Humidity and Dehumidifiers: Myth vs. Fact

Woman sitting near air purifier and moisturizer appliance

The ability to discern between what is a myth and what is fact is largely contingent on your knowledge of the subject. With the power to access millions of bits of information on millions of subjects right at your fingertips, it is vital that you know the information you have been digesting is accurate. There is a plethora of information about humidity and dehumidifiers, how humidity affects you, and the relief dehumidifiers will bring once installed. For dehumidifiers, they are great tools for addressing high humidity levels in your home. Humidity is the level of moisture that is being held in the air and it can become hard to adequately address, especially if you are not well informed. Here are some myths surrounding humidity:

  • Myth #1: – Humidity, when it happens, can only occur where water is most prevalent like in the crawlspace and basement areas of the home.
  • Myth #2 – Humidity will be completely eradicated from the home if the affected area is addressed.
  • Myth #3 – High levels of humidity might make it uncomfortable in my home, but it will not affect my health at all.

These bits of information sound correct and may be enough to convince you to put your humidity issues on the back burner but there are a few facts about humidity you need to be aware of first:

  • Fact #1 – Humidity can arise from any place that uses water like a hot shower for example or from boiling water on the stovetop.
  • Fact #2 – There must be a certain level of humidity within the home to produce a comfortable living environment so completely eradicating humidity is impossible.
  • Fact #3 – High humidity levels will cause your health to take a downswing. You will be more susceptible to illnesses such as colds, cases of flu, runny noses, and coughs.

The “feel-good” range for humidity levels within the home is between 30 and 50 percent. This means that your home will feel the most comfortable within this range. Too low and the air will be dry causing your sinuses to dry up, nose bleeds to occur, and affect your immune system leaving you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. Too high and the air will seem thick and do some damage to your respiratory system. A dehumidifier can be helpful in these situations.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers have a reputation of being the solution to your humidity issues and with its’ installation comes the end of your problems. However, it is not the end all be all when it comes to completely addressing the problem, it is merely a part of the full solution. Here are a few myths surrounding dehumidifiers:

  • Myth #1 – A dehumidifier will completely address the continued introduction of moisture in your crawlspace and basement.
  • Myth #2 – Dehumidifiers must be constantly monitored and emptied to ensure optimal operational capacity.
  • Myth #3 – A dehumidifier will only solve the humidity level issue within the space it is installed.

The myths listed above can turn you towards the common mistake of thinking that a dehumidifier will solve all your issues. This could not be any further from the truth. Here are the facts surrounding dehumidifiers:

  • Fact #1 – To better condition your home, you need to keep the continued introduction of moisture from occurring. A dehumidifier addresses the moisture in the air but with continued moisture introduction, it needs a little help. An encapsulation system will do just that. Encapsulation systems close off the area and prevent any further moisture from gaining entry into your home allowing the dehumidifier to address the air already inside and not have to worry about the air flowing in.
  • Fact #2 – Dehumidifiers have come a long way from having to empty them yourself. A dehumidifier that is coupled with an encapsulation system will be equipped with a condensation pump that will suck up all the moisture in the air that is captured and expel it from the home on its own. Typically, checking the dehumidifier once every 6 months is normal maintenance.
  • Fact #3 – Dehumidifiers are installed in the crawlspace and basement, which accounts for approximately 50 percent of the air that circulates through your home. Although it is installed in these areas, it will affect the air that circulates through your entire home.

Dehumidifiers are an amazing piece of machinery that will address the humidity in your home, but when there is continuous moisture flowing in from crawlspace vents and basement windows it needs some assistance. To completely address the issue of humidity, encapsulating your crawlspace and basement is your best option. Once that is completed in conjunction with the installation of a dehumidifier, your entire home will have optimal humidity levels for comfort and healthy living.

To get top-of-the-line waterproofing and encapsulation services that address all moisture issues within your crawlspace and basement contact Carolina Basement Solutions. Along with these services to your home, CBS is more than willing to educate you every step of the way on the repair process leaving you better prepared for the future. Call us at 022-4343-2323 or visit jetindia.co.in to schedule a FREE inspection today!

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