Allergy Be Gone Newsletter - May, 2005
Humidity in Your Home A common summer complaint is: It's not the heat, it's the humidity. Too much moisture in the hot summer air can literally turn the area you live in into a steam bath. Respiratory problems, insomnia and fungal skin infections are just a part of health problems that can be caused by excess humidity.Another problem associated with high humidity is mold. While being unpleasant to look at, mold patches can also pose a serious threat to your health, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Mold spores become dormant or die when the relative humidity is low. Dust mites (another common cause for allergies and asthma) also die when the humidity stays below 50%. How can I control the humidity?While you cannot affect the humidity outdoors, you can control it within your home. Here's some advice on how to do this:
How does a dehumidifier work?A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air using a refrigeration system. The water that is removed from the air is collected in a tank. In some models the water can then be removed through a hose connected to the water drain in the kitchen or bathroom. Usually the water is drained downwards under its own weight (meaning that the dehumidifier must be located higher than where the water is drained to), but some models (like the DeLongi DE500P) include a pump system so that the water can be drained upwards.Most dehumidifiers work approximately within 64° - 90° F temperature limit and 40% - 95% relative humidity limit. Some function under temperatures as low as 44° F, which makes them perfect for basement use. Some of the DeLonghi models that we have in stock (ex. DeLonghi DE400) include this feature. Dehumidifiers are rated by the maximum amount of humidity that they will remove from the air in a 24 hour period. For example, a 40 pint dehumidifier is rated to remove 40 pints of moisture from the air in 24 hours. How to choose a dehumidifier?There are two general rules for this:
Also, if you are planning to use your dehumidifier in a basement, consider a pump model over a non-pump one. While a pump model may be more expensive, it is capable of emptying its tank by itself, saving you the trouble of running up and down the stairs carrying heavy tanks full of water and assures you the piece of mind while you're away from home. Please note that this table is only a rough estimate. If you have any doubts about which dehumidifier to choose, you can contact us toll-free at 1-866-234-6630, and our experts will help you figure it out. |
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