Dehumidifiers

Most people notice problems with humidity in their homes and basements in the summer, though the problem may occur any time of the year. Excessive moisture can be responsible for musty odors, condensation on windows, peeling wallpaper, damage to furniture, or even mold, which may in turn heighten allergies and asthma or pose even more serious health concerns.

Portable dehumidifiers can be moved from room to room while whole-house dehumidifiers are usually attached to your central heating and air conditioning system. Dehumidifers are rated by how many pints of moisture they remove from the air in a 24-hour period. Choose the right size based on the rooms you need to treat and the amount of moisture in the air. Also note how much ambient noise you are willing to tolerate. Some machines are noisier than others and may cause a problem in your living space. To avoid emptying the bucket, choose a machine with a hose attachment and place your dehumidifier near a floor drain. If your machine has a pump, it may be able to drain water to a sink or out a window through the hose.

Choose a machine with a timer if you want to save money by having it on only when you are out of the house or only during the night. Buckets or tanks with comfortable handles in manageable sizes make it easier to empty the water. Choosing a machine with auto restart will ensure that your device comes back on automatically after a power outage.

You can remove moisture from the air with fans or an air conditioner too. If your home is too dry (usually in the winter) or if you live in an arid climate, choose humidifiers to add moisture to the air. An air purifier can help to remove particles in the air that irritate your nasal passages, helping you feel more comfortable.