A proper humidity level of 30-50% must be maintained in your home to prevent mold growth. Too much moisture in the air can cause mold in your home which in turn can cause serious health issues. Excess moisture can also leave your home with warped floors and decaying walls. To remedy this issue your home may be in need of a dehumidifier.
There are generally two keep types of dehumidifiers: residential and commercial.
A residential dehumidifier is of the smaller variety. Ergo, it tends to be a lot quieter and less noticeable than the commercial variant.
Sometimes a more powerful solution is needed and this is where the commercial dehumidifier comes in. A commercial dehumidifier might also be needed if your home is in need of water damage restoration.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Patio or window glass condensation
A sure tell sign you have too much moisture in a room is if condensation is visible on your interior glass surfaces. A leaky hot water pipe can sometimes be the cause. In order to remedy the leak, a plumber should be called in to ensure the prevention of major water damage.
Mold spots on ceilings and walls
Rising steam can produce moisture found in corners of walls or on ceilings. Mold growth can easily occur on your ceiling, walls, around/under the toilet, behind the shower or around the bathtub. To reduce the steam, ensure that the bathroom is properly vented and that air ducts are cleaned. Aside from the bathrooms, garages, closets, and basements are all other common places for trapped moisture.
Musty odors or smells
The presence of musty odors, particularly in crawl spaces, garages, basements, and entrances, is a good sign you have mold.
Water run-off leading to dampness
Excess moisture and humidity in your home can be the result of water run-off. Rain and snow are generally associated with water run-off. The spring season, when moisture levels are highest, tends to be the most prevalent time of year for mold growth in the home.
Water or mold stains
If you notice water or mold stains on the ceiling then this can be a sign of excess moisture in your home. It is necessary to take immediate action. The visible discoloration is indicative that the mold problem has been around for a while. This runs the risk of a serious indoor health issue.
Using a dehumidifier along with an air scrubber can benefit both you and your family’s health. While a dehumidifier removes excess moisture n the air an air scrubber will remove particle chemicals or gases associated with mold growth. Combined, they make the air you breathe much cleaner.
When to Dehumidify Your Home and How Often
Simply put you should use a dehumidifier whenever you feel it necessary to do so. During winter months the coils in the dehumidifier may freeze over. Rooms above 60 degrees should cause no issues with a dehumidifier. However, if the humidity level remains over 50% often, running your dehumidifier is beneficial. If humidity and temperature fall below these levels then it’s best to turn it off.
Those with respiratory problems, such as allergies or asthma, will benefit greatly from the use of a dehumidifier. Homeowners are able to save money in long-run since the use of a dehumidifier is low energy cost. On top of this, air conditioners are able to run that much more effectively in a moisture controlled environment.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
