Summer is wonderful, but it can also feel hot and sticky. Climate Canada experiences the whole gamut of weather conditions, and Southern Ontario can be very muggy; it can get quite hot (maximums of 40ºC are not unheard of). As with most places, there are various ways to mitigate the heat and humidity, using such contraptions as fans, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers. Most homes in southern Ontario are equipped with air conditioning systems, and dehumidifiers are becoming more common to improve indoor comfort.
What is a dehumidifier?/h2>
A dehumidifier is a type of electrical appliance that is used to monitor and reduce the level of humidity in the air. Such devices can assist in the creation of a more comfortable living environment, which inspires extended activity throughout the home and encourages more healthful living. Furthermore, dehumidifiers remove musty smells and help stop mould and mildew growth – making it great for people with asthma and allergies.
Here are some of the reasons individuals are using these devices:
- For a more comfortable home
- To promote exercise at home
- To remove dust and allergens from the air and surface
- To avoid a stale smell in the house
- To prolong the life of furniture, curtains, linen and clothing
- To decrease energy expenses by minimizing the requirement for cooling
- To make the air drier and cleaner
How does a dehumidifier work?
The dehumidifiers function to remove water from the air. Water molecules are separated, and dry air is released into your home as air particles enter the device. There are two main dehumidifier types: condensate dehumidifiers and desiccant dehumidifiers.
- Refrigerant drying devices rely on a fridge to obtain. First up is a condensate dehumidifier, which uses a refrigerator to trap water. When removed, water is referred to as condensate. Although ‘greywater’ content is typically evacuated, industrial uses or ionic membrane technology can convert this liquid to a vapour. Reverse osmosis filters can also render the condensate potable.
- Another name for absorption dehumidifiers is Desiccant dehumidifiers. They absorb moisture, rather than separating it. Hydrophilic materials such as silica gel provide for bonding. Domestic dehumidifiers may also have disposable hydrophilic hygroscopic material cartridges, while commercial devices may also have integrated heat recovery systems for hot air.
Why does a dehumidifier help your air quality?
A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air. Despite the widely reported effects on foliage — the honey-colored sense of nostalgia that imparts the feeling of a half-remembered après-ski cabin — low humidity is not necessarily a bad thing, and is often a marker of increased comfort and air quality. Having dry heat helps your body dissipate heat faster, so it can relax from stress. Dry air also evaporates more efficiently, which can make you feel cooler and more comfortable indoors.
Furthermore, high humidity can also cause unwanted exposure to microorganisms, more specifically for those with asthma or allergies. Viruses and airborne bacteria can thrive, indeed, in ultra-dry conditions, but mould and mildew are far less likely when your home is dry and cool.
Need help with your dehumidifier?
If you want to buy, install or service a dehumidifier in Southern Ontario, our experts at Aire One can help you with that. We also offer air conditioning service, heating service, and so much more. As one of the organizing region’s largest HVAC companies, we only get bigger and better: 9 locations, well over 150 trucks, and more than 120,000 satisfied customers. For further information about our dehumidifiers, call us at Aire One Barrie at 705-302-1964 or request a dehumidifier estimate online.
