COSVII Small Home Dehumidifier

No one likes humidity. Perhaps tropical plants do. But the damage high humidity can cause to a house is well known. When we lived on Capitol Hill in our tiny condo, we were no strangers to it. In the Midwest we had a large dehumidifier constantly running in the basement. Now, in our new condo, with a unit specific HVAC system, I can feel it. In order to verify my assumptions, I got a hygrometer. And it proved what I already knew. Suspecting the bathroom to be the main culprit, I got a very small ProBreeze dehumidifier and it’s been doing the job. But the hygrometer readings didn’t change. So I got another room size COSVII dehumidifier and set it up on Tuesday in the kitchen/dining room area. As the water started to accumulate in the 2 liter container, the hygrometer readings started to fall. My understanding is that 55% is the max for best environment and we are getting closer to that. The hygrometer measures the last 24 hour range. It started at 51-66%, then went to 50-63%, then 47-60%, and currently is 45-59%. I can sense a bit of a difference (my hands are dry), the water is accumulating, and I can see that my experiment is working. Pretty soon the humidifier will be coming out to add some moisture, although one would think the Aprilaire should kick in. I only wish I had started the process earlier in the spring/summer. But I suppose it’s never too late. 

ProBreeze Dehumidifier

The hygrometer says it all. Our house is humid. Over a twenty four hour period it ranges from 50-69%. The ideal is supposed to be 45-55% for a whole host of reasons, and comfortable is 30-60%.  I can tell when the temperature in the room is lower, so is the humidity. To help manage the moisture, I got two small Eva Dry silica units that turn from yellow to green when the dampness is absorbed. They are intended for very small places so they didn’t do much for the bathroom. So I stuck them in closets to see if it makes a difference there. You then plug them in to remove the moisture, then start all over. Because the bathroom is probably the biggest source of the problem, the foggy mirror and damp grout needed to be addressed. This, in spite of an exhaust fan. So I got a small dehumidifier that plugs in. It can hold up to 500 ml of water. After one day it was about a quarter full; after two days it is about half full. I suppose every bit helps, but I don’t see a change in the hygrometer readings - yet. Since it is raining cats and dogs all day the moisture level is high outside and seeps in somehow. You wouldn’t think it would matter in a new condo with a modern unit specific HVAC system. It is a bit disappointing.  But at least the air circulating in the house is our own compared to our old 1890’s condo on Capitol Hill. That was one system for the whole building. So I’ll keep watching the hygrometer and keep the mini dehumidifier plugged in. I don’t want any warped floor boards and such. My husband doesn’t have a lot of faith in this set up, but a small improvement is better than none. At least I think so. 

Eva Dry Renewable Mini Dehumidifier

Humidity is not my friend. Obviously not a lot of people like it since it can cause a lot of problems. I suppose if you like the rainforest and all things associated with it, it serves a purpose. But I don’t care for a rainforest in the house. Our 1890’s Capitol Hill condo was susceptible to humidity given the old building itself, the non insulated windows, and humid Washington weather. We have Aprilair on the unit specific HVAC system in our new northern Virginia condo, but it is off during the summer. But it still feels a bit humid in the house. And it was proven to be the case. I got a hydrometer and it seems the humidity in the house ranges from 55-66 - way over the comfort zone of 30-55. It gets lower when the inside temperature is lower. So I searched for small dehumidifiers. The bathroom tends to fog up and the grout doesn’t dry as it should. We don’t really have a place for a large unit anywhere in the house, so I got two EvaDry renewable mini dehumidifiers. The unit uses micro silica gel that supposedly absorbs the moisture and the color of the beads turns from gold to green when it reaches capacity. Then you plug it in to remove the moisture and use it again. I set both units out and I don’t think they have done anything - the humidity levels have remained the same. The small dehumidifier is intended for enclosed small spaces. So I may just put one in our closet. Even though the reviews of this product were positive, I can’t say the same thing. So I searched around for another small option. I’m pretty disappointed that the HVAC system doesn’t handle the air better. I’ll need to ask the contractor the next time he comes to do the routine maintenance what might be the best solution. Keeping the temperature below 77 during the day may be nice, but hardly the best approach. What’s your experience?