I really, really wanted to write “de-MIST-ifying” instead – get it? Humidity! Mist! – but I decided to spare you the pun. (You’ll notice I still got it in here, zing!)
If you’re reading this blog post in a) Canada, during b) summertime and c) live in an enclosed space without a dehumidifier, we need to talk. Dehumidifiers are, without a doubt, one of the most misunderstood necessities for today’s homeowners. In fact, in an informal survey (very informal, I just asked Facebook friends) pertaining to their use, only 20% of respondents indicated that they owned one. I also received the following questions:
“Wait, do I really need one?”
“I think we have one but I have to ask (insert husband’s name).”
“What is that? You mean like the thing in the baby’s room?” (No, that’s a humidifier.)
“No but I’m sure you’ll convince me I need one.”
Well yeah, cause that’s what I do. And after reading this article, if you’re still not convinced, I won’t trouble you further. (As long as you don’t trouble me to complain about your allergies and energy costs.)
Without further ado, the case for a dehumidifier.
How it works: Quite simply, a dehumidifier is an electric appliance that removes excess moisture and humidity in the air. A fan in the unit pulls in air from the surrounding area, which may have high moisture levels (particularly during the summer months). When this air passes through the dehumidifier, it is cooled to remove the moisture, and then reheated. This de-moisturized air is then redistributed into the room. The unit collects the moisture it pulls from the air in a reservoir (usually a plastic bucket that the owner is responsible for emptying when it reaches capacity). Et voila! More comfortable air = a more comfortable home.
Now you may be thinking, okay, we know how, but WHY? That’s even easier to answer:
1. Cleaner air. When your home has the proper humidity level, it’s less likely to create an environment where mold and mildew can thrive. Think about it; we live in a country where almost every summer day has temperatures punctuated by a “humidex”. And when that polluted, moist air leaks into your home, your indoor air can become overly muggy too, triggering fungal growth. Mold and mildew can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms and increase respiratory complications.
We know that in 2014, 8.1% of Canadians aged 12 and older – roughly 2.4 million people – reported that they had been diagnosed with asthma by a health professional. (Source) And, asthma is estimated to contribute to $2.4 billion in lost productivity in Canada each year. (Source) There’s no doubt about it: dehumidifiers help make your home healthier.
2. Lower energy consumption and cost. When humidity levels are high, your home feels warmer than it really is. (Ever walk into a room and say, “I can’t breathe! The air conditioner isn’t working!” – that’s humidity!) So, you turn up your cooling system, which in turn increases your energy consumption. Dehumidifiers help ensure your home has the proper humidity level, which allows you to keep your thermostat at a higher, more energy-efficient setting.
3. Reduced condensation. Excessive moisture increases condensation on windows and walls, which leads to mold growth and has the potential for structural damage, too. The presence of mold means that the conditions are probably right for fungi that cause decay; rot can occur anywhere in the home, and making repairs isn’t cheap. Use a dehumidifier to reduce condensation and prevent costly repairs.
Convinced you need a dehumidifier in your home? Here’s the one you want.
The LG PuriCare Dehumidifier is as unique and attractive as it is functional. It features full-function electronic controls, an easily accessible collection container with level indicator and a washable filter that reduces bacteria, room odors and other airborne particles. The portable design includes caster wheels making it easy to move your unit from room to room.
Maintenance is a no fuss affair with a convenient water bucket and tray handle, and I love the large, clear displays to easily check and control humidity levels. Plus, safety is a top priority; the LG PuriCare Dehumidifier was designed with features to promote safe dehumidification, such as a Safety Standby Mode that prevents overheating, and internal components that are made of thermally resistant materials, such as glass, wool, and silicon housed in a steel structure.
We’ve owned dehumidifiers in the past, but I’m pretty smitten with this one. The sleek design means it can seamlessly blend into the décor of almost any room in the house, and the quiet, continuous fan keeps our environment fresh and comfortable. At the moment, its home is our basement where we have bamboo flooring and hence, are most keen on controlling excess moisture. After using the unit for just one month, I can attest that the LG PuriCare Dehumidifier is superior to ones we’ve owned in the past. And although my husband doesn’t love emptying a full reservoir of water on a daily basis, even he will admit that it’s a sign the dehumidifier is doing its job, and well.
The LG PuriCare Dehumidifier retails for $399 and can be purchase at multiple locations:
Available in store from The Home Depot and Sears
Available online from HomeDepot.ca, Sears.ca BestBuy.ca, Costco.ca, Staples.ca and WalMart.ca
Tell, me – do you own a dehumidifier? If you’re in the market for a new one (or an upgrade), I urge to you to consider the LG PuriCare Dehumidifier. Breathe easy, friends.
This post is sponsored by LG. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
This looks like a great dehumidifier from LG. Will definitely consider it when we need to replace our old one.
I do actually own a dehumidifier and it’s been a great addition to my household. We moved into our new house, where I have the basement apartment, and it sucked so much moisture out of the air it was incredible. :-)
Well this is just too funny, I planned on going shopping for a dehumidifier today. Thanks for the recommendation.
