Dehumidifier

Do humidifiers cause condensation and molds?

You see, a lot of people are quite hesitant to buy humidifiers because of the notion that these devices cause moisture and mold growth. Of course, nobody here wants to experience mold infestation. Similarly, you don’t want your house or building to be riddled with condensation.

Too much moisture in a given room can lead to numerous issues, such as mold growth, musty odor, and allergies. As much as possible, you don’t want any of that to happen. 

The job of a humidifier is to add moisture to an area. Given that this is the case, it is quite understandable why some people think that these humidifiers can cause problems rather than solutions. 

But fear not; this should not actually be the case. There are some things that you need to know here. 

How Excess Moisture Causes Mold Growth?

It’s no secret that moisture can cause mold growth. 

The most known way moisture can cause mold growth is through condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air meets a cool surface and releases moisture. This is a natural process that occurs both indoors and outdoors.

Usually, molds are not a problem for indoor spaces. The only exception is when there are mold spores that can get inside and manage to land on a damp or wet area. If your home has the right relative humidity, the presence of mold spores should not threaten you. But if there’s too much moisture, then it is a problem that you have to deal with. 

For as short as one day, mold spores can grow and manifest in the area. And that’s not a good thing. 

If you think that your indoor air is too damp, the device that you need is not a humidifier but a dehumidifier. The latter is specifically designed to bring down the relative humidity of wet spaces down to a more acceptable level. 

What Is Condensation Anyway?

Condensation is a process by which water vapor in the air turns into liquid water, and it can happen in a number of ways. It can occur when water vapor in the air comes into contact with cold surfaces, absorbing the heat from the surrounding area and turning it into liquid water.

Condensation can take place when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces or when warm air is forced to move over a cold surface. 

For example, you can see condensation occur on the outside of a cold glass of water or when warm exhaled air touches a cold window. It is also possible for condensation to manifest when warm, humid air is cooled rapidly, for example, in a freezer.

Hence, if there’s sufficient or excess moisture in the air, condensation can occur. And the presence of water is what triggers mold growth.

So how do these things relate to humidifiers?

Do Humidifiers Cause Condensation And Molds?

The short answer to this question is a yes. And it is essential that we can elaborate on this matter. In this way, you will be able to use the humidifier properly without experiencing any condensation and other drawbacks. 

The function of a humidifier is to release moisture in the air to increase its humidity. According to experts, the safe range of indoor humidity should be 40% to 60%. Any higher than this, and you’ll experience a damp and wet feeling. 

When there’s too much moisture (high humidity), it manifests in the form of condensation. Usually, you can see it in the coldest spots of your home, such as the windows.

Interestingly, warm air carries more water. Therefore, you should not be surprised why it feels so damp during the summer season. Therefore, when the warm air gets in contact with any cold part or surface in your home, the air cools, and the water that it carries is “released” through condensation. 

And when there’s condensation, mold growth can also occur. 

Low temperatures mixed with excess humidity can also cause indoor condensation. You have to maintain the right humidity at various temperatures to prevent bad things from happening. 

You can refer to the table below for the recommended humidity level for given indoor/outdoor temperatures. 

	Outdoor Temperature (Fahrenheit)
Indoor Temperature	-15	-10	-5	0	5	10	15	20
70 degrees Fahrenheit	15%	17%	20%	25%	30%	35%	40%	45%
75 degrees Fahrenheit	18%	20%	24%	30%	35%	40%	45%	50%

How To Prevent Humidifiers From Causing Condensation And Mold Growth?

People buy humidifiers because they are suffering from dry air problems. Perhaps you have already considered buying one but suddenly had a second thought after realizing this matter. 

It is undeniable that humidifiers release moisture to make your environment more humid. However, if you don’t keep them in check, they can cause condensation, especially if the temperature outside goes below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 

To prevent this from happening, you should always monitor your humidifier, especially its humidistat. You have to make sure that the humidistat is set on the ideal indoor humidity. In this way, the humidifier won’t produce too much mist in the air. Some humidifiers have automatic sensors that let them configure the moisture output based on the readings. 

