Adding a dehumidifier to your home is one of the most important steps that homeowners can take to ensure that they reduce the amount of moisture that they are exposed to. Excessive amounts of moisture in the home can lead to excessive levels of mold and dust mites. This can cause serious health consequences, aggravate allergies, and cause respiratory problems to become worse. For those who have compromised immune systems, asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems a dehumidifier is essential to maintaining good health.

A dehumidifier operates through the process of condensation. When air becomes cold it can no longer retain moisture and the moisture in the air will pool. This is the process used by a dehumidifier. The air circulates through the dehumidifier, the dehumidifier cools the air, and then the moisture is siphoned out through the back of the unit. If you’ve ever had an air conditioner, you’ve noticed how the back of the air conditioner continually drips or leaks water. This is the same process used with a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier is the perfect solution for those who are in humid areas but do not run air conditioning units.

Another great use for a dehumidifier is when someone has a basement that contains too much moisture, or if it has been subjected to leaks or flooding. The excess moisture can lead to rapid growing mold that can destroy any items that you have stored in the basement. Since installing air conditioners in the basement is often an impractical solution, keeping a dehumidifier in the basement solves the problem. Additionally, many people fail to realize the impact that mold in the basement has on the health of everyone who lives in the home. This mold can cause serious health and respiratory problems for residents and may even have life threatening consequences. Removing moisture is the number one way to reduce the amount of mold and allergens in the atmosphere.

When choosing a dehumidifier it’s important to determine how large the unit is as well as how much water the unit will both hold and remove. Since you will need to empty the water you will also need to choose a unit that has the water removal method that works best for your needs. If you need to manually empty the tank when it becomes full, make certain that it won’t be too heavy for you to carry. You might find that it is best to choose a dehumidifier that enables you to connect a water drain hose so that you won’t have to concern yourself with emptying the water.

No matter what type of dehumidifier you select or how large the unit is, it is imperative that you care for your unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order to ensure that your dehumidifier continues working properly. Depending on your unit’s specifications, filters may need cleaning and coils may need special care to prevent them from freezing. Always read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow them.

About the Author
Household Innovations carries an extensive line of products for your home and garden. To find the dehumidifier that best meets your needs, visit the site today.

One of the major problems of owning a basement is dealing with damp. If this is something you want to prevent or deal with then buying a basement dehumidifier is a very good idea. A wet basement is certainly not something you want to contend with as it can cause serious problems with your home and your health. You may not know this, but the damp in your basement can cause mold which can then cause respiratory problems, especially with any one who suffers from allergies. Damp is caused by excess water so a dehumidifier will help sort this out.
Air holds water and when this water meets cold air it turns into condensation. When this happens the condensation lies on surfaces such as flooring and walls causing your basement to become damp. The worst time of year for this to happen is spring and summer so you should see about preventing it happening as soon as possible. Fixing a wet basement can be done by using both insulation and a dehumidifier.
How to Buy a Basement Dehumidifier
There are many basement dehumidifiers to choose from so do your research before buying. Surprisingly, the larger units on the market require less energy because the removal or moisture from the air is quicker. The smaller sized units need to be on all the time so that they can do the same job. If your basement is open plan (meaning it’s just one big room) you’ll probably only require the one dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers extract water from the air which means the water is collected and needs to be drained. There are different ways the water can be drained. If the water doesn’t get drained regularly enough the dehumidifier won’t be able to function correctly. Because large dehumidifiers hold more water, they don’t have to be emptied as often. However the problem with that is the bucket can end up being extremely heavy and difficult to carry. Dehumidifiers can hold anywhere between 35 and 135 pints of water. Most units have warning lights to indicate that it is full and this allows you to easily see at a glance if there is a problem. The easiest option would be to have the water drain out into a floor drain, sump or sink. This way you needn’t concern yourself with the task of emptying it out. If you are using a hose, avoid having one which is too long as you could easily trip over it.
When the temperature dips well below freezing, the coils around your dehumidifier can frost up, causing the unit to stop working as well as it should. There are two ways to deal with this; either you switch off the unit and allow it to defrost, or you can buy a dehumidifier with a built-in sensor which will do this for you. If your basement is often cold you should see about buying a dehumidifier which can operate in low temperatures.
To keep the dehumidifier working to its optimum level, make sure you keep the coils clean. Also ensure that the unit is kept well away from dust and smoke. You also only need to use the machine if there is actually a problem with high humidity.
Because there are so many models of dehumidifier on the market, the amount you spend can vary greatly. It all depends on quality, brand, size and functions. Read through the specifications and ask advice from the sales person if you don’t understand. Quite often the sales info provided is quite technical and isn’t written with a regular consumer in mind.
Where to Place Your Basement Dehumidifier
Most dehumidifiers have the air discharge at the top so that you can position it against a wall. If this isn’t the case then make sure you put have it away from the walls and furniture so that the air can circulate.
To improve your dehumidifier’s efficiency, you should keep doors and any windows shut. Make sure you read the instructions and keep the unit away from electricity. Remember, water and electricity is not a safe combination.
If you basement is damp, another thing you should make sure you do is install plenty of insulation in the walls, floors, ceiling and water pipes.

