Home Inspections Daily

The drying effects of home heating are constantly at work in the winter. For the sake of comfort and health an indoor humidity level between 30-50% is recommended. As outdoor temperatures drop, humidity levels indoors should be lowered. The humidity is right for you when the room feels "comfortable". Signs of low humidity are static electricity, a physically uncomfortable dry feeling, plants that wither and die, and a cold feeling even though the room temperature is relatively high.

Cleaning humidifiers

First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean a humidifier. It is important to clean the humidifier regularly to remove lime scale caused by water minerals which collect on the belts, the water reservoir and other parts that come in contact with the water. Regular use of a liquid water conditioner solution will help to control odor and simplify cleaning. Some units have dispensers which store and then dispense the solution directly into the reservoir water. As air passes through the pad, some particles of dirt are trapped; also, the pad may become heavy with hard water particles which collect on the fibers of the pad as the water evaporates. Even if the interior liner and other functional parts are made of non-corrosive materials, rust can result from iron in the water. The pad, liner and other interior parts need to be cleaned frequently. Be careful when putting parts back together so no malfunction will occur. Some humidifiers have drain outlets--others have to be operated until all the water is removed before cleaning. Cleaning the humidifier outdoors or in the basement with the use of a hose may make it unnecessary to take the pad off the holder, but there is the possibility that water may get into the motor or controls. Plastic parts may be damaged if hot water is used to fill the tank. Pads may wear out or become ineffective. Once-a-year replacement may be warranted. Between operations, the unit should not be stored or left for long periods with water in it. Undesirable odors from the growth of fungus and bacteria may develop.

Dehumidifying - General Information

If you frequently smell musty odors or feel damp spots on the floors or walls of your basement, laundry room, or storage area during warm, humid weather, you need a dehumidifier. The recommended humidity level inside your home during the summer is around 40-50%, and very humid conditions over an extended period can leave you uncomfortable and adversely affect your home. Musty smells, peeling wall paper, warped wood, rusting tools, blistered paint and moisture dripping from pipes are signs of excessive humidity. These conditions are most common during spring and summer. Dehumidifiers remove excess humidity by drawing moist room air over cold refrigerated coils. The moisture in the air condenses into droplets as it passes over the cold surfaces in the dehumidifier and into a container. "Dried" air then returns to the room at approximately its original temperature. For best results, the unit should be located in an area closed to outdoor air and where air movement in and out of the unit is not restricted.

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