Dehumidifier – An Indispensable Appliance for Every Family This Summer

A dehumidifier is a common small appliance which is found in many homes and businesses. As the name implies, the function of a home dehumidifier (or any other type of dehumidifier) is to remove moisture from the air to reduce humidity. Dehumidifiers are, at their core, actually fairly simple devices which use an intake fan to pull in air from the room and then cool the air using a coil setup very similar to that found in an air conditioner. Moisture then condenses from the cooled air, which is then returned to the room, usually after being reheated to a temperature-controlled with the unit’s built-in humidistat.

What are the Different Types of Dehumidifiers?

According to TheDehumidifierExperts, there are quite a few different types of dehumidifiers available, with some being better suited for particular applications than others. For those looking for a home dehumidifier, there are essentially two types to choose from portable dehumidifiers or whole house dehumidifiers.

Portable dehumidifiers are generally lightweight and relatively small, as well as being fairly inexpensive. They work best in smaller spaces (such as a single room) and aren’t the best choice for controlling humidity in a larger space.

If you need something which can keep the humidity level of your entire home under control, then you’re probably going to want to opt for a whole-house unit. These are far more expensive than a portable unit and need to be professionally installed, but can do an excellent job of dehumidifying your entire home, including basements, storage areas and the like. These units are integrated with your existing home HVAC system.

Other than portable and whole-house dehumidifiers, there are also restoration dehumidifiers. However, these are heavy-duty dehumidifiers which are generally used for remediation of severe water damage, rather than as a home dehumidifier.

Is running a dehumidifier expensive?

Like any other appliance, a dehumidifier does use electricity, the exact amount depending on the size and design of the unit. One thing to factor in when considering the cost of running a dehumidifier is that drier air has a lower perceived temperature, so you may be running your air conditioner a little lower or less often in the warmer months (and you probably won’t need a dehumidifier in the winter anyway).

In the workplace, a dehumidifier can contribute to higher productivity. Studies have repeatedly shown that people tend to be significantly more productive in a cooler, drier and more comfortable setting than in a warm, humid one. Naturally, your comfort is a valuable commodity as well, whether you’re at home or in the office and this should also be kept in mind.

Are there other benefits to having a home dehumidifier?

Other than making your home or workplace more comfortable, a dehumidifier also has some indirect health benefits. For instance, humidity provides mold and other fungus with the conditions they need to grow; a dehumidified home is a much less inviting place for these potentially harmful organisms. Humidity can also lead to peeling wallpaper; damage to wooden window frames from condensation and of course, the stress that can come from spending time in a hot, stuffy environment where it’s hard to breathe. Even just having a small home dehumidifier in your basement can make a big difference, both in terms of discouraging mold growth and making your home more comfortable, since this is often the point where moisture enters the home in the first place.

Are there any downsides to having a home dehumidifier in your home or office?

There’s really no downside to installing a dehumidifier, other than their cost, although this is relatively small when compared to the many benefits associated with these very useful appliances. If your health and comfort and the health and comfort of the rest of your household or workplace are important to you, then it’s an appliance that will more than earn its keep.

There are a lot of dehumidifiers on the market, so just as you would with any other type of appliance, it’s important to take the time you need to research and compare different models in order to decide which best meet your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for a small dehumidifier to use in the basement of your home, a whole-house unit to keep your entire home or other building dry and comfortable, a quality dehumidifier can give you the comfort you’ve been looking for.