Humidifiers Vs Dehumidifiers - What's the Point?

Too much or too little humidity affects you and your family as well as your home's health. Creaking floors and groaning walls may be a result of rising and dropping humidity levels. You can balance your home's humidity with the right equipment. We're here to clear the air with some important things to understand about humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. If you or anyone in your family is experiencing nosebleeds, sinus headaches or snores loudly, your home may need some moisture. Humidifiers vary in size and capacity. Basically, you add clean water to the machine and the humidifier distributes it through the air. Your local HVAC professional can recommend the right system for you according to the square footage you want to add moisture to. There are smaller systems you can buy that sit on the floor or a side table. Small and portable, these humidifiers are easy to operate and can be moved from room to room. The downside for this type of humidifier is that if left unchecked, there is a chance of mold or bacteria build up. The machine has to be regularly emptied and cleaned. Empty, rinse and dry the humidifier when you are no longer using it. Keep in mind that adding too much humidity to your home can damage furniture and wood floors. Larger humidifiers can be installed by your HVAC professional. He can also provide you with more information about local humidity problems and solutions.

Dehumidifiers

You may be wondering why you need a dehumidifier. Air conditioning systems do remove some humidity from the air. But there may be some areas in your home that need a little more help. Keep your air conditioning unit from overworking by using a dehumidifier in the locations that need a little more attention. By reducing the moisture in the air, you reduce mold growth. The dust mite population shrinks too. Dehumidifiers have been proven to help people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Change the filter twice a year. Empty and clean the water collector to keep minerals from building up. Also, don't set your dehumidifier too high or you will have your machine overworked. Your HVAC professional could come and walk through your home to give their recommendation.

Consult with your local HVAC professional for more information about humidifiers and dehumidifiers. Don't forget to ask them about local moisture problems.

Autor: Mimi Bullock

Mimi Bullock is a copywriter for Yodle Local, a business directory and online advertising company. Find more air conditioning tips and info at local.yodle.com/articles.

Added: July 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/