For instance, if the sensors detect that your indoor humidity is below the appropriate level, they trigger the humidifier to run automatically. After reaching the desired humidity, the humidifier turns off automatically. 

Of course, you can also opt for units that offer manual humidistat. They enable you to have full control over the output of the humidifier. 

In fact, you can just maintain the relative humidity to 45%. In that way, you can deal with air dryness without experiencing condensation. 

Other Tips That Help Reduce Condensation

Condensation is a common problem in homes that lack good insulation and airtight construction. In the winter, it’s the extra moisture in the air from warm, moist breath, cooking, and bathing that creates a humid environment in your home. But, in the summer, it’s the outdoor humidity that finds its way into your home that causes condensation.

Below are some tips to help you reduce the condensation in your home, which, in turn, would prevent mold growth from happening:

• Use the exhaust fans in your bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen
• Vent clothes dryers and gas burners outside
• Make sure that the ventilating louvers in your crawl spaces or attic are large and open
• Utilize fireplace dampers so that moisture-filled air would escape
• Open the entry points of your house for a few minutes every day

In Summary

While it is true that humidifiers can cause condensation and mold growth, it is essential to note that you have all the means to prevent it. Most humidifiers are designed to operate smartly, thanks to their humidistats. But if the humidifier has no sensors, it is up to you to control its output or operational time. 

Using a hygrometer can help you monitor the relative humidity of your house or building. It is an inexpensive device, but it can aid you in ensuring that your home is properly humid. 

That’s it for now. If you have inquiries, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section below.

How does a dehumidifier work? Do you need to get this device for your space? 

High levels of humidity are the bane of many homes and establishments in the United States. Even other parts of the world have this problem, too. But it should not come as a surprise, though. 

Every time the weather gets hot, the absorptive capacity of air to hold water vapor increases. In short, during warm days, the air can get damp and musty. If not resolved, it causes health problems and structural damages. 

A dehumidifier is a device designed to lower the humidity of any indoor setting. Read on and learn how this machine does its job. 

What Is A Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a machine that removes water vapor from the air. It is used to remove moisture from the air in basements, crawl spaces, and other areas that have a high risk of water damage. The water is collected in a reservoir at the bottom of the machine, and it must be emptied regularly to prevent overflow. Once the water has been drained, it can be used for laundry, watering plants, or cleaning.

A dehumidifier is an energy-efficient machine that runs on electricity. Though the machine is quite useful, it is essential to remember that it does not remove moisture. Instead, it cools down the air, which condenses the water vapor in the air and collects it in the reservoir.

How Does A Dehumidifier Work?

A dehumidifier works similar to a vacuum cleaner. But it does not function to suck dirt in your house. Instead, what it sucks in the air from your space. Once inside, the dehumidifier removes the moisture in the air. It releases the air back with minimal humidity already. 

The moisture absorbed by the dehumidifier falls into its water tank. Hence, there’s a need for you to empty it regularly unless it has an automatic draining feature. 

It repeats this job continuously until the moisture gets back to your desired level. In most cases, the dehumidifier stops working if its tank is full. Others have a programmable setting that lets you configure their runtime. 

Meanwhile, those that have humidity can operate on their own. Once they detect that the humidity level on the air is already at the comfortable level, they will stop absorbing air. But once the humidistat reads an increase in the indoor humidity, it forces the dehumidifier to operate again. 

Types Of Dehumidifiers

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most common type of dehumidifier for home use. They cool the air entering the room using refrigeration technology, preventing moisture from entering the air due to condensation. 

On a hot day, the refrigerant dehumidifier works just like a regular refrigerator. The moisture and heat from the air enter the dehumidifier, where it enters the next stage of the process. In the compressor, the refrigerant removes the heat from the air, cooling it to the desired temperature. The cooled air leaves the compressor and enters an evaporator coil. In the evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs moisture from the air, forcing it into a liquid state. The liquid falls to a water tank while the dry air is blown back to your space.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

A desiccant dehumidifier is a type of dehumidifier in which the primary moisture removal mechanism is a desiccant. The desiccant acts as an adsorption material that attracts water vapor from the air, leaving the air drier. The most common desiccants used in dehumidifiers are silica gel and molecular sieves. 

