Humidifier or Dehumidifier: Which Do You Need?
Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home is essential for comfort and health. The ideal humidity level for your home is between 30 and 50 percent. If the air is too humid, you may find allergies exacerbated. When the humidity is too low, however, you can experience dry skin and nasal passages. The time of the year can determine whether you need a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home. Particularly if there are persons in your home suffering from respiratory or other illnesses, this difference is important. Keep the air comfortable in your Mount Pleasant home with the proper equipment to meet your humidity needs.
How Dehumidifiers Work
Dehumidifiers reduce humidity in the home. They are typically used during warm and humid weather when high humidity levels are likely to be a problem. You need a dehumidifier if the humidity in your home is above 50 percent. You can choose from chemical absorbent, heat pump, and dehumidifying ventilators.
How Humidifiers Work
Humidifiers perform the opposite function of dehumidifiers. They increase humidity in your home to help you battle dry, uncomfortable air. You typically need a humidifier in winter when the air is cold and dry. A whole-house humidifier is ideal when you need to increase comfort levels in every room.
Choosing the Right System
You can measure humidity levels in your home with a hygrometer. To get a good idea of which type of system you need, consider the comfort problems you are experiencing in the home. If you are battling mold, mildew, and rot, your humidity levels are too high. Since there will be more mold, mildew, and dust mites airborne in a home with high humidity, you may also notice an increase in allergic reactions.
If you have persistent cold-like symptoms with dry, itchy eyes and irritated throat and nasal passages, you probably have low humidity levels. Many homeowners find that they need both a humidifier and dehumidifier. In that case, you would alternate use of these systems seasonally to increase your home comfort levels throughout the year.
For more information about improving home comfort and indoor air quality, contact Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing, Inc. at 903-285-6550.
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