Winter is near and much like House Stark, there is preparation to be done.
For those in drier regions, it’s a great time for building and maintenance but for those in rainier climates, the cold and wet means damp clothes, musty smells, and the potential for mould.
Never fear when a dehumidifier is near! Just like a really clever vacuum cleaner, it breathes in the air, removes all the moisture, and then breathes dry air out again.
It is a great way to reduce moisture build-up in your homes which tends to be the case when it’s colder. We open windows less, especially in the bathrooms, resulting in excess moisture in the air. Excess moisture leads to all kinds of headaches down the line, such as damp clothes, mould build-up and unpleasant smells in the home.
So, if you didn’t already know, here are four reasons why a dehumidifier is a winner for winter in South Africa:
- If you suffer from asthma, you know the difficulties of being in an area where the air is ‘heavy’ and hard to breathe in. Air that is saturated with moisture is heavier, and air that is hot and humid triggers an asthmatic response. So, if you plan to escape winter to a warmer climate, a dehumidifier acts to remove this excess moisture and humidity from the air, making it both lighter and dryer by up to 60%.
- In drying the air, a dehumidifier also prevents mould from spreading and producing spores, and dust mites from breeding. Both of which can cause allergies such as asthma and nasal congestion, skin irritation and that musty smell.
- Dehumidifiers are also great for quick drying your laundry or keeping your clothes smelling fresh (particularly in small homes and apartment living where outdoor drying isn’t an option) and at the coast.
- They are even handy if you are on a tight maintenance schedule and want to quick dry those painted walls at home.
If you are still not convinced, here are household tips you can try:
- Check for leaks and drafts – leaks and drafts may enter through fractures in walls, doors, windows, and even your ceiling, Find a Pro on SweepSouth Connect to assist with your home maintenance needs ahead of winter.
- Inspect your plumbing – another professional you can find on SweepSouth Connect is a plumber, to ensure that exterior and interior pipes are waterproofed and that there are no leaks or possible threats.
- Clean out your gutters and drainage – check your gutters for leaves and other debris. If gutters and downpipes are blocked, clear them out to prevent water from backing up and causing other long-term defects like dampness and mould. SweepSouth can help you find an outdoor service professional to assist with this task and other general outdoor cleaning needs.
- Cover your patio furniture – once again, an outdoor SweepStar can help with this. Store or cover your patio furniture, but wait until it’s clear and warm to cover it so that moisture doesn’t accumulate on it. You can unpack it on warmer winter days, but make sure to restore or cover it to avoid weather damage.