Living in Alabama exposes us to the customary muggy, humid conditions. Yet, how often do we pause to contemplate the humidity levels within the confines of our homes? Undoubtedly, the amount of moisture lingering in the air plays a significant role in the very air conditioner of our houses and our well-being. Thus, if you find yourself in pursuit of an astute home enhancement endeavor, investing in a Humidifier or Dehumidifier might just be the unexpected yet highly advantageous choice you’ve been seeking.
Whether it’s the stifling, stagnant air of summer that concerns you or the dry, abrasive air of winter, these devices stand poised to aid in maintaining a healthier indoor atmosphere, safeguarding both your loved ones and your cherished possessions for the foreseeable future. Delve into our comprehensive guide to discerning the Humidifier or Dehumidifier system that aligns best with your needs, ensuring optimal air quality within your home.
Differences Explained
Dehumidifiers
Purpose: Dehumidifiers are designed to move warm air and reduce the level of moisture in the air. They are especially useful in humid climates or during damp seasons.
Function: These devices work by drawing in moist air, which then passes over cooling coils. This process causes the moisture to condense into water droplets, which are collected in a reservoir or drained away.
Benefits:
- Prevent Mold and Mildew: By lowering humidity levels, dehumidifiers help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, which thrive in damp conditions.
- Improve Air Quality: They also improve indoor air quality by reducing musty odors and allergens that can be exacerbated by high humidity.
- Protect Furniture and Fixtures: Excessive moisture can damage wooden furniture, walls, and fixtures. Dehumidifiers help protect these items by maintaining optimal humidity levels.
Common Uses:
- Basem*nts: Often prone to dampness, dehumidifiers can prevent mold growth and maintain a more pleasant environment.
- Bathrooms: After hot showers, bathrooms can become humid. Dehumidifiers help in reducing this excess moisture.
Humidifiers:
Purpose: Humidifiers, on the other hand, are meant to increase the humidity level or the moisture content in the air. They are particularly beneficial in dry climates or during winter months when indoor air tends to become dry.
Function: These devices add moisture to the air through various methods such as evaporative, ultrasonic, or steam technologies.
Benefits:
- Relieve Respiratory Issues: Dry air can exacerbate respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. Humidifiers help alleviate these symptoms by maintaining optimal humidity levels.
- Prevent Dry Skin and Irritation: They also aid in preventing dry skin, chapped lips, and irritation of the eyes and throat that often accompany dry indoor air.
- Preserve Wood and Instruments: Wooden furniture, musical instruments, and even houseplants benefit from a humid environment, as it prevents them from drying out and cracking.
Common Uses:
- Bedrooms: Humidifiers are often placed in bedrooms to improve sleep quality, especially during the dry winter months.
- Offices: In workplaces with dry air due to heating or air conditioning, humidifiers can create a more comfortable environment.
How Do You Know if Your Home Needs Cool Mist Humidifiers?
Determining whether your home requires an air purifier or a cool mist humidifier involves observing signs of dryness in the indoor environment. If you notice that your skin feels dry and itchy, your lips are chapped, or your throat feels scratchy, these are indications that the air in your home lacks sufficient moisture. Additionally, during colder months when heating systems are in use, the air tends to become drier, potentially leading to increased static electricity and even the cracking of wooden furniture or floors.
Moreover, if you or your family members suffer from respiratory issues such allergy symptoms such as asthma or allergies, a dry environment can exacerbate these conditions. Keep an eye out for frequent congestion, coughing, or sinus discomfort, as these could be signs that your indoor air is too dry. Placing a cool mist humidifier in key areas of your home, such as bedrooms or living rooms, can help alleviate these symptoms by restoring moisture to the air, promoting better respiratory health, and preventing the negative effects of dryness on both you and your home’s furnishings.
Does Humidity Affect Your Health?
Humidity can affect your family’s health. Keeping your home’s air within the ideal moisture range can prevent and alleviate cold symptoms and many common ailments.
Dry Air (below 30% RH) is associated with:
- Dry skin, sore throat, and itchy eyes
- Respiratory infections and inflammation
- Worsened allergy and asthma symptoms
Wet Air (above 50% RH) can lead to:
- Allergic reactions to mold and dust mites that thrive in damp environments
- Frequent coughs and runny noses
- Poor sleep quality
How Can Humidity Affect Your Home?
Mold and rot from high humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s structural integrity and the precious belongings within it. Any soft materials in your house—from children’s toys to foundational materials—are susceptible to damage when the relative humidity here remains high.
Having too little water in the air comes with its risks, as too much moisture. When wood doesn’t get enough moisture, it begins to shrink. As a result, wooden floors and furniture can become warped and crack. Dry air also increases static electricity, which may damage electronic devices in your home.
What Kind of System Do I Need?
Some homeowners buy both a portable dehumidifier and a humidifier to switch out as needed. The ideal type of machine will depend on the size of the room or area you’re targeting and ease of use. Remember that portable humidifiers need to be rigorously cleaned and maintained to prevent bacteria growth and stagnation in the various water vapor reservoirs.
You can also purchase whole-home humidity control systems that integrate with your existing heating and cooling system. Using a hygrostat—like a thermostat for moisture—these systems take the guesswork out of achieving a balanced RH in every room. As a bonus, they free up space taken up by standalone machines, which can be bulky and heavy to handle.
Better Air for a Better Life
The air within your home is a crucial component of your overall health and well-being. Whether you have family members suffering from conditions like asthma and allergies, or you notice mold and mildew breaking down what you worked hard to build, you have options. Don’t let poor air quality affect your quality of life—invest in some indoor humidity and control and see the difference today!
Get Help Financing Air Quality Repairs and Upgrades
When you’re ready to upgrade your home’s air quality, Alabama Power Smart Financing can help you get there quickly and affordably. With over a thousand service providers throughout the state to choose from, finding a humidity control professional is easier than ever. To get started, give us a call at 1-888-44-SMART!
