Everything a dehumidifier does that you never knew about

There’s a reason haunted houses are always described as spooky and damp: Because moisture lurking in a house’s walls leads to bad outcomes like mold and mildew. If your house feels damp or smells musty, it’s time to get a dehumidifier, stat.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier removes excess humidity (AKA moisture) from the air, which in turn helps to prevent mold, mildew, or musty smells. Dehumidifiers pull in air, cool it down, and then condense the moisture into water, which is then collected in a tray to be discarded.

Want to know more? We’ve put together an in-depth look at the different types of dehumidifiers and how they work.

Everything a dehumidifier can do

Regulate relative humidity

The optimal humidity level for a house is between 35% and 50%. Maintaining a relative humidity level in this range not only feels the most comfortable, it reduces the chance of mold growth or other problems related to a high humidity level.

A humidity level lower than 35% can be problematic and cause issues, like dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory problems.

Benefit your health

We hate to break it to you, but a humid house is dangerous to your health because humidity and mold growth are closely intertwined.

Michael Rubino, a mold and air quality expert, says, “Some species of mold can grow and thrive in humidity above 60%, making this a key factor in their ability to establish roots in a home. That’s why indoor humidity should always be a priority.”

But it’s not just mold that can flourish in high humidity; dust mites also thrive in environments with high humidity, and individuals with asthma may find that warm, wet air irritates their airways and can trigger bronchospasms.

Did you know that dehumidifiers can also help you sleep better? Not only does a dehumidifier manage the conditions that cause allergies to crop up and keep you from sneezing and coughing at night, but the moisture it filters out of the air allows breathing to be less of an effort.

“Dehumidifiers are valuable assets for controlling indoor humidity and, thus, indoor air quality. The more action taken to prevent mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other air quality contaminants from thriving inside, the healthier the space will be,” says Rubino.

Prevent water damage

High humidity can take a massive toll on homes—it can cause extensive damage to furniture, windows, doors, and the structure of the home itself. Wood furnishings and floors are especially susceptible to warping caused by moisture.

“Condensation on your windows or doors is a key indicator that you have a high humidity level in your house,” says Bryan Buckley, brand manager at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. Moisture in the air can also cause wall paint to bubble and flake over time.

By running a dehumidifier, you’ll extend the longevity of your home’s items, along with the structure of your home itself.

Reduce odors

Are you familiar with that distinct, musty odor that can linger in homes? “Humidity can cause a stale, stuffy, or musty smell,” says Buckley.

There’s no denying that stuffy, damp air feels uncomfortable. But beyond that, stale air can be the first sign of major humidity-related issues, like a cracked foundation or rusty pipes.

While it’s important to ensure that your home is properly ventilated, a dehumidifier can help reduce unpleasant odors so that your house smells pleasant all year round.

“[Dehumidifiers] can be used in moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms and kitchens and mold-prone areas like basements and crawl spaces. They can also be used for homes in areas that experience high humidity seasons or locations with high outside humidity all year round,” says Rubino.

In tandem with a dehumidifier, an air purifier also improves air quality and reduces pesky allergens like ragweed and pet dander.

Prevent corrosion of electronics and tools

A high humidity level can lead to rust and corrosion, especially on metal tools and electronics. Electrical components exposed to even a small amount of water can cause shorts or faults.

Using a dehumidifier can help prevent problems by keeping the air dry and reducing the risk of moisture-related electrical issues or rusted tools.

Preserve fabrics and upholstery

Home fabrics, like curtains and upholstery, can also be impacted by high humidity levels. When there’s a lot of moisture in the air, it can cause mold and mildew growth on fabric, ultimately leading to discoloration, fraying, and unpleasant odors.

By removing moisture from the air, a dehumidifier can extend the lifespan of your interior décor by preventing dampness, mold, and mildew growth.

Lead to energy efficiency and cost savings

When there’s high humidity, cranking up your air conditioning is a must. But as fresh as that cool air feels, your utility bill will suffer for it.

Reducing humidity with a dehumidifier is a strategic alternative to achieving a cooler home. In fact, dry air tends to feel much cooler than humid air; after all, there’s a reason the catchphrase of Palm Springs is “But it’s a dry heat”.

“From a financial standpoint, it can help save homeowners money on their energy bills,” Buckley says. Because of this, homeowners may not feel as inclined to use air conditioning.

Control household pests

Another downside to balmy temperatures is the pests that it attracts. Insects like cockroaches, moths, and ants thrive in humid environments, making your home an easy target.

Dehumidifiers, especially when used in basements, can prevent pests from living in your home. Basements can easily trap high levels of humidity, so a top-rated dehumidifier that quickly removes moisture is recommended.

Our Experts

• Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse, a revolutionary company with the vision to end the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor air quality and toxic indoor environments. He is also the Host of the Never Been Sicker podcast and Chair of Change the Air Foundation.
• Bryan Buckley, brand manager at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning (at the time of original interview in 2021).