This is in contrast to a refrigerant-based dehumidifier, which removes water from the air by means of an evaporator that is cooled by a refrigeration system.

Dehumidifying Ventilators

This type of dehumidifier comes with an exhaust fan that expels the moist air outside. It has a sensor that detects the current humidity in your space. Most of the time, they are being used in areas that are riddled with severe humidity problems, such as crawlspaces, attics, and basements. 

Whole House Dehumidifiers

A whole-house dehumidifier is a dehumidifier that is designed to be installed in your home’s HVAC system. This type of dehumidifier can be more energy efficient than a stand-alone dehumidifier. Whole house dehumidifier units are integrated into a home’s HVAC system in the ductwork, and they are connected to a drain. They are turned on when the air conditioning or heater is running, but they may also be manually turned on in other instances that require dehumidification in the home.

Portable Dehumidifiers

For many, using a portable dehumidifier may be a way to increase the comfort of their home. When you have a portable dehumidifier, you can easily move it to where it is needed most. This is great for meeting the needs of individual rooms in your home. If you have a basement that needs to be dehumidified, you can place the portable dehumidifier there. If you have a room that tends to feel stuffy, you can move the portable dehumidifier there and get the air back to its natural state.

Humidifier vs. Dehumidifiers

The answer to this question should be obvious. If the job of the dehumidifier is to reduce the moisture in the air, a humidifier increases it. 

Specifically, humidifiers are useful during the cold months, when the air gets dry, or when people use their heating systems at full capacity. Their job is to add moisture in the air by adding water vapor to them. 

There are many types, including warm mist and cool mist.  Cool mist humidifiers are the most popular type because they are quiet and don’t heat the air in your room. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles and often have additional functions, such as air purification. 

All humidifiers have a reservoir that holds water. This water is then heated or cooled, depending on the model, and the resulting steam or mist is dispersed into the air.

Dehumidifiers vs. Air Conditioners

Interestingly enough, dehumidifiers and air conditioners have similar working principles. At the same time, they have common components, too. Many people think that an air conditioner can become a substitute for a dehumidifier. But the majority has the consensus that dehumidifiers will never be able to cool a room as the air conditioner does. 

Generally, the job of air conditioners is to provide cool air to your space. Meanwhile, dehumidifiers will cool air so that it can separate the moisture from it. But this doesn’t mean that the dehumidifier can become a significant cooling machine. 

Of course, air conditioners may reduce the humidity of the air, especially if they run long enough. But if your air conditioner is too powerful, it may not accomplish the job. After all, AC units that can cool fast are not required to run extensively. They may remove moisture but not on significant volumes. 

Hence, if you are going to invest in the two, you have to assess your needs first. Do you want a household cooling machine? Or do you want to dehumidify your space?

When To Use A Dehumidifier?

There are a lot of uses for a dehumidifier. Needless to say, people invest in dehumidifiers for a variety of tasks. However, their goal should be the same: to remove the effects that high humidity has caused. 

If the following scenario is familiar to you, then you might need to get a dehumidifier, too.

• Mold growth – Mold grows in warm, humid conditions and can be triggered by various things, like a broken air conditioning unit or a leaky pipe.  The dehumidifier works by collecting and eliminating excess moisture in the air, which prevents mold from developing. 

• Eliminate dust mites – Dust mites are a common problem in humid climates, and a dehumidifier can be a great way to cut back on their population. A dehumidifier reduces the presence of dust mites by creating an environment that is not livable for them. If the air is no longer damp, these mites will not persist anymore. 

• Comfort problems – If you live in a humid place, like the southeast or southwest, you know that your clothes, sheets, and other materials are not always dry. This is because the humidity in the air makes them damp and thus can make you feel uncomfortable. Dehumidifiers remove the stickiness and musty feeling in the air, making it more comfortable to the body.

• Water stains – With high humidity, it is not impossible for stains to appear in your walls and ceilings. These stains can be problematic, as they are a sign that there’s an immediate repair or replacement that will come soon. To prevent this issue from happening, get a dehumidifier right away. 

