Humans need some humidity to function optimally, butexcessive humidityis a problem.

You should take further action to find the reason and remedy the situation.

What Is a Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier?

White dehumidifier machine next to house plant on green plant stand

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A humidifier is a equipment used to add moisture to the air.

A dehumidifier does the exact opposite; it is a unit that removes water suspended in the air.

Rooms or spaces with low or little ventilation exposed to much moisture are ideal for a dehumidifier.

Condensation on interior window glass closeup

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Put the unit closest to the water source.

Here are the best places to use a dehumidifier in your home.

Condensation often happens when a humidifier is too large for the room and puts out too much humidity.

Mold on ceiling

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Mold will look like black or dark grunge on the bottom window trim or a patio door’s track.

A dehumidifier will effectively remove moisture from the home and restore proper indoor levels.

Remember to rotate the dehumidifier through all the areas affected by excess humidity.

Attic crawl space with boxes causing musty odor

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Bathrooms that do not have efficient fans to divert condensation and humidity to the outdoors usually have mold problems.

A leaky toilet or plumbing can also cause moisture problems.

Warning

Excess moisture can cause black mold to grow.

Springwater dampness with grayish water marks on wall

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A dehumidifier will lessen the amount of moisture damage but do not ignore the cause.

Otherwise, mold will find its way back through regular paint layers and be noticeable again.

You might also see dripping or mold spots below the windows.

Keys being handed over after buying a home

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Faulty window seals or rotting casings can cause damp spots.

The cause may have been a one-time event or a recurring problem.

Possible causes range from improper window or door seals towet basement areasfrom high groundwater seepage.

Anytime there is a musty smell, it may suggest mold and is worth investigating.

In all likelihood, those areas will also require heat to help dry the affected space.

Manufacturers have made many advances to reduce mold risk in front-load washers, but it can still happen.

(Learnthe differences between a top-load washer and a high-efficiency front-load washing machine.)

In that case, a dehumidifier can help to remove the extra moisture, should these events occur.

An overly fragranced home often may have something to hide regarding odors or mold.

in case you find noticeable water problems, ask why and if the homeowners remediated the issue.

You may also have to perform maintenance, like periodically changing filters andcleaning the unit.

But you shouldn’t have to run it all day in most other areas.

On average, keep a dehumidifier on for about half the day.

Turn it off when relative humidity reaches about 45%.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Humidity’s Role in Asthma and Allergy Management.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Additional information about dehumidifier testing and capacity.

Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows.

Most humid states.World Population Review.

Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach Materials.