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Why is My Window AC Not Cooling? Five quick tips

“The main reason a window air conditioner is not cooling is usually due to a problem with the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant can be caused by leaks, and can prevent the unit from cooling the air properly.”

Why is My Window AC Not Cooling?

Even though the window air conditioner is convenient and it’s a pretty cheap way to cool a room, If it’s not working right it can be super frustrating and uncomfortable.

And if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be pretty scary or at least a bummer thinking you may have to purchase a new one.

But if someone were to give you a few things to look for, that maybe you could even fix yourself, that would probably make a decent article.

So let’s give it a go.

AC not coolingThere are a number of reasons why a window air conditioner may not be cooling effectively.

Here are 5 common causes and solutions to consider if you’re experiencing issues with a Window AC not cooling.

1. Dirty air filter:

 The air filter in your window air conditioner plays a crucial role in keeping the unit running efficiently.

The filter traps dirt, dust, and other particles from circulating through the unit and into the air you breathe.

A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the unit to work harder to cool the room.

To rectify this issue, check the filter regularly and replace it or clean it as needed.

2. Low refrigerant levels:

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for removing heat from the air.

If the refrigerant levels are low, the unit will not be able to cool like it’s supposed to.

Unfortunately when you’re talking about a window air conditioner, if there’s refrigerant leaking out then you most definitely have a problem that you may not be able to fix yourself.

Finding the leak and refilling the unit is something most people will need to call a professional for.

3. Obstructed air flow:

The filter is not the only part of the window AC that can get cluttered and cause the AC not to work right. The unit’s coils and fins need to be kept clear of debris in order for the unit to function properly.

If the coils and fins are dirty, or if the unit is blocked by furniture or other objects, the unit will not be able to Do its job right.

But fortunately, This issue just comes down to cleaning the coils and fins and making sure that the unit is not blocked.

Here’s an article we wrote about homemade coil cleaners made of things you probably already have around the house. Check it out.

4. Malfunctioning thermostat:


A malfunctioning thermostat can prevent your window air conditioner from cooling properly.

If the thermostat is not calibrated correctly or is not working properly, it can cause the unit to cycle on and off too frequently or not turn on at all.

To fix this problem, check the thermostat settings and ensure that it is functioning properly.

This is a issue that can be as easy as switching from on mode to “auto”. Or if the thermostat is not working correctly, you might have to call a guy in.

5. Faulty compressor:


 The compressor is the heart of the air conditioner and is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the unit.

A faulty compressor can prevent the unit from cooling properly. If the compressor is not working, the unit will not be able to cool the room effectively.

If the compressor isn’t working, depending on the quality of the air conditioner and how much you paid for it in the first place, it may be Time to shop for a new one.

But like I said, if you have spent a lot of money on it, it’s a mechanical issue and it can definitely be fixed by the right person.

In summary,

There are a few reasons why a window air conditioner may not be cooling properly. Some common causes include a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat.

And it’s usually something that can be solved on your own.

A dirty air filter or debris and stuff around the coils, as well as just making sure the settings are right, or all easy things you could do very quickly to get your window air conditioner cooling again.

Hopefully the problem doesn’t turn out to be too substantial.

By understanding the common causes and taking steps to rectify them, you can help ensure that your unit is running efficiently and effectively.

Can You Drink Dehumidifier Water?

Can You Drink Dehumidifier Water? (Is It Really Safe?)

Finding a use for air conditioner and dehumidifier condensate is a popular idea. Many people are looking for ways to use the water to avoid wasting it.

Drinking dehumidifier water is not safe without first putting it through a water purification process because of the potential of high levels of dust mite concentrations and bacteria found in high humidity.

Ingesting dust mites can cause an allergic reaction that can result in watery eyes and sneezing, and more severe reactions like triggering asthma.

Studies also show that humidity droplets can collect bacteria and viruses from the air and act like a vehicle carrying the germs across a further span.

Since dehumidifier water is gathered from high humidity that has the potential of being full of dust mites and even bacteria and viruses, it is safe to say that drinking dehumidifier water should be avoided unless it goes through the proper sterilization process.

 Is Dehumidifier Water Safe?

Here are a few factors to consider before drinking dehumidifier water:

  1. Dehumidifier water does not go through the boiling process that distilled water does.
  2. High Humidity Droplets are a vehicle for air pollutants and allergens
  3.  Dehumidifier water is largely stagnant which facilitates the growth of bacteria
  4. Air conditioning condensate is a common factor in Legionnaires disease.

Dehumidifiers operate essentially like a air conditioner. Hot air is pulled in. Dragged across a series of refrigerated coils where it is cooled. The humidity in the warm air has no where to go once the air is cooled so it creates condensation.

