Families around the country have been using dehumidifiers for years in their homes to make them more comfortable. These devices are used to draw excess humidity from the air. In addition to making the homes more airy, dehumidifiers help to keep the general appearance of a room dry, clean, and well kept. Excess moisture can cause mildew growth and damage to furniture of all types, photos, carpets, and other valuables, so using a dehumidifier can help preserve your family’s treasures.
Dehumidifiers are used for health reasons also. Mold and mildew have been linked to a number of lung diseases, including asthma. If mold and mildew begin showing up in your house, you should consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
If you decide to buy one, place it in a location where the moisture problem is the greatest, where mold, mildew, and musty odors are evident. This may be the basement, or a room where the ventilation is poor. It is important to keep the moisture level low if you store anything valuable there, or if you use your basement as a living space. Unlike the rest of your home, the parts of your foundation that are below ground level are constantly in contact with moisture from the earth outside. Though some homes have adequate vapor and water barriers installed outside their foundations, many older homes have none.
You may need more than one dehumidifier if moisture problems are in several areas of your home. If you put the device in a room with running water, be sure to keep it away from the water supply to avoid electrocution. It is also wise to place the dehumidifier away from the thermostat, since the fans blow warm air and could compromise the thermostat’s effectiveness.
It’s also important to allow plenty of open space around the dehumidifier so it can work properly. After you purchase the appliance, read the owner’s manual and follow the instructions. Typically, dehumidifiers won’t operate to their full capacities at temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you modify the device to drain the collected water into a sink or floor drain, be sure to locate it above the drain so it functions properly. You can adjust your dehumidifier so it turns on and off as needed.
Dehumidifiers help homes to stay clean and healthy. However, there have been recent recalls of dehumidifiers due to a potential fire hazard. Be cautious when you purchase the device; if you’ve already purchased one, check to see if it is on the recall list.
After four reports of fires, 98,000 portable dehumidifiers manufactured by Goldstar and Comfort-Aire were recently voluntarily recalled due to a potential fire hazard caused by shorting power connectors. Models recalled include No. GHD30Y7, sold at Home Depot, No. DH305Y7, sold at Wal-Mart, and Comfort-Aire BHD-301-C, sold at Heat Controller, Inc. The dehumidifiers were sold from January 2007 through June 2008. Consumers are advised to discontinue use of the dehumidifiers and to schedule a free repair service at an LG service center. Visit www.cpsc.gov/ for more information on consumer product recalls. (The Safety Report)