Archive for February, 2010

Few Things You Need To Know About Dehumidifiers

Lyon Britt asked:


Mold, mildew, and fungus can create numerous health hazards when they manifest in an interior. However, certain interior rooms are prone to dampness due to the collection of moisture in the air. That means many resultant health hazards will occur unless proper steps are taken to reduce the problem. One of the best ways to eliminate dampness is through the use of a dehumidifier. Of course, you will want to make the right purchase when looking for a dehumidifier. So, here are 7 steps for acquiring the right dehumidifier.

There are two different types of dehumidifiers: installed and portable models. Installed models are directly affixed to a structure in the basement. These models are expensive and require installation by a qualified technician. Portable models do not require an installation and are less costly, but they lack the sheer power of an installed model.

Then, there are two further designs of dehumidifiers. Specifically, they are a condensate dehumidifier and an adsorption dehumidifier. Selecting a particular dehumidifier out of these two will be based on the area that needs to be dehumidified. An adsorption dehumidifier is usually employed in large spaces. That is why they are used by commercial entities such as large business offices, grocery stores, warehouses, etc. Conversely, a condensate dehumidifier would be best suited for smaller residential areas.

There are many different dehumidifiers on the market and they are not "one size fits all". As such, it is critical to determine the appropriate dehumidifier based upon the cubic square feet that comprise the intended interior. If not, you may be unable to effectively reduce the dampness levels. So, always properly measure the environment the dehumidifier is intended for prior to making a purchase.

Be careful with keeping windows and doors open. If moisture is perpetually entering into the environment from outside then it becomes very difficult to dehumidify the interior. This is because a perpetual loop of new moisture will replace the moisture that has been eliminated.

In order for your dehumidifier to work, well, it must work! Dehumidifiers – like any other electronic product – can break down and need repairs. That’s why it is important to always remain knowledgeable regarding the condition of the dehumidifier. If it looks like it needs a little repair work then it may be time to call the manufacturer. Again, you want to be sure the dehumidifier is always working at peak efficiency.

Be mindful of the temperature of the room you are dehumidifying. If the temperature in the environment is extremely cold, a standard commercial dehumidifier may not be powerful enough to work. As such, it may be best to purchase an industrial strength dehumidifier when dealing with the extreme cold.

When buying used, it is important to realize that dehumidifiers generally have a "life expectancy" of a decade. Any model older than that will not remain effective for much longer. If a short lifespan is not a problem then neither should purchasing used. However, if you need a long lasting dehumidifier then purchasing new might be your best option.



Bamboo Water Fountains
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do dehumidifiers really work? How much do they cost to run? Are they the best way to deal with damp?

tetsuwan atom! asked:


My flat is getting really cold and damp but I don’t own it so I can’t do anything structural!

Heat Pump Ratings
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How to Prevent Mold

Chris asked:


During the rainy times of the year a common situation that many different homeowners often encounter is unwanted mold. In many cases this can pose health risks and can give your house a foul smell. The best way to prevent mold from growing is to control the amount of moisture in your house. Without any kind of moisture present it is very difficult for mold to grow anywhere. However, if water is allowed to sit for just 24 hours you can have the possibility of having mold growing in your house. When this happens you have to take quick and decisive steps that will eliminate the mold that you have such as:

Clean up spills right away: This is one of the most common forms of how mold can end up in your home. Whenever you have any kind of spill take place you want to immediately begin cleaning it up. This will prevent mold from having a chance to grow in water that is just sitting there.

Inspect the bathroom: Another area that mold grows is on the grout and caulking in your bathroom. Over time the little cracks and holes will hold water allowing mold to grow. What you want to do is inspect these areas for water, wiping off any excess water right away and filling any holes that you do have in your grout or caulking, yet another way to prevent and do mold removal.

Allow the exhaust fan to run for 25 minutes after you shower: In many cases mold can very easily grow in your bathroom without you even knowing it. What you want to do to prevent this run the exhaust fan in your bathroom for at least 25 minutes. This will absorb any excess water that is sitting in the bathroom helping to have an effective mold removal and prevention system in place.

Use a dehumidifier: Using a dehumidifier will help you to practice mold remediation. This means that you can remove as much as 60% of the humidity in the air, helping you to prevent mold from growing.

Clearly preventing mold from growing requires that you reduce the amount of available moisture in the air. Some good ways to do this include: cleaning up spills right away, inspecting the bathroom, allowing the exhaust fan to run for 25 minutes after you have taken a shower and using a dehumidifier will help prevent as well as reduce the amount of mold that is growing your house, helping you to have one less worry.



Bamboo Flooring Installation
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What size dehumidifier would i need for a 1200 square foot basement?

DARWIN K asked:


I am wondering what size dehumidifier i would need for a 1200 square foot basement? I tried a 30 pint, but it seems to run a lot set at 50 relative humidity. I do not know if there was a problem with the sensor or if a 30 pint is too small.

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Dehumidifiers for a basement?

KyLeth asked:


I just bought a new house and the home inspector recommended a dehumidifier for the basement, which is finished. Does anyone have one they would (or would not) recommend?

Vinyl Log Siding
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Do dehumidifiers aid in cutting an electric bill? Does an a/c run as much?

texastruck_dallas asked:


Can a Dehumidifier cut your electric bill?

Plumbing Tips For Homeowners
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how to drain water from a 25 year old westinghouse dehumidifier?

Lisa asked:


I have a very very old “westinghouse heavy duty 25″ humidifier which works. But it is full and I have no idea how to drain it. It works fine but keeps overflowing. Please let me know if there is any way to drain the water from it. Thanks!

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What should I set my humidity percent to on my dehumidifier?

Elliott W asked:


I have a Maytag M7DH65B2A dehumidifier. If my room humidity percent is at 60% what should I set the humidity % to?

How To Administer Cpr
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Can you buy a heater for a dehumidifier continuous drainage hose?

Andy C asked:


I have a dehumidifier with a continuous drainage hose that goes outside. Is there such a thing as a hose heater to stop the water in the pipe freezing in the winter?

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