Sticky air, musty smells, and foggy windows – these are all signs your home might be suffering from high humidity. While a little moisture in the air is healthy, too much can create an uncomfortable living environment. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to use a dehumidifier:
When is Humidity Too High?
Ideally, you want your home’s humidity level between 30% and 50%. It’s natural for this range to fluctuate slightly with the seasons. In the winter, a humidity level between 30% and 40% should feel comfortable, while summer might call for a slightly higher range of 40% to 50%. However, when humidity consistently climbs above 55%, that’s when problems start to arise:
- Exacerbates allergies and asthma by encouraging dust mites and mold growth.
- Creates a musty odour that can be unpleasant and even contribute to respiratory problems.
- Damages your home by causing peeling paint, warping wood, and fostering mold growth.
- Makes you feel clammy and uncomfortable, even with the air conditioning running.
Spotting The Signs
Luckily, there are telltale signs that your home is fighting against high humidity. Be on the lookout for:
- Condensation on windows and walls: This is a clear sign that there’s too much moisture in the air.
- A musty odour: This can indicate mold or mildew growth, which thrives in humid environments.
- Peeling paint or wallpaper: High humidity can loosen wallpaper adhesive and cause paint to bubble.
- Dust mite and mold allergies acting up: If your allergies seem worse than usual, high humidity could be to blame.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
Imagine a tiny sponge specifically designed to soak up excess moisture from the air. That’s essentially what a dehumidifier does. Here’s a breakdown:
Portable units and whole-house units work much in the same way. The dehumidifier draws warm, moist air into the unit. The air passes over a refrigerant coil, which condenses the air, removing moisture drop by drop. The unit then sends the drier air back into circulation.
In a portable unit, the water collects in a bucket or reservoir which you have to empty periodically. With a whole-house dehumidifier, the water pulled from the air goes into a drain line and conveniently exits your home.
When Should You Invest in a Dehumidifier?
Portable dehumidifiers are great for quick fixes, like drying out a room after a flood. But for long-term battles with high humidity, a whole-house system might be a better fit. Consider a whole-house dehumidifier if:
- You live in a consistently humid climate or experience very humid summers.
- Multiple rooms or floors suffer from high humidity.
- Your AC struggles to keep things dry.
- Your well-insulated home traps moisture.
- You’re noticing signs of moisture damage.
By understanding these factors, you can choose the right dehumidifier to create a more comfortable and healthy home environment.
Beat The Humidity With Team Harding
Don’t let high humidity steal your comfort. By understanding when to use a dehumidifier, you can take control of your home’s environment. If you’re considering a whole-house dehumidifier for lasting relief, Team Harding is here to help.
Ready to say goodbye to high humidity?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and to see our promos!
Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
