Avoid High Indoor Humidity This Winter

High humidity can cause huge problems for homeowners, especially in the wintertime. When the outside temperatures go down, the doors and windows stay closed and indoor air circulation sometimes slows. When these conditions are present, several problems can arise. Indoor air quality can deteriorate dramatically, causing problems with allergies, mold, and a myriad of detriments to the home and its residents.

The first line of defense might be the dehumidifier, which comes in the whole- house variety or a wide selection of room-size models, all of which vary in price and effectiveness. Information on these products can be obtained from home contractors, independent sources such as Consumer Reports, or various home center type stores like IAQ Source. Which unit you choose depends, of course on many factors ranging from your financial situation, health, home design, lifestyle, and even personal taste. Every situation is unique and its solution can be made easier only by amassing all the information possible in order to make the best decision that you can.

Types of heating systems also can factor into the amount of humidity in the house. For instance, gas and wood heat are much "drier" heats than electric heat or heat pumps. These types heat, however opens the homeowner up to other problems regarding dust, dirt, indoor air quality, carbon monoxide, and allergies. People with allergies, asthma or other COPD- related health problems should consider the risks involving these heating systems. Also, they may need devices to add humidity to the air, rather than dehumidifiers.