Dehumidification

It is important to maintain the proper humidity levels in your home.

If you store anything of value in your basement, or if you use your basement as living space, it is important to keep the moisture level low. Unlike the rest of your home, the parts of your foundation that are below ground level, or “grade”, is constantly in contact with moisture from the earth outside. Relative humidity levels rising above 70% stimulate the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and other biological allergens which generate musty basement odors. These conditions must also be prevented in microenvironments such as underneath carpeting, rugs, or storage boxes. Though some homes have adequate vapor and water barriers installed outside their foundations, many older homes have none.

High humidity can damage your property…

This moisture can cause mildew growth and damage to furniture of all types, photos, carpets, and virtually anything except the dog. It is a sad fact that every year people unknowingly destroy their valuable possessions by not taking steps to lower the level of moisture in their basement’s air.

Humidity that is too high will stain ceilings and walls, and can cause paint and wallpaper to peel.
It is also a breeding ground for mold, rot and insects such as termites and cockroaches. Homes that are more energy-efficient are also more likely to suffer from problems with higher humidity. The tighter your house is, the less air that is exchanged.

Dry air can irritate your throat…

When it comes to low humidity levels people can suffer from dry noses, skin, and throats which leaves you more likely to catch a cold. Dryness can also damage wood and drywall, can cause your wood floors to shrink and even cause your piano to go out of tune. Static electricity is also increased as the humidity levels decreased.

It is important to measure the humidity throughout your house. Basements are notorious for having higher humidity levels. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms also have higher humidity levels. Bedrooms and rooms closer to these areas will have a higher humidity level than ones further away.

We Install Energy Efficient Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier is, for all intents and purposes, an air conditioner that has both hot and cold coils. A fan blows air over the cold coil that condenses the moisture in the air, which drips down into the collection area. The air is then passed over a hot coil to restore it to its original temperature.

It is important to maintain the proper humidity levels in your home. Indoor humidity levels should be between 30 to 50 percent with the ideal level being about 45 percent. Humidity levels can be easily checked by your Armor service professional.

Click here for more information on energy efficient dehumidifiers offered by Armor Pest Control.