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Keeping the Home Dry With a Dehumidifier

Spring is a wonderful time of year. As the weather changes from cold and dreary to pleasant, it means that summer is around the corner. But spring also brings rain, which brings moisture. And too much moisture in the home can be a terrible thing. Not only can too much humidity make it downright uncomfortable in a home or building, but it can also worsen allergies, cause mold growth, and damage parts of the home.

Luckily, the right dehumidifier can make quick work of this, allowing homeowners to stay comfortable and avoid some nasty humidity-related issues. Read on to find out how to pick the right dehumidifier.

What Does a Dehumidifier Do To Prevent Mold?

Moisture is more common in some months, and some areas, than others. During the rainy springtime season, humidity tends to be pretty high in Pennsylvania. And while an air conditioner can remove some humidity from the home, sometimes it requires a dehumidifier to help it along. A dehumidifier works by pulling warm, humid air in with a fan. That air passes over cooling coils, which can trap the moisture to those coils. That moisture then condenses and drains down into a receptacle. The dehumidified air is then sent back into the home.

Having a dehumidifier is the best way to ensure that mold doesn’t grow in the house. Mold needs moisture to grow, so when a dehumidifier is allowed to work, it removes that necessary factor of mold growth. This helps protect those in the home with allergies while keeping the interior comfortable even when it’s raining cats and dogs outside.

dehumidifiers

Kinds of Dehumidifiers

The two main kinds of dehumidifiers are portable and whole-home. Portable dehumidifiers are ideal for removing moisture from just one room at a time. They’re great for those rooms where the home’s AC just doesn’t seem to cut it and needs a little help. Or for those who only have cause for using one on occasion.

Whole-home dehumidifiers are another story altogether. They require professional installation and effectively remove moisture from the entire house, provided it’s the right size. Whole-home dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient than portable models. They’re also quieter and are generally installed out of sight in the basement or attic, so it doesn’t take up space in the home.

Which Is the Best Choice?

Deciding which kind of dehumidifier to use can be fairly easy. The big question is how much space needs the humidity removed and how often. A smaller space, like an apartment, can get by with a portable model. This is also ideal because those renting an apartment don’t want to invest money to install a whole-home system.

However, those in small, medium, or large family homes who want to protect their walls and their household members should consider a whole-home dehumidifier. They have a higher up-front cost, but they tend to pay for themselves pretty quickly by preventing mold and keeping the walls from developing moisture damage. Those still unsure about which dehumidifier is best should talk to their local HVAC experts for more information.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

G.F. Bowman, Inc. has been serving Cleona and Lebanon, PA, since 1967. Their trusted staff members are all about delivering honest, quality service and long-term solutions. Their focus is always on customer satisfaction and excellent workmanship. Contact them to learn more about whole-house dehumidifier installation today!

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Common Water Heater Repair Signals

The last thing any homeowner wants during the excitement of the holiday season is a water heater emergency. Especially with the temperature dropping, warm water is essential this time of year. Here are the telltale signs that a gas water heater needs repairs or replacement so that homeowners can enter this time of year fully prepared for colder temperatures.

How To Tell if a Water Heater Needs Repair

There are a few ways to learn if a water heater needs repair or professional inspection.

Change in warm water: If a homeowner notices that the warm water does not get as hot as it typically does, or if the hot water does not last as long, there are a few things they can check to determine if the water heater needs to repair. First, they should check the water heater's temperature settings to make sure it was not accidentally changed. They should also determine if they have been using more hot water than normal. If neither of these seems to be the issue, it is likely a water heater problem.

Rusty water: While rusty water can be a sign of pipe problems, it can also be a sign that the water heater itself is damaged and rusting. In this case, it is best to have a professional take a look.

Odd noises: If homeowners start hearing clanking or other odd noises coming from the water heater, it is most likely from sediment build up. Water heaters make a normal amount of noise on their own, but if homeowners notice a change such as popping or banging, they should have it inspected.

Leaks: If homeowners notice a change in their hot water and a pool of water forming below their water heater, it is likely caused by a leak and is a sign that the water heater must be repaired.

What Causes Faulty Water Heaters?

There are a few reasons water heaters can become faulty, including:

Age: The average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years. If it starts becoming faulty around that age, it will most likely need to be replaced.

Rust: If the water heater starts to rust, it can start to cause issues such as the aforementioned rusty water and, if not treated, may cause irreversible damage.

Sediment: Sediment buildup is cause for not only pipe issues but also water heater issues. When the water is heated, sediment can settle in the tank, leading to issues.

If these issues sound familiar, homeowners should likely reach out to their local plumbing companies to schedule an inspection.

When Should Water Heaters Be Replaced?

If water heaters start to act faulty or reach the age of 10 years, it may be time to replace them. While there are a few ways mentioned above to determine if a water heater needs to be repaired, it is best to have a professional look to determine if those repairs are manageable or if the water heater needs to be replaced.

About G.F. Bowman, Inc.

With more than 50 years of experience, the G.F. Bowman, Inc. team not only has a thorough background but is constantly learning the newest technologies in their field. Dedicated to quality service so that their customers can have peace of mind knowing they are in the right hands. Call now for quality water heater services!