Saturday, May 5, 2018

Have You Got a Household Moisture Problem?

If you notice creaking floors, condensation developing in your windows, or exacerbated allergy symptoms, your home's humidity levels may be out of whack. Low humidity levels can cause problems like increased static power; respiratory problems; and peeling and breaking of furniture and paint, but buying an inexpensive humidifier for your home is a simple alternative. However, higher humidity levels tend to be a more challenging problem. If your house is too wet, it may be a breeding ground for mould growth; stained ceilings and walls; and surplus condensation on windows and mirrors. People residing in hot, humid climates may also see that their houses provide the best environment for insects such as termites. There is also solution for basement and you can learn more about dehumidifier for basement here.

About Humidity Amounts - We hear about humidity daily in weather reports, and humidity can be likened to this muggy, steam-room atmosphere you encounter on a summer day. Humidity is usually expressed in ways like absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity denotes the bulk of water vapor divided by the mass of dry air in a quantity of air at a specified temperature.

On the other hand, relatively humidity refers to the ratio of the present absolute humidity into the greatest possible absolute humidity. If an environment has 100 percent relative humidity, then this usually means that the air is saturated with water vapor and can hold no more moisture. As a result, this creates the possibility of rain. In general, humans are rather sensitive to humidity because the skin relies on air to eliminate moisture. Sweating is the body's way of keeping cooling and keeping its current temperature. Conversely, when there is reduced comparatively humidity, you're feeling much cooler than the real temperature since sweat is rapidly evaporating and cooling off. To put it differently, if the air temperature is 75° F without relative humidity, the temperature will probably feel as if it's 69° F. But if the relative humidity is 100 percent at the exact same air temperature, then it will feel like it is 80° F.

Bearing that in mind, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, it's recommended that relative humidity be kept between 30% to 50 percent in the summer, and 30 percent to 40 percent in winter. To be able to measure humidity levels, you can buy a small, cheap hygrometer (frequently called a humidity detector or relative humidity indicator). This system measures the humidity level in your house and will verify whether there is too little or too much humidity. Once you know of the humidity levels in your house, you can then decide if you want to take action.

Again, even if your atmosphere is too dry, you are able to regulate moisture levels with a humidifier. However, if your air is too moist, a dehumidifier can help maintain the indoor temperatures in the desired degree, control musty odors, and protect furniture from water damage.

What's a Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are family appliances that help reduce the humidity levels in the atmosphere. There are mainly two types of humidifiers - desiccant and mechanical.

Desiccant dehumidifiers (or passive dehumidifiers) are known for their use of a desiccative substance to dehumidify the air. This material has an affinity for water vapor, and the dehumidifying process involves exposing the desiccant thing to an air flow with high relative humidity. Desiccant dehumidifiers can also be used instead of mechanical units or in conjunction with them. Although not as efficient as mechanical versions, they are usually very cheap to purchase. Cases of desiccant dehumidifiers would function as Eva-Dry EH-500F and the Eva-Dry EDV300.

Mechanical dehumidifiers (or busy dehumidifiers), however, are much more common, efficient, and are only air conditioners with the hot and cold coils in the exact same box. A fan draws the room's air over the cold coil of this AC to condense the warmth, and it is often collected to a bucket. Dry air will subsequently pass through the hot coil to heat it back up to its initial temperature. Cases of mechanical dehumidifiers would function as NewAir AD-400 along with the Soleus CFM40.

The way to Buy a Dehumidifier When searching for a dehumidifier, there are numerous things to consider like the size of this device, dehumidification capacity, and safety features. Below is a listing of a few of the most common things to look for when choosing a dehumidifier and what they mean to youpersonally:

Buy a larger capacity version within a smaller one because larger units may dehumidify more area in a shorter quantity of time. Furthermore, a dehumidifier with a smaller ability may run continuously and not lower the humidity to proper amounts.

Portability: If you're looking to move your dehumidifier from room to room, look for a unit that's compact, lightweight, and includes a carrying handle or rolling casters.

Built-In Humidistat: If you would like to be able to adjust different humidity levels, locating a dehumidifier with a humidistat is key. This feature will automatically turn the unit on/off depending upon the humidity setting.

Automated Shut-Off: This function will permit you to turn the unit off or on without having to unplug it, and in addition, it prevents overfilling when the storage container is complete.

Low Temperature Operation / Automatic Defrost: If you may be using the dehumidifier in temperatures colder than 65° F, then look for a unit that has an anti-frost sensor and may operate in cold temperatures. This prevents quick cycling and frost from accumulating on the sensor.

Storage Tank Capacity: Almost all dehumidifiers have storage tanks for the accumulated water. If you are not planning to buy a model with a constant drainage port, you are going to need to drain the tank periodically. If the dehumidifier is to be put in an area where you might not be able to empty it regularly, look for a tank dimensions of 15 pints.

Continuous Drainage: Dehumidifiers using a continuous drainage port will remove the hassle of emptying a condensation tank.

Washable / Removable Air Filter:
Dehumidifiers who have washable filters trap airborne dust and allergens. If the filter is washable, this makes maintenance a breeze: simply pull the filter out; wash it with mild soap and water; and then replace it back inside the device.