It’s important to keep on top of the humidity level in your home for the sake of your family’s health. If the humidity level is too high – if there’s too much moisture in the air – then all sorts of unwelcome situations can arise, some of which can have a negative impact on health. Dust mites, which are known to trigger allergies such as asthma, thrive in high humidity and can be present in rugs, carpets, curtains, bedding – they can even survive in the air in a bedroom, or wherever humidity levels are high.
Mildew and mould also grows where there is a lot of ambient moisture and these too can cause a range of symptoms, including quite severe health problems. Tiny mould spores that float in moist air inside the home can irritate the eyes, nose and skin, causing nasal stuffiness, wheezing and bouts of sneezing.
Signs of high humidity levels
If there’s too much moisture inside your home, you’re creating the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, mildew and mould. A dehumidifier is a simple and effective way to regulate humidity levels and eliminate the conditions that mites, mould and mildew love. You can check humidity levels in the home by using a hygrometer, but there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for without getting too technical.
Condensation on the insides of windows or foggy glass surfaces are a sure sign there’s too much moisture present. Condensation on windows over time can rot wooden frames and the moisture provides the perfect environment for mould to grow, which is usually black and furry. A dehumidifier will rectify this problem by removing excess moisture from the room, although any areas already infected with mould will have to be treated first.
Corners, ceilings and must smells
Check for mould spots on your ceilings, especially in key areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where there is likely to be more moisture anyway, from showers, kettles, boiling pots – anything that produces steam. Using a dehumidifier in these rooms will help, but if excess moisture is caused by leaky pipes or some other plumbing issue, you have to get that sorted as well. A permanently musty smell in a room is a sure sign you’ve got mould or mildew. This could be caused by poor window seals, a wet basement, or a confined area where moist air can get trapped.
Anyone with existing allergies who is sleeping in a room with mould or mildew can aggravate their condition. A dehumidifier will quickly help with moisture removal and let you breathe again, but you also need to try and track down the original source of the problem. Once you’ve done all you can to eliminate excess moisture in your home, you can continue to use a dehumidifier to control the general humidity levels in rooms, especially for the sake of any allergy sufferers.