The annual average humidity rate in the Twin Cities metro area is about 25 percent higher than maximum ideal humidity levels of 50 percent. This consistently high humidity level can damage your home’s structure, furnishings and possessions if it’s not controlled. Keep reading to learn more about the adverse effects of high indoor humidity levels, and how a dehumidifier can play a pivotal role in controlling indoor moisture.
Humidity Damage
Porous objects in the home, such as wood flooring, molding and wooden doors, absorb and release moisture during humidity fluctuations. This can cause warping, bowing and rot. Moreover, mold and mildew growth is a major issue in homes with high moisture levels, which are unhealthy and can be quite expensive to remedy. Some common areas that experience damage from high humidity levels, include:
- Wood: Wood flooring, molding, cabinetry, musical instruments and more are susceptible to high humidity in the Twin Cities metro area.
- Flooring: Carpeting can harbor undetected mold, in addition to other odors.
- Walls: Wallpaper, paint and wall board are all at risk of mold and mildew contamination.
- Bathroom: Mold can contaminate tile, grout and walls.
- Attic: Attics in our region need adequate ventilation to prevent pockets of moisture that can damage timber and insulation.
Dehumidifiers Control Moisture
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from indoor air to help lower humidity levels. They’re available as portable console units, as well as whole-house systems. Console units are useful for enclosed areas, such as the basement and attic, and require regular cleanings and emptying of water.
Whole-house dehumidifiers, however, are more effective at controlling indoor moisture and maintaining optimal humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. These dehumidifiers are attached to existing forced-air ductwork by your HVAC professional, so operation is automatic.
Whole-house dehumidifiers remove moisture from indoor air as it circulates through your ductwork. Condensed water is discharged to a drain, while a humidistat signals the dehumidifier to engage (i.e. powered systems) according to your humidity settings.
For more details on how a console dehumidifier or whole-house dehumidifier system can prevent humidity damage in your Twin Cities home, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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