The decision to get a dehumidifier for your home is a complex one. It can depend on many factors. Learn all you can about the pros and cons, benefits, and drawbacks before deciding.
What is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an appliance that draws moisture out of the air, purifying it and cooling it in the process. Many people use a dehumidifier for the basement, but not everyone has them on the home’s upper levels.
Some dehumidifiers are designed to dry the entire house; some are only made for small spaces. You can even buy models that serve a dual purpose as a dehumidifier and an
air purifier. Note that a dehumidifier is the
opposite of a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air rather than remove it.
In some parts of the country, humidity is much worse than in others. Prolonged exposure to humid air is not healthy for many individuals. Moist air can also damage your house and lower the property value. Depending on your situation, a dehumidifier can be the best thing for your health and home.
The Pros/Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of installing a dehumidifier is the health benefits. Poor air quality can cause sneezing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, itching, and eye irritation. Moist air carries allergens like dust, pollen, animal dander, and mold.
Filtering the air removes these allergens and makes breathing easier. Additionally, humid air can be heavy and hard to breathe. If you breathe it in for long periods of time, it could lead to lung infections. It is also incredibly difficult to sleep in a hot, humid house. A high-quality dehumidifier can help fix the problem so you can get a better night’s sleep.
Dehumidifying the air also helps control the growth of mold, especially in places like wet basements. Many households use a dehumidifier for the basement to remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew. Dryer air will also help prevent insect infestations. Most pesky critters like spiders prefer moist environments.
Another significant benefit is humid homes tend to smell musty, and a dehumidifier dries the air and helps remove any unpleasant musty odors. Dehumidifying your home also helps to protect it from premature rot, termites, and carpenter ants.
Along with keeping the house dryer, a dehumidifier also makes it cooler and helps to filter out viruses, bacteria, and even harmful fungi.
The Cons/Drawbacks
There are dozens of benefits to buying a dehumidifier for your home, but there are also drawbacks. The first is that as the machine pulls moisture from the air, that water must go somewhere. Most models fill up a bucket which you need to empty regularly depending on how humid it is. Other models allow you to continuously empty the water container through a hose and then pump it out. However, if the pump fails, you could find yourself with a flooded room.
Another possible negative is if you use one constantly, you could overdry the air, and it might feel uncomfortable. For example, dry air can irritate people who suffer from skin conditions like eczema. You may also have to drink more water to keep yourself hydrated.
Dehumidifiers also consume electricity, so you will have to pay more for your monthly energy bill if you use one or more throughout the house.
Dehumidifier Warranty Considerations
Dehumidifiers are typically inexpensive and easy to install. Most require nothing more than unboxing and plugging in. However, like any device, they can be vulnerable to malfunctions and damage.
Most units come with a limited warranty that only covers the manufacturer’s defects for a short period of time. When you purchase any appliance, you expect it to outlive the warranty, so you don’t have to replace it for a long time. However, a typical dehumidifier warranty rarely lasts longer than the first year.
That’s where Upsie comes in! Upsie offers the
best dehumidifier warranty. Customers love that Upsie’s extended coverage costs up to 70% less than competitors. Upsie’s warranty covers power failure, mechanical failure, and manufacturing defects. If you have an issue, Upsie’s claims department is available 24/7. In addition, if you sell the appliance to a friend or family member, you can transfer the warranty over to them.
Upsie gives you peace of mind knowing your devices are protected from damage.
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