- The most important concern with excess humidity is that it can facilitate the growth of mold. Mold in high quantities can be very dangerous and needs to be eradicated as soon as possible. It can cause many health problems, including respiratory troubles such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, nasal blockages and sinus problems. Other symptoms may occur, which can include constant headaches and migraines, rashes and excessive tiredness.
- The two categories of dehumidifiers are mechanical and electric. Mechanical dehumidifiers are more common because they are more powerful and can dehumidify a larger area. The large moving parts in a mechanical dehumidifier cause them to be very loud. In addition, the parts are more likely to wear down over time. Electrical dehumidifiers are significantly quieter and can last longer than the mechanical ones, but they are less powerful and can handle only a fraction of the area.
- One of the most important features to examine when purchasing a dehumidifier is its capacity. The capacity of a dehumidifier is a measure of the water that it can remove from the air in 24 hours. Capacity is measured in pints (about 500 ml). The capacity of dehumidifiers ranges from 10 pt. (about 5.5 L) in 24 hours to 44 pt. (about 25 L) in 24 hours.
- The capacity required for a specific situation depends on the size of the area and the amount of moisture in it. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has defined standards for recommended capacity for common situations, and any dehumidifier registered with AHAM will follow these standards. Once the area and amount of moisture is determined, the AHAM guidelines will point directly to the recommended capacity. If a dehumidifier is not registered with the AHAM, it may not follow the standards and finding out what capacity is appropriate may be difficult.
Possible Health Risks
Types of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifier Capacity
Determining the Right Dehumidifier Capacity
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