New Orleans is the most humid city in the United States, barely scraping past Jacksonville, Florida with a whopping 75.9% average humidity, according to “Current Results: Weather and Science Facts.” To put that in perspective, the ideal humidity range is between 30% and 50%. Basically, New Orleans air is a muggy, oppressive blanket of moisture, and residents don’t have the luxury of respite during the winter months. Luckily, New Orleanians are nothing if not adaptable. Enter: The Dehumidifier. These hallowed contraptions reduce humidity levels in your home, keeping the air in your household cleaner and more comfortable. But what’s the best dehumidifier for your home?
First, let’s talk a little about why having a dehumidifier is so important to the health and comfort of your family.
The Top 5 Benefits of a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers do more than regulate the humidity in your home! They also reduce allergens, odors and the likelihood of mold.
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Attack Allergens
To all of those who have ever woken up with a snuffly nose and a burgeoning headache and thought that all hope is lost, we have good news. Many allergens (any substance that causes an allergic reaction) are substantially reduced by the presence of a dehumidifier. Additionally, fewer allergens (like dust and dander) also means less cleaning! You’re basically acquiring a dehumidifier and a professional duster.
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Obstruct Odors
Your home is your castle! You should never feel forced to resign yourself to pervasive, musty odors. Unfortunately, musty smells are pretty familiar to most New Orleans residents. A humidifier will knock out those “rotten wood” and “moldy quilt” smells in no time. The regulation of moisture in the air will help protect your home’s interior and prevent gross, “there’s definitely a dead squirrel somewhere in the walls” smells from ever returning.
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Murder Mold
Mold ruins everything. It attacks walls, curtains, clothes and food. Stop mold in its tracks with the purifying power of air regulation.
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Cool Your Home
Simply put, homes with regulated humidity are more comfortable. Why? Because your indoor air quality improves and the air stays cooler with the use of a dehumidifier.
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Save Energy and Money
You HVAC unit works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable during the muggy months. But if there’s too much humidity, your HVAC has to work overtime. That’s where a dehumidifier comes in handy. It works with your HVAC system, making the unit more efficient and healthier.
If you’ve started to notice ghastly water stains on your ceiling, condensation on your windows or black, speckled mold spots on your walls, it’s time for a change. Start by repairing your air quality and the rest will fall into place.
Which is the Best Dehumidifier for Me?
Finding the right dehumidifier depends on two primary factors: Your living space and the humidity levels. Simply put, the size of a dehumidifier determines the amount of moisture it is able to remove.
First, a professional can help you determine if your dehumidifier solution should be whole house or individual room. Once you’ve determined the amount of space you need to cover, you can decide what types of special features will best suit your needs.
How Long Does a Dehumidifier Typically Live?
The lifespan of the average dehumidifier is around 8 years. That being said, you can help prolong the lifespan of your trusty appliance with regular maintenance and proper placement. Maintaining your dehumidifier is relatively easy, as you only need to change the filter every one or two years.
As long as you keep an eye on the filter and any debris that may have accumulated, your chances of having a healthy dehumidifier exponentially increase. However, a dehumidifier’s lifespan also depends on the amount of use. If you use your appliance year-round, there’s a higher likelihood that it could encounter maintenance issues.
Call Help!! for Your Home’s Humidity Solutions
Help!! Air Conditioning is committed to keeping the homes in New Orleans healthy and comfortable all year long. The experienced technicians at Help!! work with the best technology in the industry to ensure you received the best, most efficient, service every time. Do you need to regulate the humidity levels in your home? Call Help!! for all your indoor air quality solutions.
