Homeowners Express Concerns Over Excess Home Humidity

(HIT) - In a study by market researcher Harris Interactive, homeowners and potential home buyers expressed concern about the effects of excess humidity in the home. Many recognized that high humidity levels in the home promote harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma, chemical interactions and ozone production.

In addition, most were aware that excess humidity made them feel uncomfortable-regardless of the temperature.

The study of 2,109 homeowners and home buyers also found that:

• 72 percent of those surveyed indicated that evidence of mold or a musty smell in a home they were considering for purchase would likely cause them to walk away-no matter how much they liked the home.
• 45 percent said they often turned down the thermostat at night during the summer because they were uncomfortable.
• 47 percent said they often turn on air conditioners to help remove humidity from the home.
• 32 percent believed their homeowners insurance policy would cover damage caused by excess moisture in the home. Yet most insurance policies do not cover damage related to mold, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

"These study results are significant for a number of reasons," says Tom Kraetler, a 20-year veteran of the home inspection industry and host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program.

"First, homeowners and potential homeowners seem to be aware of the dangers posed by excess moisture. Second, we're seeing that homeowners are using very inefficient methods for removing excess moisture from their homes-something that air conditioners are not designed to do. Finally, we're concerned that too many homeowners believe that moisture related damage is covered by insurance-when most often it isn't."

Humidity Control Solutions

"Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners and portable dehumidifiers can't dehumidify a home effectively or efficiently, but-as this survey shows-homeowners tend to turn down air conditioners because the humidity makes them uncomfortable," said Kraeutler.

"By contrast, a whole-house dehumidifier, such as those available from Aprilaire, provides an effective, affordable solution-removing up to 90 pints of water from the home each day." The Aprilaire dehumidifier is a whole-home unit with flexible installation options. It can be installed in attics, closets, crawlspaces, garages, and basements. Built-in intelligence allows for automatic control (the same "set-it and forget it" technology found in Aprilaire automatic humidifiers).

For more information about whole-home humidity control, contact your local heating and cooling contractor or visit www.aprilaire.com.