We have all heard the phrase “don’t cry over spilled milk”. While the sentiment is true, you should cry over spilled water, or at least be cautious. Using dehumidifiers can be a way to be cautious of water damage.
Water Damage is one of the leading causes of property-related headaches, at least for my clients. Water has a funny way of warping flooring, wrecking ceilings, and weakening your property. All around bad news. Another tricky thing about water is that it could start from a small leak that goes unnoticed for months. When it finally does appear, major damage has already happened behind the scenes, making water damage extremely overwhelming.
There is one small savior that helps me sleep more easily: a dehumidifier. While not the band-aid that fixes everything, it can help slow things down in your favor. There are plenty of reasons why I use a dehumidifier to stop water from seeping into my floors, and my life. My hope is, after reading this, you will use one too.
Dehumidifiers for Water Damage
Why are dehumidifiers so amazing? For one, the suck up standing water from problem areas, like damp corners or basements. I use a dehumidifier in my unfinished basement; a basement that is home to my utility sink and sump pump. If either overflow while I am at work, my dehumidifier works hard to clean up the water flow while I am away. This gives me extra time to come home, find the problem source, and fix it (or get someone to fix it), without already having a major problem on my hands.
Other Key Benefits of Dehumidifiers
- Removes moisture from the air and the ground
- Lessens ‘indoor allergies’ by removing said moisture
- Halts mold growth
- Increases indoor air quality
- Provides more time to find the problem areas
- Deters pests that thrive in moisture
- Protects your home and its bones
- Helps air-dry laundry
Who Should Use a Dehumidifier
In short, everyone. Most dehumidifiers are around $70-$500, and while this is a significant number, I think the benefits outweigh the cost.
Individuals and families who live in places with damp climates or frequent flood areas should consider a dehumidifier as a natural line of defense. People in homes or office buildings that have basements, attics, or crawlspaces should also consider a dehumidifier. Lastly, if you are prone to simple spills or have children who may spill without realizing, a dehumidifier could be a lifesaver.
What Should I look for?
While there is no-one-size-fits-all for dehumidifiers, here are some things I look for when looking for a quality dehumidifier to stand up against water damage.
- Look at the extraction capacity. The higher this number (in pints or liters), the less frequently you will have to manually empty the storage compartment.
- Energy certifications. If available, look for an ENERGY STAR certification. These use about 15% less energy than a standard dehumidifier.
- Coverage Area. Most units will list how many square units they cover. Ensure the unit coverage matches (or is close to) the units in the room. It is better to overcover than undercover as well.
- The Drainage method. There are typically three types of drainage methods: a continuous flow, a condensate pump, or a water bucket. Choose the one that works best with you and your lifestyle. I personally have a water bucket dehumidifier, which means I had to ensure the tool was on auto-shutoff when it was full.
- Noise Level. This is mainly for comfort. If you need a dehumidifier in a common area in your property, it would be more comfortable to get a tool that is on the quieter side.
At Puroclean of Hunt Valley, our goal is to provide you with the tools to monitor and protect against water damage before it starts. Managing water concerns will help reduce the headache and, if restoration is needed, may reduce the scope of the issue as well as costs. Even with preparation, water damage can still happen. If you need us, call our technicians at (443)330-7722 for expert water damage mitigation assistance.
