What are Dehumidifiers and What Benefits do they Have?
A dehumidifier is a device intended to regulate the air humidity level. It is highly practical in areas with hot and humid climates, such as equatorial regions, seashores, etc. A dehumidifier literally retains the water from the air, absorbing excess humidity, according to the level pre-set by the user.
The principles of work behind these devices and their advantages are noteworthy and quite versatile.
How does it work?
Historically, there have been various mechanisms that helped bring the humidity in the air to a more comfortable level for an average person, or for a specific production. Today there are two main types of dehumidifiers available on the market. The compressor dehumidifiers and the desiccant dehumidifier.
Compressor dehumidifier
These dehumidifiers use refrigerant and create a cold surface in order to condense the water out of the air when the warm and humid air touches the cold surface. This type of dehumidifier works better in hot and humid environments. However, it does not do very well with cold. If the temperature of the surroundings is lower than approximately 15C, another principle of work will fit best.
Desiccant dehumidifier
This is the best dehumidifier when it comes to working conditions. Instead of a refrigerant, it uses a desiccant wheel, which acts like a sponge and gathers all the excess humidity, sending it dripping into the collector. The wet wheel has to be dried though, so the device uses a heating fan to dry it and send the dry air out again. As the air warms up on the way out and the unit has no trouble working in low-temperature conditions, it is the perfect choice for humid, yet cold environments. As it doesn’t have a heavy compressor inside, the desiccant dehumidifier is lightweight and easy to handle.
Today there are both these types of units on the market. If anyone’s looking for a dehumidifier UK has those in spades.
What are the benefits of having a dehumidifier?
Excess humidity in the air may not seem like a hazard, but people who have respiratory illnesses would strongly disagree. Asthma, frequent eye irritation, chest pain and allergies can all be triggered by high humidity. A dehumidifier helps lower the hazardous levels of water particles and thus lower the risk of asthma attacks, and other respiratory episodes.
Another beneficial side of these devices is that they help to fight mould. It is known that mould and mildew form in warm and constantly humid environments. They love basements, bathrooms with poor ventilation and sheds. The best dehumidifier UK can provide will help fight this hazardous growth and stay healthier.
What are the risks?
A dehumidifier is a beneficial unit for a number of reasons, but it can also become a hazard if not used properly. If the climate in the region is dry as it is, using one of these devices will pose potential health risks, such as dehydration and also respiratory problems. Conditions like pneumonia require a certain optimal humidity level, and going below or above this level can be equally harmful. Also, skin and hair need proper hydration. So going too far on a dehumidifier can have consequences such as dry skin and unhealthy nails.
When used correctly, a dehumidifier is a great tool for maintaining a healthy environment at home and in the workplace. However, if there are any underlying health conditions involved, it is better to consult a physician before making a final decision.
Where to use them?
First-ever dehumidifiers were, in fact, industrial, and were intended for the Brooklyn printing plant. So they can be used for lots of different sorts of premises. There are special devices intended for the home. They are typically less powerful, as they cover only a small area. The low-capacity dehumidifiers are often used for offices and hospitals as well. More powerful models can take care of the whole house, others can only tackle one room at a time.
Heavy-duty units can be used for plants and factories, large facilities, construction sites, etc. They are extremely robust and powerful, taking care of vast areas.
Green lights for getting a dehumidifier
There are certain indicators that it might be time to purchase a dehumidifier. Here is a collection of such conditions:
- The area has a persistent smell of damp clothes, mould and mildew
- Repercussions after floods and heavy downpours
- Prolonged allergic symptoms like sneezing, nose itching, eye irritability
- An increasing number of unwanted guests, such as insects and spiders.
- Chronic respiratory illness, such as asthma.
A dehumidifier is a wonderful tool for maintaining comfortable air humidity levels and staying healthy in the process.