The difference is that
the condensation from an air conditioner is driven outside via a pvc pipe where as the condensation created by a dehumidifier is captured in a container attached to the machine.

The amount of water captured in the container all from the humidity in the air can seem ridiculous, up to a couple of gallons a day.

Finding uses for the water seems to be a no-brainer. why would you throw the water out of the can be conserved and use for something else?

Is Dehumidifier water distilled?

Not exactly. Distillation is a process of boiling water into steam , then cooling the steam so that it returns back to liquid form. Whatever that doesn’t boil and turns to steam is filtered out.

The water that is created in the dehumidification process does not reach anywhere near the temperature to eliminate the impurities in it.

Even though the water from a dehumidifier comes from condensation,  the distillation process is not present to eliminate impurities from the water.

Humidity and Air quality

High Humidity is also known expedite mold growth and promote dust mite population. Humidity also houses VOCs like formaldehyde.

Higher moisture levels have a greater capacity to retain pollutants.
The extra moisture in the air has the ability to hold airborne particles including microbes.

In other words the water in the machine already has the potential of being polluted because of the air quality in the area in which it was collected from.

“Dehumidifier water is untreated stagnant water.”

Mold and bacteria can begin to grow in stagnant water in as little as 48 hours.

Dehumidifiers Pose a Threat Of Legionella

Legionella is a bacteria that is found in freshwater. According to the government website, one of the most common sources of infection comes from cooling towers. Structures they contain water in a fan is part of a centralized air cooling system.

Dehumidifiers certainly qualify.

Dehumidifier water is simply not safe to drink straight out of the dehumidifier tank without going through a water purification process.

Is it okay to water plants with dehumidifier water?

The water the captured in your dehumidifier is absolutely safe for plants. An independent test conducted by the WCS, concluded that there is no significant levels of heavy metals in dehumidifier water as long as there’s a prefilter present before the dehumidification process takes place.

Can you use the humidifier water in a battery?

Yes. But since the humidifier water is not properly distilled that are can be minerals and other debris in the water.
Be sure that you filter the water before you poured into the battery.

Can I give dehumidifier water to my pets?

No. Dehumidifier water is not drinkable. Even for pets. The humidity condensed in a dehumidifier contains airborne pollutants from smoke carcinogens, and other household chemicals, aerosols etc.

Summary.

You might get the idea of the water from a dehumidifier is safe to drink because it comes from condensation.

But there are a few things that you may not be thinking about that would say differently.

For instance the moisture that is turn the conversation and collected in your dehumidifier is able to hold and contain the airborne pollutants in your room or home.
Mold spores and dust mites thrive in high humidity.
Since the air that the water is collected from is not clean and there is no purification process involved in collecting the water, it only goes to prove that the water itself contains the same pollutants.

The water in a dehumidifier is not distilled in the classic since.
Distillation boils water into steam and then collects the condensate from the steam. Whatever does not steam is left out.
The water in a dehumidifier does not go through a boiling and steaming process that would cause the pollutants like bacterium and heavy metals to be left out.

Dehumidifier water is untreated standing water. Bacteria can begin to grow in the water in as little as 48 hours.

And since a dehumidifier works and runs much like a an conditioner, legionnaires disease is known to be common where are cooling coils are used and present with the fan.
Kind of sounds like a dehumidifier.

There are plenty of great uses for dehumidifier water, including watering your plants and even filling your batteries as long as you ensure that you have filtered the water,

But drinking the water, whether it be you or your pets is not a good idea.
Is it worse than tap water? That’s a different article.

What’s The Best Place To Put A Dehumidifier In A House?

“The best place to put a dehumidifier in a house is in a damp room or area, such as a basement or laundry room. It should be placed on a level surface and away from walls to allow for proper air circulation. It’s also important to make sure the room is properly sealed to prevent outside air from entering and diluting the dehumidifying effect.”

What’s The Best Place To Put A Dehumidifier In A House?

Dehumidifiers are essential appliances in many homes, especially in areas with high humidity levels. These devices help remove excess moisture from the air, which can prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, as well as reduce allergens and odors.

 But where is the best place to put a dehumidifier in a house?

 In this article, we will discuss four different locations and the pros and cons of each.

1.The Basement.

 Basements are often damp and musty due to their location below ground level, and they can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

 A dehumidifier in the basement can help reduce humidity levels and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Additionally, placing a dehumidifier in the basement can also help dry out any dampness on the walls and floors, which can prevent the development of structural damage.
One of the biggest benefits of having a dehumidifier in the basement is that it can create a more pleasant and healthy environment, and keep your stored items safe from the detrimental effects of high humidity.

