Last Updated On October 24th, 2019
Thanks to the articles that constantly appear in the papers and magazines detailing the health dangers surrounding mold, it is only natural to want to do everything possible to prevent mold from growing in your own home or flat. If you are looking for effective ways to avoid mold, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier. From kitchens to bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any other area of your home that is prone to high amounts of moisture, the addition of a dehumidifier can be the key to mold prevention.
What Mold Needs to Grow
For mold to grow, it needs moisture or a damp area, as well as a high level of humidity. In fact, some types of mold can start to grow at any time the level of humidity in your home or flat reaches 55 per cent or higher. Dehumidifiers are both an inexpensive and efficient way to reduce the amount of humidity in your home.
What is a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers are simply an electrical appliance that is designed to help remove any moisture floating in the interior air. In the UK, they are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and capacities. Portable dehumidifiers, which are the most commonly used type of dehumidifier, can be purchased for a single room and moved around when needed. On the other hand, dehumidifiers are also available as whole-house models that work with your home’s heating system to pull out any moisture in a room, leaving it more comfortable and less susceptible to mold growth.
What Rooms in Your Home Could Benefit from a Dehumidifier
To thwart the growth of mold, it is important to ventilate those rooms where moisture and steam are most likely to build up. This is why it is particularly important to have a dehumidifier that can be used in all bathrooms, your laundry room, and your kitchen.
How to Choose a Dehumidifier
While whole house dehumidifiers are better equipped to monitor the level of moisture in your home, as well as remove it, they are definitely more costly than a portable dehumidifier. However, it is important to understand that not every home in the UK can accommodate a whole home dehumidifier, so if you are considering this an option, be sure your home can handle it first. An HVAC technician should be able to answer this question and install your dehumidifier if this is the option you choose.
If you are considering a portable dehumidifier, you need to know that there are installation options to choose from. You can opt to purchase one with a water tank that you empty as needed or one that it is connected to your sewer drain, which is usually more convenient. If you choose one that requires you to empty the water tank, choose one with a large capacity to decrease any potential down time. If you prefer one that connects to your drain, be sure you choose one with a drain hose connection kit.
Regardless of which type of dehumidifier you choose, look for one with a high output to manage significant moisture problems. Be aware that dehumidifiers do make some noise when on, but you can find some that have a quiet feature.
If you want to prevent mold from growing in your home, it’s time to start looking at dehumidifiers to determine which one is best for your specific needs.