Humid air isn’t just a source of mild inconvenience for homeowners, it’s also downright dangerous, and if you don’t do something about it, may even cause damage to your home and health.
One effective way to deal with humidity is to buy a dehumidifier.
These devices are fairly affordable and range in price from $200 to $2000 and beyond, depending on your exact needs and the size of your house.
In this guide, we’ll explore 5 signs that you need a dehumidifier.
Your Basement Is Always Damp
Most homes have basements with very high levels of moisture. Does your basement consistently have high humidity compared to the rest of your house? If you’ve taken care of all other areas of water intrusion such as leaks and spills, then consider buying a dehumidifier.
In some cases, your house may need a dehumidifier even if you have an air conditioner or an HVAC unit.
Very High Humidity in Your Home
The optimal indoor humidity is somewhere between 35 to 50 percent, according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). At 60% and above, your room is too humid and isn’t just uncomfortable. It will also lead to the growth of mold, which can contribute to health problems.
Extremely high humidity around the house is eventually going to damage the building materials such as paints, varnishes, metal wiring, and wood. It can also invite pests, including carpenter ants and termites.
Condensation Forms on Windows
The most obvious sign that your home has high humidity is the formation of condensation on your windows. This moisture mostly occurs during colder months when the home has a higher temperature than the outside. Colder surfaces, such as windows and poorly insulated walls cause humid air to condense. If you see this happen, then you’ve got a humidity problem that needs to be addressed.
A buildup of condensation on windows will create wetness that facilitates the growth of mold. If this happens, you’ll see mold look like black grunge on the bottom of the window trim.
Mold Spots on the Ceilings
Since warm water rises, it’s easy to see why the bathroom’s corners and walls are the most obvious places for bacteria to collect over. This often occurs with bathrooms that do not have fans that can redirect the humidity to the outdoors. Mold can just as easily grow on walls, ceilings, and around toilets. A leaky toilet can also cause moisture problems.
Running a dehumidifier can help with the problem but you’ll still have to address the root cause of the issue.
Musty Smell
Does your basement smell odd and musty? If so, that could be an indication of mold and mildew. Other possible causes include improper door seal, construction scaling issues, and wet basement areas.
If you detect a musty smell, there is a high chance of mold growing nearby, and that is not a healthy place to live. A dehumidifier can help you immediately remove moisture, but you’ll have to investigate to see if there are any other recurring issues.
If you spot the above problems, then it’s probably time to buy a dehumidifier in Memphis. Get in touch with the experts at Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing to help you find the right device. Since 1943, it’s been Automatic in Memphis!
