Since our own dehumidifier has been running on a daily basis, and I regularly see clients without one- and their ensuing mould problems, - I decided to write a second post about this most important topic.

In my experience, EVERY household needs a hygrometer (or more) to measure the moisture in their indoor air. They are just $ 30, the best investment! Once relative humidity is over 50% you are beginning to have mould problems. I would suggest that EVERY household would have at least 70% humidity, at the moment. As soon as you open the windows to get fresh air in- you invite 90% humid air into your home.

The information from the hygrometer will tell you when to take counter-measures:

• turn on your dry-mode of the air conditioning, or

• turn on your dehumidifier

When purchasing one, keep in mind how much money, health, and work it will save you in the long run. Get a big unit, and check that it has a big tank, plus an overflow pipe into a bathroom drain, - or even a pump. This is good for situations, where you go away for the weekend, or when the home has been quite humid and needs ‘deep-drying’ for a few days, 24/7. - Note the noise levels produced.

Another good feature is a built-in air purifier, - but you can purchase them separately.

A leading brand is Delonghi, - you can’t really go wrong with them.

Just as a final comment: To make your dehumidifier work, you need to use the bathroom fan during showers or baths, keep windows closed, turn on the rangehood when cooking, etc. - We need to become aware of anything that produces humidity, - until we get the next heat-wave :-)