Archive for September, 2009

Need to know about dehumidifiers for basement?

30plushousekeeper asked:


My parents basement is 1500 sq.ft. and has no concrete floor. I’m looking at a 70 pt. dehumidifier at Lowes for them. The 1st. floor is where they stay and the windows drip moisture all times. Would the dehumidifier placed in the basement take care of this problem?

Vertical Vinyl Siding
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

How To Prevent Household Mold

T. Payne asked:


Molds, mildews and fungi can be found everywhere, indoors or outdoors.  They can be found in just about any household object and even in the air we breath.  Molds love humid and dark places that lack circulating air, they can grow rapidly in such environments.

Many types of molds, mildews and fungi are not very harmful. In the case of Penicillium they have even been life saving.  There is a dark side though.  A number of molds can be dangerous to your health.  The EPA estimates that there are about 50-100 types of household mold that can potentially create health problems.

These problems include;  allergic reactions, asthma attacks, flu-like symptoms, migraines and much more.  Some studies have shown that mold can even be linked to nervous and immune system complications that have resulted in death.

Mold is a serious problem and preventative measures may be the best way of ensuring your health.  These 5 tips will kick start your mold defense.



1. Use a Dehumidifier
- Dehumidifying units are reasonably priced these days and should be used in the damp areas of your house.  If you have a humidity in the 60% range (or higher) you should consider using a dehumidifier.  It will help clear the air of moisture, and mold needs moisture to propagate.  If you decide to use a dehumidifier remember to change the water frequently, and disinfect the unit to make sure it doesn’t become mold infested itself.



2. Stay on Top of Your Cleaning
- Anywhere that is dirty, moist and dungy is a good breeding ground for mold.  If you have spots like this around your house, make sure to diligently clean them.  A quick wipe isn’t enough - scrub with a water and bleach combination to really prevent mold from forming.  Make sure you are properly ventilated when using such chemicals.

3. Improve Air Circulation - Certain areas in your house traditionally suffer from poor air circulation.  Places like the attic, basement and closets are the most likely spots.  There are ways to make sure the air keeps circulating.  Install ceiling fans in the basement, install vented doors on closets and make sure you have an adequate number of roof  vents in the attic.  Make sure the air keeps circulating all over your house.  This can help stop mold from beginning to grow.

4. When Spills or Leaks Occur: Act Quickly - One of the most effective ways to make sure mold doesn’t begin forming in your house is to act quickly when leaks, floods or spills happen.  If wet materials or areas are dried within 24-48 hours, it is most likely that mold wont even begin to form!  Dry areas quickly and properly.  If some object or material isn’t going to dry quick enough, remove it or replace it.

5. If All Else Fails: Call in a Pro - Most towns have some sort of cleaning and/or restoration company that is designed to deal with these problems. If you suspect a serious mold problem in your house - contact them.  They have the tools, knowledge and safety equipment to deal with serious mold problems.  They can properly assess and treat the threat. Make sure you get recommendations and that the company is insured.

If you follow the first four steps, you may never need the fifth.  If mold does become a huge problem though, don’t ignore it.  If you see a lot of mold, that is a sign there may be A LOT more that you can not see - that is when you need to have a professional come in.

Mold can be prevented, and in worst case scenarios it can be removed and your house restored.

For More Info on the Dangers of Mold: Highland Restoration



Graco Paint Sprayer
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

Do dehumidifiers use alot of electricity? I just bought one and I’m wonderring if my elec. bill will skyrocket?

texastruck_dallas asked:


Anyone own a dehumidifier?

Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

Different Types of Portable Air Conditioner

Gen Wright asked:


obably heard this over and over from a lot of people that portable air conditioners can be moved anywhere or it doesn?t need a window or a wall to get installed or this type of air conditioner is a great dehumidifier.

It?s true the above mentioned are great features of a portable air conditioner. But not all portable air conditioners are the same, these can differ based on the size, the noise it makes and the price. The following are examples of the various portable air conditioner.

First of all, we have the small portable air conditioner, the Haier HPE07XC6. It has a 7,000btu/hr cooling capacity and one of the cheapest units around. This is suitable for rooms of about 150-square feet or less. The condensed water is released through the main exhaust hose so you do not need to empty the water-collection cup quite often. Some consumers say that although the Haier portable air conditioner is small and cheaper than most it can be a little loud though.

For people who would like to have a quiet portable AC then go for the Royal Sovereign portable unit. It is a fact that window air conditioners are more superior than portable versions when it comes to cooling action but a lot of owners tell that the Royal Sovereign AC has a good cooling capability and the best part of all, it?s not loud. When it comes to endurance, customers say they own the units for more than four years already. This is a great indication of the quality of Royal Sovereign portable air conditioners. Furthermore, it has a rated 10,000btu/hr and can cool a room up to 200 square feet. Just like more portable air conditioners, this also work as a good dehumidifier and has a remote control along with it. The water is released through an exhaust hose so there is no need to empty the collection cup often.

If you think, that you are tight on the budget then you can opt for the Amcor ALW 12000E. It is less expensive than more portable air conditioners and has a 12,000btu/hr. The only drawback is it can be quite noise and the water-collection cup cannot be removed so it?s a bit awkward to empty this. Regardless, this portable air conditioner can release some of the water out through the main air exhaust. Other features of the Amcor ALW include digital controls as well as a remote control. It can also be used as a fan and a dehumidifier.

On the other hand, if you have a large room, then you should consider the Sharp CV-P12LX. It is a quiet portable air conditioner and can cool up to 400-sq-ft. In addition, the Sharp air conditioner can release all the water in the condensate out the window through the exhaust hose so there is no need to bother with emptying the water-collection cup every now and then. Plus factor with this unit is the dehumidifying capabilities that the Sharp portable air conditioner has.

