3 Ways a Dehumidifier Can Improve the Health of Your Home

Now that the snow is gone and the April showers have passed, your basement is ready for a summer break, right?

Well, probably not. The Asthma Initiative of Michigan reports that more than 74,000 residents suffer from asthma in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.  Mold, weather changes and dust mites can cause asthma symptoms to start, and these triggers thrive during the summer months.

The right dehumidifier can reduce these effects and make your home more comfortable.

Here’s how:

1. Lower Relative Humidity

Hot summer air mixed with your cool, conditioned air in the basement increases the relative humidity, which can cause condensation.

Relative humidity goes up 2.2% for every one-degree it’s cooled. So, if your basement already has relative humidity at 70-80% and the hot outside temperature is cooled to the temperature of your basement, the relative humidity can often exceed 100%. This is when condensation happens.

Condensation can form on almost any surface, making it possible to harm stored items and form water spots and puddles on the floor.

A dehumidifier will remove the water vapor from the air and lower the relative humidity.

2. Reduce Mold Growth

Mold needs the right environment to grow. Besides the dangers of condensation, relative humidity above 50% creates a great place for mold to reside.

Only organic material and high relative humidity is needed for mold to exist. Eliminating water certainly helps, but without low humidity, mold will still find a place to grow.

The addition of a dehumidifier will reduce mold growth the same way it prevents condensation. Low relative humidity is key to keeping a safe and clean basement.

3. Decrease Indoor Allergens

Indoor allergens often survive by absorbing water from the air, rather than drinking it. As you might have guessed, high relative humidity will create a great environment for allergens to call home.

Dry air is a necessity to eliminate the harmful elements that thrive in high humidity.

Choosing the Right Dehumidifier

It is essential to equip your basement or crawlspace with a dehumidifier that is rated to capture the right amount of water vapor in the air. Most household dehumidifiers only capture up to 5 gallons per day.

However, Ayers Basement Systems offers the SaniDry series of dehumidifiers. This exclusive line can capture up to 12.5 gallons per day and includes models that fit in crawlspaces.

Contact us today to have a certified professional assess the area and find the right dehumidifier for you.