your home, investing in a dehumidifier would be the best solution and a first step in reducing such issues. The optimal humidity range of any indoor space, as stated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be somewhere between 35% to 50%, and a dehumidifier can monitor that for you.
3. A Musty Odor
The presence of a musty odor in any outdoor space means it is one step away or already has the problem of mold or mildew growing. These can pose to be hazardous to people’s health and can also prove to become quite lethal too in certain cases.
What mold does is leave a musty, and often times a foul odor or stench in a space that could take a while to get rid of. Not just that, it even triggers allergies, as well as releases toxins into the indoor atmosphere. If a situation has progressed to such a level then a dehumidifier may not be your permanent solution – just a temporary one to prevent any further problems till you hire professional help to deal with the situation at hand.
Is It Needed All Year Round
Do you need to use your dehumidifier all year round? Or it is just needed for the summer season? Here’s the thing, different places have different climates and different households have different ventilation systems.
In some states you may just need to use your dehumidifier towards the end of the spring season, in the summer of course and up until fall begins; basically if the humidity level outdoors is higher. Why is that though? It’s because ventilation systems play a huge role in this. The outside air being humid would mean that air conditioning indoors could result in the warm air of the central air conditioning system collecting within the basement. That is where all the trouble starts – dampness, humidity and mold. That is when you would require a dehumidifier.
States that often see drier weather and rarely ever so any humid climate, would not necessarily need to use a dehumidifier. Using one could in fact suck the remainder of the moisture from the air making it worse, especially for those that have respiratory issues and asthma.
So if you’re in the market for a dehumidifier for your home, your office, for the classroom or any indoor space for that matter, you can find them at FirstEnergy Home. Head on over to www.firstenergyhome.com and check out their catalog of affordable dehumidifiers perfect for your indoor spaces.
Thomas Jackson is a dynamic and talented content writer at WonderWorldSpace.com, renowned for his engaging and informative articles. Beyond his professional pursuits in writing, Jack is also known for his deep passion for fitness, which not only shapes his lifestyle but also influences his work.