How do you know if you need a dehumidifier or humidifier?
They sound almost similar, but they perform different functions.
One adds moisture to your indoor air. The other one removes excess moisture from the air to lower the humidity level. They are the exact opposites of each other.
So, how do you know if you need a dehumidifier or humidifier? When moisture levels in your indoor air drop below 40%, you need to run a humidifier. When the air is too moist, you need to dehumidify the air. If the humidity is higher than 60%, you need to remove the excess moisture.
Here is a detailed guide to let you know which appliance you need for your home when the humidity increases or decreases.
How do you know if you need a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier gets rid of excess moisture when the humidity levels are high. You will know if you need one when you notice some of the signs caused by high humidity.
But first, you can order a good one from amazon.com.
Condensation on the windows and walls
This is the earliest sign of excess humidity. If your windows and walls have condensation, it means there is too much moisture in the air.
If you have any doubts about it, just use a hygrometer to find out the humidity level. In case it is higher than 60%, you need to remove it.
Musty smell
The musty smell comes from growing mold. Mold and mildew thrive in dark and humid places. Therefore, if you get that musty in your home, there is mold and other toxins releasing it.
Mold on walls
Mold appears as spots on the walls, floors, on clothes and other parts of the home. It is the worst stage of a humid environment.
This allergen grows mostly if there is a leak; your drainage is poor or water intrusion from a high water table.
Here, not only will you need a dehumidifying unit, but you will also need to deal with the cause of the excess humidity.
Mold is a serious indoor allergen. Its spores can cause exposure symptoms in babies and asthmatic attacks in people with the condition. Besides, mold and mildew damage clothes, walls, furniture and other items.
Damage to your items
Has the wall paint started to peel off, wood is rotting, and metal wiring is rusting? It is the high humidity causing damage to your property. Excess humidity can also cause damage to electronics.
You need to dehumidify the air. Failure to remove the excess moisture will result in more damage.
High indoor humidity level
You can measure the humidity level using a hygrometer. If the reading is above 60%, then you will need to bring it down before it can cause any damage.
Increased allergies
If you start getting allergic reactions, chances are that it is because of mold and bacteria that grow in humid environments. You will start seeing many signs of mold toxicity.
When should you run a humidifier?
A humidifier increases moisture when the indoor air is dry. It is recommended that the humidity level is above 30%.
However, the level depends on factors such as your location, climatic condition, and insulation of your home.
Some of the signs of dry air include:
Respiratory problems
One of the signs of dry air is respiratory problems. These include persistent coughs, allergies, sinus infections and nose bleeding.
The nasal passage needs moisture for it to function correctly. If you feel that your nasal passage is too dry, you can’t breathe properly, you start coughing and your mouth feels dry, you need to humidify the room.
Dry skin, chapped lips and itchy eyes
Dry air makes the skin dry. The eyes start to itch and the lips crack. The skin needs moisture to remain soft. If you start having rashes on the skin, it could be due to exposure to dry air.
Damages items
This one of the long term effects of dry air. If the wooden furniture is cracking, and the wooden floor starts to develop gaps. The wood contracts after losing moisture.
Check your paint too. It could start peeling or flaking off. If that is the case, you need a humidifier to increase moisture. You can buy a good one on amazon.com.
Static electricity
Do you see sparks on your clothes when you wear them or when you are combing your hair? You might also notice them on the furniture. This static electricity occurs because of dry air.
Conclusion: What do you need between humidifier and dehumidifier
How do you know if you need a dehumidifier or humidifier? It is very simple if you know the symptoms to look for.
In most places, you will need to reduce indoor air moisture in summer. You will need to increase the same during winter.
