3 Reasons Why a Dehumidifier Is a Necessity During the Summer Months
During the warm and muggy summers of North Carolina, many homeowners struggle to find relief from the humidity. Retreating indoors and cranking up the AC is the obvious solution, but even this doesn’t always work. Air conditioners do an excellent job of removing some of the moisture from the air, but in such humid climates, they can only do so much.
That’s where a dehumidifier comes in – these devices use a similar method as an AC unit to convert humidity into liquid condensation and drain it away. But many homeowners wonder whether or not they need a dehumidifier. This article will outline the harmful effects of moisture and how a quality dehumidifier combats them.
Banishes Dampness and Musty Smells
Excess moisture in the indoor air can manifest itself in many ways. The biggest and most obvious way is pervasive dampness throughout the home. Moisture will collect on every surface and begin seeping in. Carpets, upholstery, and bedspreads will feel slightly damp. Windows will fog up and become beaded with condensation.
Fresh fruits and vegetables will go bad faster if left out. Pantry items like crackers and cereal will go stale in a matter of days. Worse, the whole home will take on an unpleasant, musty odor. As many homeowners know, living in these conditions can get old very fast. For many, simply keeping the place dry and comfortable is reason enough to get a dehumidifier.
Discourages Mold Growth
Where moisture is allowed to hang out on surfaces, mold and mildew are sure to present themselves. It usually happens in bathrooms first, as these are already fairly moist places. But if the house remains humid, mold can develop in any room in the house, whether on drywall, wood, carpet, or brick (among other surfaces). This is why many homeowners keep a portable dehumidifier in their unfinished basements or attics.
Mold growth is never good, but some types can be hazardous for those with allergies or other respiratory sensitivities. In some cases, homeowners can get rid of it with soap, water, and some vigorous scrubbing. In other cases, it may take heavy-duty cleaners like bleach, or even extensive renovations, depending on how far the mold has spread. But if the home’s moisture levels aren’t constantly regulated, it will only come back again.
Helps Protect Hardwood Floors from Moisture Damage
High humidity levels can also wreak havoc on any wood in the home, whether hardwood or manufactured wood-like particleboard. But the effect is perhaps most noticeable on wood floors. When the air’s humidity is high, wood will naturally absorb some of the excess moisture, which causes it to expand.
Since the planks on a wood floor are packed pretty tightly together, the expansion will exert pressure between the planks, causing them to warp or bow. The edges may grow uneven, and the wood may even split along the grain. Installing a dehumidifier will help protect not just the floors but the rest of the home’s wood surfaces – on top of improving indoor air quality and enhancing comfort.
About Champion Comfort Experts
Champion Comfort Experts have been handling the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC needs of Flat Rock, NC for years. As a highly-rated and award-winning local business, they are proud to offer flat-rate pricing, same-day service, and tailor-made solutions. They also back every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call now for dehumidifier service.
