What Does a Dehumidifier Do?

A dehumidifier is a device that removes moisture from the air. It’s especially useful for those with asthma, allergies or respiratory conditions. Many people report that a dehumidifier helps relieve symptoms and makes breathing easier. If you’re wondering how a dehumidifier works and how it can help you, read on.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier works by taking warm air currents into its coils with a fan. The warm air then contracts as it passes through the machine’s refrigerated coils, and the condensation remains in the dehumidifier. The condensation collects in a storage tank and cooler, drier air is then released back into the home.

A dehumidifier can bring down your home’s relative humidity to 30 or 50 percent. Your dehumidifier may come with a meter that measures the humidity, allowing you to adjust the level as you like.

Health benefits of dehumidifiers

Humidity measures the amount of water in the air, and dehumidifiers remove water from the air. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, a dehumidifier can help:

• Wheezing
• Itching
• Eye irritation
• Nasal congestion
• Chest pain

Many allergy triggers are related to the amount of humidity in the air. For example, mold and mildew spawns and grows when the level of humidity in the air is high. Removing the humidity from the air can also help with removing other environmental triggers like dust and pollen.

Humidity and asthma

Humidity also makes the air heavier and more difficult to breathe. Think about what the air feels like on a hot day in the middle of summer. This is why people who live in high-humidity environments often struggle with asthma. Fortunately, a dehumidifier can make the air lighter and easier to breathe. The mugginess associated with humidity is lifted, making the air more comfortable and cooler.

Dehumidifiers and indoor environments

Dehumidifiers will help reduce the amount of dust and mold growing in your home. They’re also useful for fighting against pests like cockroaches, silverfish and spiders. A dehumidifier also provides cooler air, which may lead to less reliance on using air conditioning.

Side effects of a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers don’t work quite the same way for everyone. For those who live in a dry climate like a desert or a high-altitude region, a dehumidifier is not useful. If you have a serious respiratory condition like pneumonia, it’s actually worse to make the air drier.

Your hair and skin could also be affected by the drier air. This is particularly an issue for people who suffer from skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. If you have a dry cough or a stuffy nose, a dehumidifier may do more harm than good as well. It’s best to speak with your doctor before investing in a dehumidifier.

Are you concerned about the quality of your indoor air? Then talk to the pros at JMB A/C & Heating LLC. We’re a leader when it comes to meeting all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to set up your first appointment and discover how a dehumidifier can work for you.

Categorised in: Humidity