April Kerr often writes articles for home improvement site which also has articles relating to removing mold from your basement and basement decorating ideas.

A dehumidifier is used to reduce the humidity level in the atmosphere. It helps when there is too much moisture in certain rooms. They are frequently used after cleaning or in rooms that are have steam. Various types of dehumidifiers exist in the market today. Choosing a dehumidifier can be a daunting task. One has to be sure of the kind of dehumidifier they want. There are dehumidifiers that act like air fresheners when the room is stuffy. The most common type of dehumidifier is the desiccative, which uses desiccant material for dehumidification. The other types of dehumidifiers are the refridgerative or mechanical dehumidifier. Various air conditioners serve as dehumidifiers.
There are dehumidifiers that are used in industries. These act as a precaution appliance because they reduce the humidity levels making the atmosphere conducive for the workers. The industrial dehumidifiers are big and very expensive. This is because they are used in large blocks and are high powered thus consuming much energy. Additionally, the purchase price of such an appliance is high. The dehumidifiers used in homes are much smaller and more efficient since they are only used during the cold season. These save on energy since they are only used when the owner needs them.
Cost is also a factor to consider when choosing a dehumidifier. The bigger the dehumidifier, the more expensive it will be. One should also consider where the dehumidifier would be used. This is because a dehumidifier for use in the basement will need to be more efficient than one in other parts of the house. This is because the basement has low air circulation. There are also dehumidifiers for cars and closets. However, these are smaller and cheaper though they work the same as the big ones.
Another aspect to consider when looking for a dehumidifier is the noise level. Some dehumidifiers produce a lot of noise. This is because of the high electric activity that the machine is performing. Due to this noise, the dehumidifiers cannot be used in places like hospitals and schools. This is a limiting factor since a better performing dehumidifier might be producing more noise than a silent one. Therefore, another factor to consider is the location where the dehumidifier will be used.
The speed of a dehumidifier also matters since some dehumidifiers work slower. This is dependent on the amount of humidity and the surface area occupied by the dehumidifier. Some dehumidifiers are ductable and have condensate pumps. Most dehumidifiers are electric powered and consume much energy. Due to this energy consumption, it is advisable that one gets a dehumidifier that works fast and consumes less and this saves on the overall energy cost.
Today, most dehumidifiers have defrosting features and room temperature regulators. Before buying a dehumidifier, it is wise to look for these additional features and any others that are unique. Theses features are the ones that make up a good dehumidifier and should play a vital role in determining the kind of appliance to buy.

Kevin Bailey loves a clean house.
If you looking to improve your overall health,
Kevin Bailey loves a clean house.
If you looking to improve your overall health,
check out Best Dehumidifier, Santa Fe, or Goldstar Dehumidifier.

Do You Have a Household Moisture Problem?