Airless Paint Sprayer
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

Know about Dehumidifiers for the Home?

rue asked:


We rent an older home (early 60’s) and it is sealed tight, new windows, no drafts but no ventilation either. We live in the Pacific Nor’west and have to fight the mold as well as the incessant rain which is so famous here. Whats the best way to go?

First Aid Cpr Training
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

where to find the best deals on dehumidifiers?

shorty asked:


where can I find the best deal on dehumidifiers?

Wholesale Scented Jar Candles
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

do dehumidifiers use up a lot of electricity?

dcb asked:


my electric bill is mysterioiusly 30 bucks higher this month than usual. i’m wondering what the culprit could be….

Wholesale Scented Jar Candles
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

What’s the best dehumidifier for a basement with hose drainage?

Samuel asked:


I don’t want to keep emptying buckets of water. I am looking for the best humidifier out there that comes with a wall hose that can automatically get the water out. Thanks in advance.

Collectable Kitchen Plates
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

Some Basics of Water Damage Restoration

Mark Decherd asked:


 

The cross venting idea of drying out a flooded property is a bad one. The idea of opening up the windows and doors to dryout a property is foolish, in theory this may sound good but, consider the outside humidity, in most cases it is greater than the indoor humidity-save a few locations nationwide.

 

If you open the windows and the humidity is greater outside, your inviting additional moisture to absorb into already wet material. This is basic science water tends to travel to the driest place, also; outside humidity varies throughout the day rising and lowering with the weather, sunshine and temperature.

 

If you try to dryout out a property without equipment to remove the water, you will be relaying on the structure and items in the home like furniture and draperies to absorb the water/water vapor. A good water removal system like a dehumidifier is essential; the dehumidifier will capture the water vapor and transport the water out of the property.

 

It would be advisable to create a closed drying system by closing the doors and windows.

 

Then try installing adequate drying equipment that will remove the water from the property, large commercial dehumidifiers are perfect for this.

 

Combining the dehumidification with good air flow from fans will decrease the drying time. Air flow turns water into water vapor and assists the dehumidifier in removing it.

 

Second, the suggestion to avoid dryers and heaters in the dryout process is completely incorrect. The water damage restoration industry relies on these tools to complete a dryout.

 

The heater will increase the air tempture and in so increase the air’s ability to hold water vapor (drying ability). Heat is a fundamental part of water damage restoration.

 

Third, bleach is not the way to go in terms of mold. It will actually add water to the problem, the last thing you want to do, try Microban® Disinfectant Spray Plus- treatment on water losses is recognized by major insurance companies.

Microban will protect against germs and odor on virtually any surface. Antimicrobial action kills allergy and disease-causing germs, bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew.

 

Understand that, not only do you need to be concerned about the surface of material, but the insides of items are in question as well.

 

So remember, close the home, install equipment and use industry rated chemicals, and you will be much better off than-opening a few windows.

 

By Mark Decherd

mark@dryout.net

www.dryout.net



New Cpr Guidelines
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

GET HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE PROBLEMS UNDER CONTROL

Melanie Kissinger asked:


GET HUMIDITY AND MOISTURE PROBLEMS UNDER CONTROL

So you think your project is safe from mold since you cannot see any problem right? That would be incorrect! Most new commercial construction projects are prone to developing mold at the project site when humidity and moisture is unmanaged. This mold growth not only damages the facility and indoor materials but can lead to health issues and decrease in the construction productivity.

This problem can be easily avoided. John Rinck, Northeast Regional Manager at Topp Portable Air Commercial Air Conditioners gives a solution to the problem. "Contractors should be proactive and avoid the problem completely. By using a simple three pronged process of dehumidification, construction contractors will improve material stability until permanent systems are turned on and running."

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are widely considered to be the most effective method of removing moisture in environments with higher ambient temperatures (above 45°F) and humidity levels.  They work by passing ambient air over a cold evaporator coil.  As the air hits the coils, it cools and "gives up" some of its moisture which forms on the coils and drains down its pump or condensate collection tank. Condensation forms because of the difference in temperature. The air is then reheated and blown back into the space. This warmer dry air then picks up additional moisture and is recycled back through the unit. This approach utilizes the three most important elements in moisture removal (air movement, warmer ambient air, and a moisture removal device).

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most efficient dehumidifier to use when there are humidity sensitive porous materials to be cured. Most finished buildings will maintain humidity levels of 35 - 60% Relative Humidity under normal operating conditions.  Utilizing Refrigerant dehumidifiers will provide a more adaptable environment so that when permanent systems are turned on, the building has already cured at the appropriate humidity levels. Topp Portable Air’s own manufactured Mobile Cool line of dehumidifiers can be set up in a variety of applications and has heat capabilities to extend its abilities in diverse climates and applications. These lines of dehumidifiers are very cost effective, easier to use and install than the large desiccant style because they can be placed directly in the area to be dehumidified. This is particularly advantageous in highly segmented areas or high rise buildings where desiccants cannot be used.

Other benefits of using refrigerant dehumidifiers are that they operate on low voltage power which is commonly available on all construction sites, the units are very portable and easily maintained.  The ability of these refrigerant dehumidifiers to move large amounts of air enable them to remove more moisture that other dehumidification style units.  Most importantly, contractors can rest assure TOPP dehumidifiers can preserve conditions so that mold related problems are brought to a halt.

Topp Portable Air

http://www.etopp.com

Topp Portable Air



Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

Next Page »