If you’re wondering whether you should invest in a dehumidifier for your home, there are plenty of guides out there telling you which one to go for to get the most for your money. But are you aware of the benefits of a dehumidifier as well as the potential side effects? We’re here to give you all the answers you need to make an informed decision for you and your family.
What does a dehumidifier do?
A dehumidifier is able to eliminate excess water droplets in the air of your home, by pulling them into the unit via a fan and disposing of the condensation droplets, leaving you with a drier atmosphere that’s more optimal for you and your family’s health and your home’s wellbeing.
Once the condensation droplets have built up in the unit, they’re turned into cool air droplets ready to leave the dehumidifier and re-enter the atmosphere. There’s no wastage with a machine like this, and no need to constantly empty the water tank.
Dehumidifiers are most commonly used for families who want to prevent illnesses from spreading, especially when there are children and pets in the house who can pick up and spread germs constantly, or for families who want to take care of their home over the years. By sucking the excess moisture out of the air, along with the airborne particles that carry viruses and bacteria, it can be incredibly beneficial to install one of these in your home.
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What are the exact benefits of a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers are good for reducing allergy symptoms such as itching eyes, sneezing, wheezing, and chest pain that come from common household pests like mold, dust mites, pollen, and animal dander that’s often left behind by our beloved pets. A dehumidifier can also get rid of uninvited guests like silverfish, spiders, and even cockroaches, which creates a healthier environment overall.
That’s not all though, because it’s been proven that drying out the air in your home can drastically decrease asthma attacks and asthma symptoms. It’s commonly known that more humid environments make it much harder to breathe for asthma sufferers, so by eliminating the air of mugginess and dampness, you’ll create a more comfortable atmosphere.
By the same token, installing a dehumidifier in your home can keep your house in better condition for longer. It can prevent damage and the breaking down of your home’s structure, ensuring minimal financial pressure for a longer period of time. By getting rid of excess water droplets and mold that cling to your home and cause it to break down slowly, a dehumidifier could potentially save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
What are the potential side effects of using a dehumidifier?
While many people trying to sell you a dehumidifier will focus mainly on the benefits, it’s clearly important to understand that there are potential side effects that come with running one in your home. These are mostly circumstantial, but they’re always important to know.
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Firstly, because a dehumidifier’s job is to suck the moisture from the air, you should know that keeping yourself hydrated becomes twice as important. In fact, if you live in a hot, arid location, you should really take a moment to weigh up the pros and cons of investing in a dehumidifier: chances are, you don’t need one at all, and it would be detrimental to you and your family to purchase one.
Similarly, if you suffer from eczema or pneumonia, your flare ups could become a lot worse with the addition of a dehumidifier due to the environment becoming dry and irritating. Too much of a dry atmosphere for either of these illnesses could be harmful to your condition and create flare ups.
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Is a dehumidifier good or bad for you?
Leading back to the original question, you’ll find valid arguments on both sides. That means it’s really important for you to check out your location, and take into consideration any illnesses or allergies you and your family have before making a decision about buying a dehumidifier.
A dehumidifier can be both good and bad, based on your own personal circumstances. While they’ll work perfectly for many people, and be great additions to their homes, for others, they’re a terrible idea that could lead to more damage. Where this is the case, you may want to look into purchasing a humidifier instead!
Overall, as long as you’re well-informed about what sort of unit would be beneficial in your home, you don’t need to spend any extra time worrying.
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If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
Sources
Best Dehumidifiers in 2023
What Does a Dehumidifier Do? – healthline
Signs You Might Need a Dehumidifier – thespruce
What Are the Benefits of a Dehumidifier? – AHS
Last Update: 2024-04-17 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