If you notice creaking floors, condensation developing on windows, or exacerbated allergy symptoms, your home’s humidity levels may be out of whack. Low humidity levels can cause problems such as increased static electricity; respiratory problems; and cracking and peeling of furniture and paint, but purchasing an inexpensive humidifier for your home is an easy solution. However, high humidity levels are often a more challenging problem. If your home is too wet, it can be a breeding ground for mildew growth; stained ceilings and walls; and excess condensation on windows and mirrors. Those living in hot, humid climates may also find that their homes provide the optimal environment for pests such as termites.

All About Humidity Levels

We hear about humidity daily in weather reports, and humidity is often likened to that muggy, steam-room feeling you experience on a summer day. Humidity is usually expressed in ways such as absolute humidity and relative humidity. Absolute humidity refers to the mass of water vapor divided by the mass of dry air in a volume of air at a given temperature. As such, the hotter the air, the more water it contains.

On the other hand, relatively humidity refers to the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity. If an environment has 100 percent relative humidity, this means the air is saturated with water vapor and can hold no more moisture. As a result, this creates the possibility of rain. Overall, humans are quite sensitive to humidity because the skin relies on air to get rid of moisture. Sweating is your body’s way of keeping cooling and maintaining its current temperature. This is why you feel much hotter than the actual temperature when humidity levels are high. Conversely, when there is low relatively humidity, you feel much cooler than the actual temperature because sweat is quickly evaporating and cooling us off. In other words, if the air temperature is 75° F with zero relative humidity, the temperature will feel like it’s 69° F. However, if the relative humidity is 100 percent at the same air temperature, it will feel like it’s 80° F.

With that in mind, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, it is recommended that relative humidity be kept between 30% to 50% in the summer, and 30% to 40% in the winter. In order to measure humidity levels, you can purchase a small, inexpensive hygrometer (often called a humidity sensor or relative humidity indicator). This device measures the humidity level in your home and will confirm whether there is too little or too much humidity. Once you are aware of the humidity levels in your home, you can then decide if you need to take action.

Again, if your air is too dry, you can regulate moisture levels with a humidifier. However, if your air is too moist, a dehumidifier can help maintain the indoor relative humidity at the desired level, control musty odors, and protect furniture from water damage.

What is a Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are household appliances that help reduce the humidity levels in the air. There are primarily two types of humidifiers – desiccant and mechanical.

Desiccant dehumidifiers (or passive dehumidifiers) are named for their use of a desiccative substance to dehumidify the air.  This substance has an affinity for water vapor, and the dehumidifying process involves exposing the desiccant matter to an air stream with high relative humidity. These dehumidifiers do not utilize compressors and are best used in areas with low temperatures and relatively low humidity levels. Desiccant dehumidifiers can also be used instead of mechanical units or in combination with them. Although not as efficient as mechanical models, they are usually very inexpensive to purchase.  Examples of desiccant dehumidifiers would be the Eva-Dry EH-500F and the Eva-Dry EDV300.

Mechanical dehumidifiers (or active dehumidifiers), however, are much more common, efficient, and are simply air conditioners with both the hot and cold coils in the same box. A fan draws the room’s air over the cold coil of the AC to condense the moisture, and this is often collected into a bucket. Dry air will then pass through the hot coil to heat it back up to its original temperature. Therefore, mechanical dehumidifiers will slightly raise the air temperature, as opposed to air conditioners, which will cool the air as it dehumidifies it.  Examples of mechanical dehumidifiers would be the NewAir AD-400 and the Soleus CFM40.

How to Buy a Dehumidifier

When shopping for a dehumidifier, there are several factors to consider such as the size of the unit, dehumidification capacity, and safety features. Below is a list of some of the most common things to look for when choosing a dehumidifier and what they mean to you:

Size: The size of a dehumidifier is generally based on the amount of moisture extracted from the air in 24 hours, which is usually measured in pints. Purchase a larger capacity model over a smaller one because larger units can dehumidify more area in a shorter amount of time. Furthermore, a dehumidifier with a smaller capacity may run continuously and still not lower the humidity to proper levels.

