Dehumidifiers and Allergies

Dehumidifiers are an excellent defense against many allergies because they control overly humid environments that breed bacteria, dust mites, and other harmful agents such as mold—all of which can trigger allergy attacks. These machines work by extracting moisture from the air, which is collected in a receptacle, drained through a gravity hose, or pumped out using a condensate pump. These units are easy to set up, use, and maintain.

• Mold
• Mildew
• Dust mites
• Bacteria

High humidity allows pollutants to become trapped in the air where they linger indefinitely. The growth of pollutants and humidity also cause a musty smell and can make fabrics and furniture feel damp. If left unchecked, high humidity can cause condensation to form on windows and cold hard surfaces. Additionally, long-term high humidity can even begin to degrade the foundation and structure of your home.
Overly dry environments create another set of problems. When the moisture level is too low you may experience:

• Sinus infections
• Sore throats
• Dry, flaky skin
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Feel dehydrated

To find the right moisture level in your indoor environment, dehumidifiers generally come with a built-in dehumidistat (and if not, these can be bought separately) to allow you to set the machine to your desired level of humidity. Also, using a dehumidifier in conjunction with an air purifier can dramatically reduce the number of indoor air pollutants that can aggravate allergy symptoms. Air purifiers clean the air of pollutants so there is less chance of you breathing in anything that might aggravate allergy symptoms.

Where You Need a Dehumidifier Most
For allergy sufferers there are particular locations where a dehumidifier can really impact your air quality and allergy symptoms.

• Humid Climates – Dehumidifiers can make a dramatic impact on your indoor moisture level if you live in a very humid climate. These climates are often more difficult for allergy sufferers to remain symptom-free in. Because many geographical areas are humid year round, a dehumidifier can help create an indoor oasis of relief from the high level of moisture that can keep allergy symptoms a constant problem.
  

• Humid Areas - Basements, bathrooms, and kitchens are the three most common areas that exhibit a high-humidity problem. (Indoor pools and spas will contribute to the humidity level in your home as well.) These are also the places that can easily be the breeding ground for mold, mildew (which is a type of mold), and other harmful bacteria. Balancing the moisture level in these areas helps to prevent the air you breathe from carrying pollutants that can negatively impact your allergies.

Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
Your indoor environment needs to be free from the elements that trigger allergy attacks—the dust mites, the mold, and the pollutant-saturated air—all of which a dehumidifier can address. If you wonder if a dehumidifier can make a difference in your space, try one out for yourself. Sylvane offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its products—you have nothing to lose, and allergy-free living to gain.

Still Got Questions?
For more information on specific products and ways to improve your indoor environment, review our extensive product listings and other educational materials. Not sure what’s best for you—we can take the guess work out of decision making, contact our product experts toll free at 1 (800) 934-9194. Our goal is to make your indoor environment a healthy one.

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