High humidity levels can make your home a breeding ground for mold. Not only can mold cause structural damage to your property, but it can also contribute to life-threatening health complications.
Eye irritation, respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions – these are just a few of the adverse side effects of a mold outbreak. One of the best ways to prevent mold is to purchase a home humidity control kit.
Here are three questions to ask when comparing home mold prevention systems:
1. Does the dehumidifier have an air filter?
Not all dehumidifiers come with air filters, but if you are purchasing one for home mold prevention, it’s best to find a unit with this feature. Air filters will remove mold spores, dust mites and other irritants, thus improving your air quality and stopping the spread of spores.
2. Where will I put the dehumidifier?
The location of your dehumidifier will determine the ideal capacity of your unit and the features you should look for when comparing the options. Capacity refers to the amount of moisture a home humidity control system can remove in a 24-hour period.
If your mold outbreak is in a small area such as a closet, then you can save money by purchasing a small 30-pint dehumidifier. However, if your mold outbreak is in a large basement that is prone to high humidity, then a 70-pint or 100-pint dehumidifier is a better option.
Some dehumidifiers come with optional features such as automatic drainage, which prevents you from having to empty the water tray. There are two basic types of automatic drainage systems: gravity-powered and pump-powered. If your appliance will be positioned above the drain, then gravity-powered drainage may be sufficient. Otherwise, you should consider purchasing a system with a condensate pump.
3. How much will the home mold prevention equipment cost?
There are several factors that affect the cost of a home humidity control unit. Dehumidifiers that have a lower capacity and a simpler design tend to be less expensive. Systems with an ENERGY STAR certification also cost less in the long-run because they consume less electricity.
Try to find a unit with a timer or humidistat. A timer will save you money by turning off the dehumidifier at pre-programmed invervals. A humidistat will shut off the compressor when the air has reached the ideal moisture level.
Now that you know the questions to ask when comparing home dehumidifiers, it’s time to find the perfect unit for your needs. Click here to browse through our handpicked home humidity control systems.