About dehumidifiers
Itchy skin, irritated airways, non-stop colds...the list of ills linked to high humidity goes on. If that isn't enough, ambient humidity, with time, can lead to chronic allergies, damage your belongings and even cause your wood to rot! If you notice condensation build up on your windows, or if your basement is never comfortable, chances are the humidity in your home is too high and something needs to be done about it.
First, check the ambient humidity using a mechanical or electronic hydrometer. (The first is often available for under $10 and is accurate within 5 percent; the second is that much more precise and sells for approximately $30.)
According to Health Canada, household humidity should hover between 30 and 50 percent – a humidity level of 40 percent or less is recommended for asthma sufferers. A base level of 40 percent also helps to avoid the spread of dust mites, which irritate the respiratory airways and proliferate where humidity is high.
When you reach the shopping stage, be sure to take into account the dehumidifier's water extraction capacity, which varies between seven and 24 litres a day depending on the area covered. According to the Office of Energy Efficiency, a daily extraction capacity of at least eight litres is required for a humid room spanning 93 square metres. The extraction capacity of most humidifiers is certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in the United States. Check the packaging to make sure that the model you've chosen meets this quality standard.
Check the unit's energy efficiency ratio (EEF): This will give you a good idea of its annual operating cost. To meet the requirements of the international Energy Star program, the unit's EEF must be at least 1.2 (meaning that it extracts a minimum of 1.2 litres per day).
The majority of dehumidifiers reach their optimal efficiency when the ambient temperature is approximately 27oC and the humidity level is 60 percent. But some units function just as well at cooler temperatures – which can be useful if, for example, the temperature in your basement never exceeds 15oC. Other points to consider: Does the dehumidifier have overflow protection? A washable dust filter? A removable tank? An outdoor drain connection? Units with an electronic control panel are preferable, as they are easier to adjust. And don't forget to run the machine to test it for noise!
Dehumidifiers range from $200 to $400. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation recommends that a dehumidifier be purchased in the spring, when retailers have sales. Of course, make sure to carefully read the warranty, which can vary considerably from one manufacturer to the next. And bear in mind that these auxiliary machines can't perform miracles. In other words, you can take other steps to reduce humidity: Dry your clothes on the line and your wood outdoors; use a fan when you take a shower and a range hood when you cook – since they force humid air out of the house.
Read more in How-To and Home Improvement
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