You don’t have to live in a hot climate to benefit from running a dehumidifier in your home. Many areas of your home are more humid than others, such as small rooms with poor ventilation or rooms where water is frequently used, like bathrooms and laundry rooms.

It might be hard to know when to use a dehumidifier, but there are a few things to watch for. If you notice condensation on your windows, water stains on ceilings or walls when there hasn’t been rain lately, mold spores growing in bathrooms or kitchens, or musty smells, you need to reduce the humidity in the area immediately with a dehumidifier to prevent further property damage.

If you live in an apartment, you may want to consider using one to filter the air moving between units in the building. Your apartment may not have an issue with humidity, but another unit may pump high levels of it into shared ductwork.

There are many dehumidifier benefits, both to your health and that of your home and contents:

1. Alleviate allergies

   Allergens like dust mites, mold, and mildew thrive in humid areas and make people who have allergies feel worse than usual. Using a dehumidifier will keep them from growing, which means less money spent on doctors’ visits and medications, and less time lost at work or school.

2. Prevent mold and mildew

   They eliminate the musty smell commonly associated with mold and mildew growth. That smell is unmistakable, so it’s embarrassing when people visit your home or business and are greeted with it. Candles and sprays can’t cover up musty odors for long, so it’s best to tackle them at the source.

3. Lower moisture levels

   A dehumidifier will ensure that mold won’t grow on clothing, furniture or towels, especially in a laundry room or bathroom where moisture levels are higher on average than in a bedroom or living room.

4. Prevent rust and corrosion

   Delicate electronics like computers, DVD players, and stereos won’t develop rust or corrosion on their cases or components. Using a dehumidifier will keep them working in top condition longer, protecting your investment in expensive equipment.

5. Reduce cleaning

   Using a dehumidifier helps keep dust levels to a minimum, so you don’t have to clean nearly as often.

6. Efficient energy costs

   Using a dehumidifier helps keep energy costs low by helping your air conditioning system work more efficiently. When the air is humid, the system must dehumidify the air and then cool it, which makes the system work harder. This leads to more wear and tear, more frequent maintenance, and a shorter lifespan.

There are many styles and sizes of dehumidifiers available on the market, depending on the size of the area you plan to use it in and the humidity level in your home. A small unit would work in a bathroom, while a large capacity unit that empties into a drain is perfect for a basement. Whole house options are available for homes in high-humidity areas, or for people with severe allergies.

When Finding Water Damage or Mold Growth in Your Home

If you find water damage, such as a leak or flood, it is important to stop the source of the water as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If there is visible mold growth, or if you suspect there may be mold, it is important to assess the extent of the damage. This can help determine the best course of action for cleaning and remediation. When dealing with mold, it is important to protect yourself from exposure to mold spores. You should wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and an N95 respirator mask.  For larger areas, or if you are unsure of how to proceed, it is best to call a professional mold remediation company. It is very important to remove any standing water and dry out the affected area as soon as possible.  You can use a wet/dry vacuum, fans, and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. If the damage is extensive, you should call a professional water mitigation company and use professional drying machines. Finally,  once you have cleaned up the water damage and mold, it is important to address the underlying cause of the problem. Repair any leaks or sources of moisture to prevent the problem from happening again.

Call Your Local Professional Restoration Company

Excess water and moisture can create a number of problems in your home or business. If you find water where it shouldn’t be, call your local restoration contractor. Technicians are certified in all levels of water damage restoration and will arrive quickly to stop the spread of the damage and begin the remediation process.

If mold growth has already begun, our professionals can contain the spread of the mold and remove all traces of it before it can jeopardize the health and safety of the residents of the home.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.