A dehumidifier is a device often used to lower the water content of the air in a room or building. Purchasing a dehumidifier can be a useful step in creating a healthier and more comfortable home, but do you really need one? Read on below for four reasons you need a dehumidifier in your first apartment, as well as some advice on how humid to keep your apartment.
To prevent mold, mildew, and musty smells
High humidity in your apartment can lead to mold and mildew over time, providing an ideal environment for these fungi to grow. Excessively high humidity can also make it harder for water spills or leaks to dry out, which can intensify already existing issues.
High humidity often causes a musty smell that you’ve probably smelled in old houses. One of the main functions of your air conditioning system is to regulate the humidity, but some older systems don’t keep it in check as much as they should. Investing in a dehumidifier can be a huge help.
To increase the air quality
Although it isn’t usually the first thing that usually comes to mind, using a dehumidifier can directly help increase the quality of the air in your apartment. A dehumidifier will pull toxins out of the air and make it safer to breathe, which is especially important in older apartment buildings. A dehumidifier can also help rid the air of dust mites, which are a common cause of allergies and asthma attacks.
To decrease utility costs
If you pay for your own utilities, using a dehumidifier can be a great way to save on the cost of cooling your apartment in the summer and heating it in the winter. The often-repeated saying, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is certainly true in many cases.
When you lower the humidity in your apartment, you’ll find you can be comfortable at higher temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter than you’re used to. This is because high humidity interferes with your body’s ability to regulate its own temperature.
To improve the comfort of your apartment
Even if you don’t necessarily need a dehumidifier in your apartment, having one can make being there more comfortable. While you may not consciously notice it, air that’s too humid can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to a lack of energy. By contrast, the proper level of humidity lets your body function normally.
What humidity should you keep your apartment at
So you’ve invested in a dehumidifier, but what should you set it to? Most dehumidifiers have options to either stay constantly running or keep the room at a certain level of humidity. For a comfortable and controlled experience, choose the setting to keep the room at a steady humidity level.
During the spring and summer, keep your apartment lower than 50 percent humidity. A good range is from 30 to 50 percent, depending on what feels the best for you. In the colder winter months, it’s best to keep your humidity below 40 percent to keep condensation from forming on the windows.
