A dehumidifier might not be the first thing you think of when you’re looking to make a home-improvement purchase. But they’re an increasingly popular — and increasingly affordable — part of routine home maintenance. Here are three reasons why ABODO suggests a dehumidifier might be right for you.
1. It Helps Eliminate Mold and Mildew
If you have a basement, chances are you’ve smelled it: the odor of mold and mildew. But along with being an unpleasant olfactory experience, mold can be a significant cause of damage to your home’s structure. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 30 to 50% of all structures (residential and commercial) are in a condition to encourage the buildup of powerful biological pollutants. Mold can weaken the support structures of your home, damage walls, and ruin carpets. Not to mention destroy your belongings — especially if you use a damp basement for storage. Sheets, clothing, and paper are particularly susceptible… but so are electronics. By drying out the air, a dehumidifier makes it harder for mold spores to spread and grow.
2. It Helps With Allergies
People are allergic to mold, of course. But humid air is also hospitable to a number of other common allergens, including dust mites. Dust mites are tiny, eight-legged arthropods related to chiggers and spiders. They’re much smaller than a grain of sand, and they love to live in humid environments. Don’t want them taking up residence in your sheets, textiles, rugs, and furniture? A dehumidifier can make life harder on those allergens.
Drier air is generally good for breathing and circulation. There’s a reason why doctors used to prescribe a trip to the desert or the mountains for patients with respiratory issues — drier air is less work for your lungs.
3. It’ll Help Reduce Your Utility Bill
It’s also less work for your air conditioner. When the air in your house is humid, your air conditioner has to work overtime to dry it out and cool it. Also, humid air feels warmer than cold air, so you might find yourself constantly decreasing the temperature in your home… without actually feeling more comfortable. The results are high electricity bills and more frequent maintenance on your air conditioner. A dehumidifier can help you feel comfortable in your house… and with your utility bill.
Convinced? 3Gorillas.com has a wide variety of dehumidifiers to fit nearly every situation and budget. They’ll have you set up (and dry) in no time.