If you’re reading this article, then you’ve probably decided to purchase a home mold prevention kit. But before you gnash your teeth at the potential cost of a home humidity control unit, keep in mind that a high-quality dehumidifier can actually save you money in the long-run.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a humid home is susceptible to mold growth, which can cause structural damage, respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of mold.
Humid air can also destroy your wooden floors and furniture. These can cost thousands of dollars to repair – which is much more expensive than even a high-end dehumidifier.
But like all household appliances, there’s a world of difference between a high-quality dehumidifier and a low-quality lemon. Let’s take a look at four factors that indicate a home mold prevention kit is worth the investment:
1. An ENERGY STAR Sticker
An ENERGY STAR sticker indicates that a home mold prevention system consumes less electricity and, therefore, is cheaper to run. Many dehumidifiers with ENERGY STAR certifications are just as effective as more expensive designs, but they feature the latest technology to minimize power consumption.
2. Humidistat
A humidistat measures the moisture levels in the air, and when the ideal humidity has been reached, it signals the compressor to turn off. This can save you money by reducing electricity consumption.
3. Air Filter
Home dehumidifiers come with plenty of optional features, and complex designs tend to cost more than simpler units. You don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles to get the job done, but an air filter is one of the more worthwhile features. It will remove dust mites, mold spores and other irritants from your indoor air, which can prevent respiratory illnesses, asthma attacks and other adverse health complications.
4. Automatic Drainage
If you have already compared home dehumidifiers, then you may have heard the term “capacity.” This usually refers to the amount of moisture a home humidity control unit can remove from the air in a 24-hour period.
The capacity of dehumidifiers can range from 30 liters to 100 liters and sometimes more. But all that water needs to go somewhere.
As its name implies, automatic drainage is a feature that empties the water tray automatically. It is usually powered either by gravity or a condensate pump.
You can learn more about important features to look for when buying a dehumidifier by reading this article. If you’re ready to compare home humidity control kits, click here to browse through our hand-selected units.