• Ubiquitous condensation – If your house is riddled with the effects of condensation, especially in the windows, then you need to get a dehumidifier right away. Indoor condensation happens when the humidity level is extremely high.

• Health problems – Have you been experiencing frequent sneezing, skin rashes, and itchiness? Are you having a hard time coping up with your allergies and asthma attacks? If so, you might improve the air quality of your space. And you can do that by reducing the air’s moisture content with the use of a dehumidifier. 

• Damaged structures – Water can cause rapid deterioration of various construction materials such as wood. It can warp and crack them. Moisture can also peel wallpapers, causing unwarranted expenses on repairs and replacements. 

Where To Use A Dehumidifier?

There’s nothing worse than coming home from a long day at work to find your basement a soggy mess. Even worse is when you come home from a long day at work to find your basement a soggy mess, and the floorboards are warped, and your furniture is covered in mold. That’s why it’s essential to know where to put your dehumidifier.

In Basements

Basements are usually damp, and the presence of moisture poses a lot of problems. There are many different causes of dampness in a basement, including seeping of groundwater, leaking pipes, faulty foundation walls, and faulty plumbing. The presence of dehumidifiers is beneficial in this part of your home. 

In Bedrooms

It’s no secret that the humidity in a house can affect your health and wellbeing, especially while you’re sleeping. When you’re in bed, you’re surrounded by many different materials that can cause quite a bit of moisture in the air. A dehumidifier can counteract these effects, ensuring that you can sleep comfortably throughout the night. 

In Bathrooms

When you have a bath or shower, you’re creating a lot of moisture in the air. Some of this moisture will make its way into your nooks and crannies, and if you don’t have a dehumidifier, it can make your bathroom a very uncomfortable place to be in. 

In Kitchens

It is a common misconception that dehumidifiers are only useful in basements, but in reality, they can be very beneficial in your kitchen as well. Humidity is created when you steam or boil water. And the more you use your kitchen for cooking purposes, the more you need a dehumidifier on them. 

Conclusion

Learning how a dehumidifier works enables you to ascertain its importance in your day-to-day living. Basically, the device can improve the air quality of your home by making it less humid. It saves you from health issues and other structural damages caused by moisture. 

I hope you find this guide useful. For other concerns and inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below!

How do I keep my garage dry and free from humidity?

For most of us, the garage is one of the most important parts of our homes. Aside from being a reliable storage place, it is also the ideal spot for weekend warriors to do their projects. 

However, the conduciveness of a garage disappears the moment its structural integrity is ruined. Humidity is one of the common problems for many garages, especially those located in highly humid areas. 

To deal with this problem, I will explain some of the things you can do to keep your favorite place dry and comfortable. 

Knowing The Humidity Level In Your Garage

First of all, you may want to know if the wetness in your garage is caused by excess humidity. After all, the more humid the air is, the more water it carries. 

There are physical manifestations of humidity. Stains in the wall, peeled wallpapers, and rotting wooden furniture are among the signs that you should watch out for. However, it may take a while before they start appearing, even if your place is already humid. 

To stop yourself from guessing from time to time, you should use a hygrometer instead. A hygrometer is a device that measures the relative humidity of a given area. It works efficiently in measuring humidity, so having one is truly beneficial. Besides, it is not that expensive. You can consider it a worthwhile investment. 

Ways To Reduce The Humidity In Your Garage

If you deem that humidity is the very reason why your garage is wet, there are various things that you can do to resolve the problem.

• Enable ventilation – A garage is closed most of the time. It is natural for the air inside it to get trapped, not being circulated properly. It causes the humid air to stay inside. Fortunately, you can optimize the airflow in your garage by opening its door, windows, and vents. If you noticed that the air is stale, you could use fans to let it move outside. 

• Reduce the clutter – As I mentioned earlier, the garage is an ideal place for storing your household items and other utilities. Sometimes, we don’t care, even if we fill the garage with numerous belongings. Doing so should not be a problem had it not been for the humidity problems that it causes. The more cramped a room is, the more restricted the flow of air becomes, causing moisture to increase over time. 