2. Living Room

Another great place to put a dehumidifier is in the living room or family room. These rooms are often used for long periods of time and can become quite humid, especially in the summer. Placing a dehumidifier in the living room can help reduce humidity levels and improve air quality, making it more comfortable to spend time in…

Additionally, a dehumidifier in the living room can help reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air, making it better for people with allergies or asthma. It can also reduce the chances of mold and mildew growing in this high traffic area of the house.

3. Laundry Room

The laundry room is another great place to put a dehumidifier. Laundry rooms often have a lot of moisture, due to the use of washing machines and dryers, as well as steam from ironing and hanging wet clothes…

This excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and musty odors, and can also cause damage to clothes and the room itself. A dehumidifier in the laundry room can help reduce humidity levels and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

4. Bedroom


Finally, consider the bedroom. Sleeping in a room with high humidity levels can lead to discomfort and poor sleep.

By placing a dehumidifier in the bedroom, you can create a more comfortable sleeping environment, and can help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. In addition, a dehumidifier in the bedroom can also help reduce odors and improve the overall air quality in the room.

It can also prevent any potential allergies or asthma triggers for those who sleep in the room, making for a healthy and more restful sleep…

In conclusion,

The best place to put a dehumidifier in a house depends on the specific needs of your home. Each area of the house has its own challenges and benefits for using a dehumidifier, but by having one in the basement, living room, laundry room, and bedroom, you’ll be able to ensure a comfortable and healthy environment throughout the entire house.


Can One Dehumidifier Cover A Whole House?

“While one dehumidifier can pretty much effectively control humidity levels throughout an entire house, the unit’s size and the unique features of the space will influence its effectiveness. To optimize performance, it is advisable to select a dehumidifier with a large capacity tank, ensure that its coverage area is sufficient for your home, and position it in the area of the house with the highest humidity.”

Can One Dehumidifier Cover A Whole House?

Dehumidifiers are an important tool for controlling the moisture levels in your home, which can have a big impact on your comfort and your home’s overall health.

One of the most common questions people ask when they’re considering buying a dehumidifier is whether or not one unit can cover their entire house.

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the size of your house, the humidity levels in your area, and the specific features of the dehumidifier you’re considering.

A dehumidifier’s coverage area is determined by its capacity, measured in pints per day.

 Generally, a dehumidifier with a higher capacity will be able to cover a larger area. A unit with a 30-pint capacity, for example, can typically dehumidify a space of up to 3,000 square feet, while a unit with a 50-pint capacity can handle up to 5,000 square feet.

However, it’s important to note that these coverage estimates are based on ideal conditions.
In reality, the humidity levels in your home will fluctuate depending on a variety of factors, such as the number of people living in the house, the number of pets, and the amount of cooking and showering that takes place.

  Additionally, certain areas of your home may be more prone to moisture and mold, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

If you’re considering buying a dehumidifier for your whole house, it’s a good idea to measure the square footage of each room and make note of any areas that are particularly humid. This will give you a better idea of the overall coverage you’ll need.

In case you find that your dehumidifier is not able to cover the whole house, there are a few things you can do to help it better control the moisture in your home:

1. Run your dehumidifier regularly: The more frequently you run your dehumidifier, the more moisture it will be able to remove from the air. If you’re concerned about your dehumidifier’s coverage area, try running it for longer periods of time during the day and night…

2. Keep windows and doors closed: When you’re running a dehumidifier, it’s important to keep windows and doors closed so that the unit can effectively control the humidity in your home…

3.Use exhaust fans: When you’re cooking or showering, the humidity in your home can quickly rise. In these situations, it’s a good idea to use exhaust fans to help remove moisture from the air…

4.Add a second dehumidifier: If you find that one dehumidifier isn’t enough to keep your whole house comfortable, consider adding a second unit to a particularly humid room or area…

5 Keep the house well-ventilated: Good ventilation is important in any house. Keep your windows open when possible and consider installing a ventilation system…

6.Keep the humidity out: If you live in a humid area, try to prevent excess moisture from entering your home by using door mats, sealing air leaks, and running air conditioners or fans when it is hot and humid outside…

It’s also important to note that there are other things you can do to help dry out your house and prevent moisture-related problems.

 

For example, you can:

1.Clean and maintain your gutters: If your gutters are clogged, they can cause water to seep into your walls, which can lead to mold and other moisture-related issues.

2. Check for leaks: Regularly check for leaks in your roof, walls, and plumbing to make sure that they aren’t causing moisture buildup in your home. If you do find a leak, have it repaired as soon as possible.

3. Fix any drainage issues: Make sure that water is draining away from your foundation and that your gutters and downspouts are working properly to prevent water from pooling near your home.

