High humidity can be detrimental to a home. Mold, mildew, and fungus thrive in highly humid conditions. So, what can be done to keep humidity in check while you are away from your Florida home?
DID YOU KNOW….A large 4-pound bucket of moisture absorber can remove about 100 ounces (6.25 pints) of moisture. By comparison, a small dehumidifier can remove over 400 ounces (25 pints) of water per day!
Commercially available products such as DampRid and others can help to remove small amounts of moisture from the air and aid in minimizing musty odors. They can be useful in small spaces such as closets, but they are only effective for a limited time. These products rely on calcium chloride to continuously collect moisture until all of their crystals are saturated. After that, the container of liquid sits idle and requires proper disposal.
A more effective method of controlling moisture in your home is to use a dehumidifier. These work by circulating the room’s moist air over refrigerated coils to condense it into water and immediately removing it through one of the homes drains in a sink or shower. Unlike a moisture absorber, a dehumidifier can actively maintain proper humidity levels in your home. In addition, a dehumidifier can be set to operate when the home’s humidity reaches a certain level.
A dehumidifier used in tandem with your AC is a good combination. Your AC is designed to remove moisture from the air and disperses the moisture via a condensate line which empties on the outside of your home. Recommended humidity levels are between 45% and 55%. In the event of an AC failure due to a plugged condensate line, which happens frequently in Southwest Florida, a dehumidifier provides an excellent backup to moderate the humidity.