Organizing your items and putting them on shelves can resolve this matter for you. Free as much space as possible to ensure that air moves freely in that area. Also, you may want to move most of your items away from the ground since it also causes problems in airflow.

• Dehumidifiers – A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes moisture from the air in a given space. It can be used to improve air quality, especially in rooms where people spend a lot of time, such as the bedroom or living room. It can reduce the chance of bacteria and mold growing in the home, which can improve your health and help your allergies.

How To Prevent High Humidity In The Garage

Combating moisture is not your only solution to your wet garage problems. As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. You may have a functional dehumidifier, but it would really be best if you can introduce some measures that would decrease the moisture level in your garage. 

• Inspect the windows and doors – Moisture can enter your garage anytime, especially if there are many seams. Most of the time, you will not notice these things, as they are too small. For instance, you should check if your windows and garage are fitted with their frames. If there are gaps, moisture can enter. 

Furthermore, you should also check the gaskets. If they are already decaying, they might cause an increase in internal humidity in your garage. You will know if you need to replace the gaskets if you rub your hands on them. If you spot dark residues, you have to install new ones right away. 

• Optimize ventilation – Again, ventilation is one of the easiest solutions in preventing moisture growth. If you don’t want your garage to remain wet all the time, you have to ventilate it smartly and properly. There are times you should shut off your garage and times where you need to open it. Specifically, you need to allow the air to enter your garage every time the humidity is high. By doing so, you are letting the air carry the moisture away from the area.

• Unblock drainage – Plumbing and drainage are essential for controlling humidity in homes. Make sure that no items are hindering the drains in your garage. Don’t forget to check the gutters under the roof’s garage. If there are obstructions, remove them. Otherwise, water will accumulate, resulting in leakages. 

Also, don’t forget to dry your car every time you park it in your garage. The water collected from precipitation will evaporate inside, causing an increase in humidity. 

• Check for leakages – Humidity can also be caused by leakages. Check if the ceiling of your garage doesn’t have any signs of leaking, such as water stains and cracks in the walls. Also, keep in mind that you inspect the ducts of your AC in your garage (if you have one installed). A leaking duct can disrupt the temperature, which, in turn, may disrupt your garage’s natural humidity. 

How Do I Keep My Garage Dry

Now that you have removed the sources of excess moisture in your garage, it is time that you learn how to keep it that way. 

• Install a heater – It would really be best if your garage has its own HVAC system. In this way, it is easier for you to regulate its temperature and combat the possible moisture increase. Keeping the temperature under control will regulate condensation, after all. If you are going to install a heater, make sure that you opt for a natural gas or electric model. Propane heaters tend to generate water vapor as moisture.

• Use a dehumidifier – A dehumidifier is a great way to control humidity in your garage. Generally, humidity is best at around 40% to 60% for a home. As long as you have a dehumidifier, you no longer have to fuss about moisture problems in your garage.

Conclusion

Keeping your garage dry is one of your tasks as a homeowner. You have to make sure that this part of your house remains free from moisture and watery problems. Keep in mind that some of your precious belongings, such as your cars and tools, are stored there. If you let them get exposed to constant moisture, they will eventually get damaged.

Do you have other questions in mind? Feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

Where to place a dehumidifier in basements?

A dehumidifier is a unit that is used to remove moisture from a room or area. These types of machines can be used in basements to reduce the chances of a mold problem and can also be used in your home to help reduce humidity and prevent associated problems.

Of course, these dehumidifiers are essential in spaces where humidity is constantly an issue–such as in your basement, crawl spaces, and garages. And truth to be told, having a dehumidifier can surely save you from unwanted expenses due to health issues and structural problems. 

Your basement can be one of the most humid spots in your house. Because of that, it is always justifiable that this part of your home has a dedicated dehumidifier that operates whenever it is needed. 

Why Is My Basement Humid?

This is a question that many people ask, and it is worth noting that such a problem should be solved. 

You see, a basement should never have humidity problems, especially if it has been constructed properly. But sometimes, external factors do come into play, causing the area’s humidity to spike up.