We use a dehumidifier once we close up the house for Fall,it actually helps lower the heating bill when you remove the moisture from the home,that’s been my finding over the years !
This is what I need!! my mom has one (old school one) but still, it does it’s job. I have borrowed hers a few times but we were do just need our own. They work so well and I think it’s an essential. So many positives with owning one
I didn’t know LG made these! With the summers being more humid in the last few years where I live dehumidifiers are necessary.
Looks like a nice unit, how big is it? We need one for our RV but the dimensions of it is an issue with space limitation. Been looking for one but have not found one the right size yet.
Here in Alberta we need a humidifier but when I grew up in NB we use a dehumidifier. This one look like a great one.
It looks like there will be a new addition to my home. LG makes great products; including my 2 TVs, so expect this to be great as well
I so need a Dehumidifier in my home , everything is sticky to the touch , its really gross , this sounds like a great one thanks for sharing :)
Our present one is broken and I was looking for a new one and this LG one looks excellent.
It’s so dry here in the Rockies all year round that we use humidifiers all seasons. I can’t imagine needing a dehumidifier here!
We have one that we currently use in our basement on humid days.
This is my list of items to purchase for my flat…live above smokers and I believe that this would help to clean the air that I breathe ????
We use our humidifiers constantly all winter.
Looks like a nice unit. We use our Dehumidifier all summer long.
The last few years we have to use a dehumidifier in the basement. I love the features of this one.
This looks like a great dehudifier
I believe that my humidifier will also help a lot with iced up windows in the winter, less moisture in the air equals less condensation on my windows which should mean less ice of my windows :-)
I’ve never had a dehumidifier but it looks like a good idea.
I like this we need to get one for our house it’s so dry in here.
I’ve never owned one before but I do think a dehumidifier would be awesome for my bathroom! The regular exhaust fan isn’t sufficient to control moisture build up so I deal with mold on the window – ick!!
Thanks,my hubby really enjoyed the review since he’s thinking of putting one downstairs as well!
I have a lot of moisture in my house and I’ve been using a dehumidifier for many years. I especially need it during and after a shower but they really do help to keep the air quality good.
My parents could use this to reduce the condensation in their home.
I have seen how helpful a dehumidifier is.
We do have a dehumidifier in our basement. We have to or our furnace will not last as long.
We got one for the summer and it really made a difference! There was a lot less dampness in our lower level which normally gets quite damp.
I really need to get a dehumidifier again – it really does make a difference!
Sounds like a great idea! I need to get myself one.
Okay, I’m convinced. We definitely need to replace the one we had in the basement!
I am totally agree with you, I run it 24/7 and 365 days all year long in my basement, it never smell when you go down the basement and we don’t want any mold in our house, the air is comfortable all year round , we ‘d rather pay electric than get sick of mold and repair the whole wall when they ‘re contaminated with mold growth :)
Will be getting one of these, for next year .
We will be needing a new one soon for the basement, so, thanks for the recommendation! Will check it out!
I run mine normally once a day, it helps reduce ice on the windows in winter too.
This reminds me of Bernie Mac in one of his shows when he came to shop often at a Costco-like store in the episode about buying food to feed his nephew & nieces. He got a humidifier and also a de-humidifier at the same time. It was so funny how he became a spendthrift when he discovered warehouse shopping!
The dehumidifier working in the home keep the electric bill down in the winter month,dryer the house = cheaper to heat !
This dehumidifier from LG looks really good and sounds like it’s doing a great job.We got one from Sears last year and it too is working good.We know only too well the importance of having one because our son has allergies.Thanks for this awesome review.
We have a dehumidifier in the basement which is on in the summer when it is damp but not in the winter.
I have a 12 year old one for my basement its still kicking.
I do not own a dehumidifier, I did not even know it existed. It would be helpful for our home!
Thanks again, I am still looking for one and reread this.
Was looking into getting one, don’t know a reliable brand. Lots of moisture due to aquariums, weather.. mold is a hazard
I grew up in the prairies. We needed a Humidifier to stop our skin from cracking and from getting nosebleeds in the winter. And then I moved to the West Coast. Now I have 2 dehumidfiers running all the time!
Excellent article. A lot of people do t realize how much control they can have over unwanted mood and mildew in a home by making good use of a dehumidifier, not covering heat and air exchange vents with furniture or other items, and making necessary repairs promptly.
I need to get one for our home to use in the basement
I like this dehumidifier and need a new one for next year.
We have a dehumidifier (I don’t think we could live without one!) but we just recently installed a heat pump in our basement, which is an excellent option for keeping moisture levels down. We still use the dehumidifier when we put our fire wood into our wood room which can drive up the humidity levels pretty quickly. I like how this dehumidifier has a the percent humidity indicator on the unit itself…that’s super handy!
Really could use a dehumidifier with so many aquariums here
Having a humidifier is a must in some houses, especially in the basement. They’re also handy to help suck out the moisture if you are ever flooded – which is usually the basement too.
Thanks very much for this helpful review, will keep it in mind when shopping for a new one, thx!