What Does a Dehumidifier Do (and Not Do)?
February 24, 2023
What Does a Dehumidifier Do (And Not Do)? Answering Your Dehumidifier FAQs
Most people understand the basics of what a dehumidifier does; it removes water vapor from the air to lower humidity in your home. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any other benefits. We answer frequently asked questions about what dehumidifiers can do. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting if you opt for professional dehumidifier installation.
Does a Dehumidifier Cool a Room?
No, dehumidifiers don’t physically make the room cooler. In fact, many warm a room imperceptibly because they produce heat as they run. However, dehumidified rooms often feel cooler. Warm air with the natural humidity of a Pompano Beach summer feels muggy and sticky. High humidity makes it harder for the sweat to evaporate off our skin, making humid days feel warmer than non-humid days.
With a dehumidifier in your home, your body will have an easier time cooling naturally. In the end, a low-humidity room will feel cooler than a humid room at the same temperature.
Does a Dehumidifier Clean the Air?
No. Dehumidifiers have a filter system that removes some debris from the collected moisture. However, they don’t purify the air and only reduce allergens like dust and pet dander. You’ll need an air purifier to clean the air of dust, bacteria, and other particles.
Does a Dehumidifier Help with Mold?
Yes! Mold thrives in damp environments. Using a dehumidifier in your home can eliminate the ever-present damp feeling of a humid summer in Pompano Beach. It will also reduce moisture in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, stopping mold growth and preventing musty smells.
Portable dehumidifiers work best when placed near the source of the moisture. Whole-home dehumidifiers reduce the moisture level throughout your house, so you don’t need to worry about placement.
Does a Dehumidifier Help with Allergies?
A dehumidifier only helps minimize mold allergies by cutting off mold growth early. Limited moisture makes it harder for mold to grow, making a home safer for someone who suffers from a mold allergy. Dehumidifiers don’t help with many airborne allergens, such as pollen, dander, and smoke. You’ll need an air purifier or an allergy-rated HVAC filter to mitigate these allergies.
Can You Use Dehumidifier Water for Plants?
Yes! While dehumidifier water is unsafe for drinking, you can use it on plants safely. Watering houseplants is an excellent way to reuse the water collected in your humidifier. However, we recommend you don’t use it to water plants you plan to eat since it can contain microorganisms that plants can handle but which make humans sick.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Dehumidifier in Pompano Beach
You don’t have to suffer through muggy, sticky summers. Our professional HVAC team at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Pompano Beach will install a whole-home dehumidifier for a climate-controlled lifestyle. Don’t delay comfort at home. Call us at (954) 379-8260 to get started.