Keep the Humidity of Your Home in Check with a Dehumidifier

An Important Investment

The relative amount of moisture in your home's indoor air needs to be kept within an optimal range to prevent the problems associated with high humidity. In most climates, this optimal range is between about 30 percent and 60 percent, though lower values are generally better. If indoor humidity gets too high, wooden structures can weaken and eventually rot, and you'll open the door for moisture-seeking mold spores to gain a foothold in your home. Toxic mold can be hazardous to your health and often requires an expensive professional remediation. Dehumidifiers can be used to keep moisture levels in check.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are two major types of dehumidification systems used for residential applications: portable dehumidifiers, and whole-house dehumidifiers. Whole-house systems are linked with your home's central HVAC controls to ensure humidity levels throughout the entire house remain in the optimal range. However, these systems can be expensive, and because problematic moisture tends to surface in localized areas in many homes, portable dehumidifiers are often a better option.

A basement dehumidifier is a common example of a portable unit. These dehumidifiers stand upright, with a vent and controls on the front panel and an open back containing a reservoir where water that's removed from the air is deposited. They are simple and effective, and most portable dehumidifiers on the market today are programmed to run at regular intervals to stay ahead of the humidity curve.

If you're interested in investing in a whole-house system, it's best that you contact a local HVAC contractor with experience installing them.

Trusted Brands of Portable Dehumidifiers

There are many different manufacturers of dehumidifiers. However, many consumers prefer the security of sticking to top-selling brands. Popular appliances tend to have better warranty protections and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Some of the best-selling portable dehumidifiers on the market include:

• Kenmore dehumidifiers
• General Electric dehumidifiers
• Maytag dehumidifiers
• Aprilaire dehumidifiers

Investing in a quality portable dehumidifier can save you hundreds of dollars down the road, since indoor climates that are too humid are subject to costly problems. However, you also need to be careful not to let your indoor air get too dry, as this can lead to respiratory difficulties, dry skin and difficulty sleeping.