How to properly clean your dehumidifier, plus how to add humidity to your home if it is too dry.
To ensure your dehumidifier does not contribute to indoor air contaminants, empty the tank frequently and wipe surfaces dry. Refer to the original manual for specific maintenance tips.
Salerno suggests purchasing an inexpensive tool called a hygrometer (humidity sensor), found at most hardware stores, to measure the relative humidity of your home. This can help you determine the settings for your dehumidifier. Tarlo recommends a relative humidity of 40 to 50 per cent during the winter months.
How do you add humidity to your home if it is too dry?
Winter, in particular, can cause a very dry indoor environment. Signs that there is not enough humidity in your home include: static electricity, dry, chapped lips and skin, nose and throat irritation, and breathing problems.
If humidifiers are used for very dry environments, then care should be taken not to over-humidify the area," warns Tarlo. This is an instance where a hygrometer would also come in handy to test relative humidity levels.
It is important to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent fungal or other bio-organism contamination, says Tarlo. Refer to your model's manual for proper cleaning instructions. "Bioaerosols from contaminated humidifiers can cause allergic symptoms and also a condition called humidifier fever, with flu-like symptoms."
For more information on controlling the humidity levels in your home, click on the following links:
• Measuring Humidity In Your Home from the CMHC.
• About Indoor Air from the Canadian Lung Association
• Dampness, Mould and Indoor Air from Health Canada's It's Your Health section.
• Tips for use and care of humidifiers and dehumidifiers from American Lung Association Health House.