Basements are some of the most humid rooms in a home, with humidity levels typically reaching 65 to 100 percent. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including poor ventilation, a lack of insulation, excessive moisture in the ground surrounding the house, and condensation. Specifically, the following can cause your basement to get a little bit wet.

• Water leaks – Many times, this humidity is the result of a water leak in the basement. You should inspect if this is actually the issue since you might need professional help to deal with it. Water leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, and other plumbing parts can increase the humidity level of enclosed spaces such as basements. 

• Groundwater and rain – Your basement can be susceptible to high relative humidity due to incorrect grading. Ideally, the ground of your house should lead the water away from you, not toward you. If the water drains in the direction of your property, flooding and humidity problems can occur.

• Malfunctioning downspouts and gutters – These utilities work by directing rainwater away from the ground of your house. If they are damaged or not working properly, rainwater will eventually accumulate in your property’s foundation. The more water there is in the foundation, the bigger the chance that your basement will experience humidity issues. 

• Foundation cracks – If the foundation of your basement has cracks, groundwater will eventually find its way inside your home. Sometimes, it is the water that causes these cracks. This is especially true if the floor joists are not attached to your basement’s walls properly. 

Condensation – Basement condensation can be a problem in any environment, although the cold and dampness of winter make it especially likely. The condensation that forms on the walls and ceilings of a basement can be unsightly, and it can also damage the materials used to build the basement walls. And if excessive water makes its way into the air ducts and other components of a house, it can also cause significant damage to the structure of the house. 

Where To Place A Dehumidifier In Basement?

Just like any other living space, basements have humidity. The low air circulation in the basement can lead to high humidity levels, which can help the growth of mold, mildew, and other fungi. Some basements are naturally humid and don’t have any ventilation. If you’re thinking about buying a dehumidifier, where should you place it in your basement?

Dehumidifiers can be placed in different areas of your basement, and you can decide whether you want to place them in the basement or keep it in another room. As we mentioned, most basements are naturally humid, and they don’t have any ventilation. This means that it’s not practical to place a dehumidifier in an area where it doesn’t get enough room for it to absorb and circulate air.

The basement is an ample, open space that requires a steady flow of air. The dehumidifier needs to be in a place where it can get that flow of air. Ideally, it should be placed along a wall that faces an open window or door. That way, when the dehumidifier is on, the air will flow through the dehumidifier and into the basement. 

It’s best to keep the dehumidifier in a place where it can be easily accessed. The dehumidifier will need cleaning at least once a season, so it’s best to make it accessible from a doorway or window.

Of course, you need to place the dehumidifier in a spot where it has direct access to a power outlet. In this way, it can operate seamlessly and continuously. If your dehumidifier has an automatic draining feature, it is better that it is also within reach of a drainage outlet. 

Signs Of Humidity Problems In The Basement

Basements are damp places, and that’s not just because of the humidity that comes from the outside. The air in your basement is naturally humid, and that humidity is what makes your basement smell musty and feel cold. 

If you’re looking for signs that your basement is highly humid, look for distinct dampness in the air and the walls, as well as poor air circulation in the room. Look also for mold stains on the walls and a layer of dust that seems to cling to the floor and the surfaces of furniture.

Here are some of the specific signs that you need a dehumidifier in your basement:

• Visible water on the floor
• Moist and clammy air
• Condensation in floors and walls during summer
• Wood and carpet damages
• Mildew, mold, and odor
• Decaying wooden columns, sill plates, and joists
• Stains on wall covers
• Spalling of concrete parts

A foolproof method to know if there’s a humidity problem in your basement is the use of a hygrometer. A hygrometer is used to measure the humidity in a room. It provides an accurate measurement of the relative humidity of a space. Some dehumidifiers have built-in humidity sensors. But if your unit doesn’t have it, then buying an inexpensive hygrometer can solve the problem. 

Conclusion

Excess moisture can cause major damage to your home, so when you feel the dampness in the basement, you need to take action fast before mold starts to grow. Luckily, a dehumidifier can help you mitigate the effects of high relative humidity. And knowing where to place a dehumidifier in basements can undoubtedly improve the dehumidification results. 

Do you have any questions related to dehumidifiers? Feel free to ask me in the comment section below.