What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of using a Dehumidifier?

It seems like in recent years almost everybody has invested in a dehumidifier for their home and their workplace. But just because the appliance can help you remove moisture and bacteria from rooms in your home, just like any other product there are a few downsides to owning one of these units. 

In most warm climates, people invest in air conditioning units to help remove the moisture in the air, but very few feel they do enough. Dehumidifiers can help improve the air in your room, and they often do a better job than most air conditioning units on the market. In this article, we will take a closer look at the pros and cons of owning a dehumidifier, which can help you decide on whether or not you should go out and spend your hard-earned money on a brand new one. 

Advantages: Creates a Healthy Living Environment

Since the pandemic began, most of us have been spending a lot more time inside our homes. In the past, many of us worried about contaminated air, bacteria, and mold in our homes, but now that we are spending so much time indoors, it’s not surprising that there are so many people looking to make their homes a healthier space to live in. 

A dehumidifier is designed to get rid of excess moisture, as well as to keep dust mites, bacteria, and mildew out of our homes. For those suffering from allergies and asthma, contaminated air can cause all sorts of issues. A dehumidifier can prove extremely beneficial for people suffering from these problems, and it can allow them to get on with their lives. Even for those who don’t suffer from allergies or asthma, It is a lot easier for people to live in a house that does not have high humidity levels. 

Advantages: Dehumidifiers are Available in Different Shapes and Sizes

Due to high demand, there are dehumidifiers specifically designed for smaller rooms and bigger units available for whole houses. So before you rush out and purchase a large unit for a small room in your home, understand that there is a wide variety of different brands and models readily available. When choosing the dehumidifier size, keep in mind that they are available in different capacities. There are units available that are 30, 50, and over 60 pints. 

Although there are a lot of very expensive units available, you should be able to find a unit that fits in with your budget. Consider reading the warranty before you purchase the device, as you will want the option to use it all year round. 

Advantages: A Dehumidifier can help Protect your Home

If your home is made of wood you’re probably worried about it rotting over time. Humidity can be detrimental to wood, especially when the levels of humidity are extremely high. A dehumidifier can make a big difference to your home, and it could help extend the lifespan of the wood. 

Furniture throughout your house could get damaged due to humidity. A lot of people invest in units to help keep the furniture inside their homes safe. Tables, chairs, even guitars, and other things made of wood can deteriorate over time due to long-term humidity. If you have ever noticed in your home the paint peeling off the wall, or strange stains, it’s usually down to a humidity issue, and a dehumidifier can help prevent this from happening in the future. 

Disadvantages: They can be a bit of a Nuisance

Some of the dehumidifiers out there can make a lot of noise. This is due to the motors fan, and once you turn the speed up, you can expect it to get louder. Luckily, there are a lot of quiet dehumidifiers available. Before you invest in a dehumidifier, consider testing it in the store beforehand. Turn it up to the highest speed to see what it sounds like. If you are a light sleeper, a noisy dehumidifier can cause a lot of problems. 

Some units tend to emit a lot of hot air, which can make people uncomfortable, especially during the warmer months. Some units allow you to reduce the levels of humidity in your house lower than the proper levels. Before using the unit, make sure you read what the ideal humidity levels should be. 

Your Utility Bill might Increase

Because a dehumidifier is an electrical device, it will consume electricity. However, it is a small price to fork out for keeping those living in your household safe and healthy. Luckily, there are plenty of models on the market these days that are more energy-efficient than those manufactured in the past. If you want to purchase a green home appliance, look out for a dehumidifier that has an energy-saving mode. This will allow the device to function without consuming a lot of electricity.