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

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

Automatic Shut-Off: This function will allow you to turn the unit on or off without having to unplug it, and it also prevents overfilling when the storage tank is full.

Low Temperature Operation / Automatic Defrost: If you may be using the dehumidifier in temperatures colder than 65° F, look for a unit that has an anti-frost sensor and can 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 collected water. If you’re not planning to purchase a model with a continuous drainage port, you’ll have to empty the tank periodically. If the dehumidifier is to be placed in an area where you may not be able to empty it frequently, look for a tank size of at least 15 pints.

Continuous Drainage: Dehumidifiers with a continuous drainage port will eliminate the hassle of emptying a condensation tank. Simply attach a hose to the dehumidifier, and the moisture will drain out through the hose.

Washable / Removable Air Filter: Dehumidifiers that have washable filters trap airborne dust and particles. If the filter is washable, this makes maintenance a breeze: simply pull out the filter; rinse it with mild soap and water; and replace it back within the unit.

Newair AD-400 Dehumidifier: http://www.air-n-water.com/product/AD-400.html
Jeanie Wong is a marketing writer and product specialist with extensive knowledge of home appliances such as dehumidifiers.

Product Description
This Soleus dehumidifier has the large water removal capacity needed to tackle tough basements, with all the extra features needed for smooth and worry-free operation. Complete with auto defrost, low temperature operation, auto re-start, tank-full indicator with auto shut-off, and optional gravity drainage. Energy Star rated!… More >>

Soleus Air DP1-70-03 Dehumidifier

Product Description
This portable dehumidifier is perfect for medium sized spaces, removing up to 40 pints of water per day. Worry free operation includes auto defrost, low temperature operation, auto re-start, tank-full indicator with auto shut-off, and gravity drainage (optional). Energy Star rated!… More >>

Soleus Air DP1-40-03 Dehumidifier

Product Description
For light dehumidifying needs in small spaces. Full range of features includes auto defrost, low temperature operation, auto re-start, tank-full indicator with auto shut-off, and optional gravity drainage. This efficient unit is Energy Star rated…. More >>

Soleus Air DP1-30-03 Dehumidifier

Product Description
This Soleus dehumidifier is perfect for medium sized basements, removing up to 50 pints of water per day. All the features needed for smooth and worry-free operation are included: auto defrost, low temperature operation, auto re-start, tank-full indicator with auto shut-off, and gravity drainage (optional). Energy Star rated!… More >>

Soleus Air DP1-50-03 Dehumidifier

• Energy Star Rated
• Low Temperature operation down to 41 degrees
• 3 Fan speeds
• 4 preset humidistat settings
• Washable and reusable air filter

Product Description
70 Pint Portable Energy Star Dehumidifier features a Engery Star rating, with a low temperature operation down to 41 degrees. Easy-grip front removable water bucket and drain hose connector make water transport a breeze. This unit had 3 fan speeds and 4 pre-set humidstat settings with a washable and reusable air filter. Lightweight design, heavy duty casters and carry handle make this portable unit easy to maneuver to its best location…. More >>

Soleus Air DP1-70-03, 70 Pint Portable Energy Star Dehumidifier, White

• 24 Hour programmable time with memory
• 50 Pint Evaporative Dehumidifier
• 8,000 BTU’s Air Conditioning, minimizes the need to empty collected moisture from the unit
• Washable and reusable air filter
• Dual Motors

Product Description
Compact yet powerful, our 8,000 BTU evaporative air conditioner efficiently and quietly cools and dehumidifies to make your environment more comfortable. Evaporative technology increases efficiency and reduces the need to drain condensate. A built-in 24 hour timer remembers your settings and will restart the unit even if power is interrupted…. More >>

Soleus Air PE2-08R-62, Evaporative Portable Air Conditioner, Dehumidifier and Fan, 8,000 BTU’s, White with Blue cover