When to use a dehumidifier in spring and summer

Sales of dehumidifiers peak during the winter when the outside air temperature drops and people see condensation on their windows and for those that are really unlucky mould growing on outside walls. In the UK, demand for dehumidifier used to drops off as the weather warms up and surface temperatures follow. In other countries though, sales of dehumidifiers tend to start when spring comes and that's a trend we're starting to see in the UK too. So, read on to find out why and when to use a dehumidifier in the warmer months of the year.

A quick note about using a dehumidifier in winter

In many European countries the use of basements is a lot more commonplace than in the UK, As the spring

rains fall the underground water table irises and water migrates its way into the basements. Anything that is being stored in those basements could be ruined without a good dehumidifier. Hence sales of dehumidifiers increasing in the spring and summer months.

It is actually easier to keep your home dry in winter  than it is during the summer months when levels of humidity increase. In the winter the air is cold and damp but when it comes into the house our central heating system warms the air up and this dries the air at the same time. If you increase the relative humidity in your house by drying washing, cooking vegetables etc then you can get rid of the moisture laden air by opening windows. Not much fun when the air coming in is freezing cold but it is possible and the physics of it works.

Using a dehumidifier to manage mould in your home

The problem is that mould grows at a relative humidity of around 68%. During very warm summers, the outdoor relative humidity is very often much higher than that and it will remain so as the weather stays hot. But at this time of year we do not tend to have our heating on and therefore there is nothing to remove the moisture from the air that comes into the house. This air comes in through our open windows and doors and is actually far more likely to cause mould growth than the air that comes in during the winter.

Choosing a dehumidifier for a healthier home

So, buying a dehumidifier for the spring and summer, even if you always have the windows open, is a good idea. It will help to reduce the incidence of mould, which in turn is a positive thing for health issues like asthma. It's energy efficient and will help you to save money on repairs and redecoration later in the year.

And as a bonus, if you use a dehumidifier in the summer months you will also get rid of the sticky feeling that comes on the warm, humid days typical of July and August.

Time to buy a dehumidifier for your home?

So, the solution to excess moisture coming into your home during the spring and summer is to buy a dehumidifier! To find out more or to get some advice on which dehumidifier is best for you, contact us on 01483 234900.