What are the Health Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier?

Taking care of the quality of our indoor air is often underrated in terms of our health. Bad air quality can cause a host of issues from breathing struggles to allergies. Higher levels of humidity in particular can cause problems for many people. Dust mites, mould, and other pests and pollutants thrive in air that contains a lot of moisture. Dehumidifiers can help to reduce this moisture, not to mention keep the air at level that feels comfortable. These pollutants can cause flare-ups in many conditions triggering issues with breathing as well as many other health problems.

For these reasons and more, there are many health advantages to using a dehumidifier.  Below are just some of the main health benefits.

Easier Breathing

If your home becomes very damp, a dehumidifier may help make the atmosphere more comfortable. Low, dry humid air can affect the airway defense systems of our body, which need to remain healthy in order to protect against illnesses. Over a prolonged period of time, the mucous membrane layer dries out, damaging the cilia, inhibiting its ability to filter pollutants, making us susceptible to airborne infections. Using a dehumidifier effectively cleans the air, reducing the number of asthma and COPD triggers by taking out excess moisture, minimising exposure to the growth of allergens, bacteria, and other pollutants in the air that affect breathing. 

Dust Mites

Dust mites multiply rapidly if your home has high humidity which can trigger allergic reactions in many people. They grow best at over 75-80% relative humidity and cannot live where levels are under 50%. Using a dehumidifier can help you bring the relative humidity down to a level that makes it inhabitable for them.

Reduction in General Allergies

By adding moisture to dry air, dehumidifiers help reduce the number of potential allergens. Dehumidifiers can help dry excessively moist environments where allergens like dust mites and mould can thrive. 

‘Sick Building Syndrome’

If you’re experiencing congestion, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, you could have sick building syndrome. Poor ventilation and bad air circulation is often the main cause of Sick Building Syndrome. A dehumidifier can help clean the air, creating a healthier indoor air environment and lessening the chance of people developing health problems.

Gets Rid of Indoor Pests

Pests such as cockroaches, silverfish, millipedes prefer moist environments. A dehumidifier can help make your home more inhospitable to them.

Some Signs You Might Need a Dehumidifier

How can you tell if you need a dehumidifier?

Maybe you are already feeling the health effects of having too much moisture in the air. If you need a little more confirmation, here are some signs you might need a dehumidifier to include:

• Water stains on walls or ceilings
• Frequent condensation on the windows
• Tiny black spots growing on walls or ceilings
• A musty smell

Looking to improve your health using a dehumidifier? Speak to one of our team today on 0800 808 9126 to find out how we can help you choose the right dehumidifier for your home.