4. Maintain indoor plants: Indoor plants can absorb a lot of moisture from the air, so if you have many indoor plants, they can help keep your home dry.

Overall, whether or not a dehumidifier can cover your whole house depends on a variety of factors. If you’re concerned about the humidity levels in your home, it’s a good idea to measure the square footage of each room, make note of any particularly humid areas, and consider the specific features of the dehumidifier you’re considering.

 Additionally, there are many other things you can do to help control the moisture in your home and prevent moisture-related problems, such as maintaining your gutters and drainage, checking for leaks, and using a humidifier…

How Do You Know Whether a Room Needs a Dehumidifier?

“How do you know if your room needs a dehumidifier?

One way is to check for signs of excessive humidity such as musty odors, mold growth, or dampness on walls and floors. You can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in the room which should be between 30-50%. If it is consistently above 50%, a dehumidifier may be necessary to reduce the humidity and prevent potential health hazards.”

dehumidifier is moldyHow Do You Know Whether a Room Needs a Dehumidifier?

Humidity is an essential element of our environment, but when it gets too high, it can lead to a whole host of problems. The air in our homes can become stuffy and damp, leading to musty odors, mold growth, and even health problems such as allergies and respiratory issues.

One way to combat high humidity levels is through the use of a dehumidifier. But how do you know if your room needs a dehumidifier? In this article, we’ll explore the signs of excessive humidity and the steps you can take to determine if a dehumidifier is necessary in your home.

One of the most obvious signs of excessive humidity is musty odors. If your home has a damp, musty smell, it’s a clear indication that the humidity levels are too high.
This smell can be caused by mold and mildew growth, which thrive in damp environments. If you notice mold growth on walls, floors, or in other areas of your home, it’s another indication that your humidity levels are too high.

Dampness on walls and floors is another sign of high humidity. If you notice that your walls or floors feel damp to the touch, it could be a sign that there is too much moisture in the air. This can lead to warping of wooden floors, peeling paint, and even structural damage over time.

In addition to these visual cues, you can also use a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your room. A hygrometer is a device that measures the amount of moisture in the air. Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be between 30-50%. If the humidity level is consistently above 50%, it’s a good indication that you need a dehumidifier in your room.

What size Dehumidifier do I need?


If you’ve determined that your room needs a dehumidifier, you may be wondering how to choose the right one. The size of your room, the climate in your area, and your budget are all factors to consider when choosing a dehumidifier.

A small room in a moderate climate will require a smaller unit than a large room in a hot, humid climate. It’s important to choose a dehumidifier with a capacity that is appropriate for the size of your room.

Another important feature to look for in a dehumidifier is a built-in humidistat. A humidistat is a device that measures the humidity level in a room and automatically turns the dehumidifier on and off to maintain a comfortable humidity level. This can save you energy and money in the long run.

When using a dehumidifier, it’s also important to properly maintain the unit. Be sure to clean the filter regularly, and empty the water tank as necessary. A clogged filter can cause the unit to work less efficiently, and a full water tank can cause the unit to shut off prematurely.

In conclusion, 

Excessive humidity can lead to a variety of problems in your home, from musty odors to mold growth. By keeping an eye out for the signs of high humidity and using a hygrometer to measure the humidity level in your room, you can determine if a dehumidifier is necessary. And with the right dehumidifier and proper maintenance, you can keep your home comfortable and healthy all year round.

To determine if a room needs a dehumidifier, you can check for signs of excessive humidity such as musty odors, mold growth, and dampness on walls and floors. You can also measure the humidity level in the room using a hygrometer, which should ideally be between 30-50%. If the humidity level is consistently above 50%, a dehumidifier may be necessary to reduce the humidity and prevent potential health hazards.

 

 

 

Dehumidifier Energy Use: A Comparison to Other Household Appliances

dehumidifier energy use

Dehumidifier energy use:  a comparison two other household appliances.

Dehumidifiers? Expensive right?  More specifically what you can expect to get in terms of energy use with a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are great appliances for helping you control indoor humidity regardless if it’s in your home at work or any other space.

Dehumidifiers work by drawing in air from the surrounding area, then removing the excess moisture and releasing it back as dry air into the room.

Musty odors, mold and mildew growth, or just having a sticky uncomfortable feeling are all issues that a dehumidifier can help you deal with.

They come in a host of different sizes and styles as to suit your different needs and different sized spaces. So you are certain to find one that suits your specific needs.

But, as you may have heard, dehumidifiers have a reputation of being energy hogs that can take a lot of money to run.

And in certain instances that can be entirely true.

This article is meant to give you an ideal of exactly how much energy you can expect to expend and how that compares to other types of appliances that you are already running in your home.

First of all, the energy use of a dehumidifier depends on the size of the unit and the humidity level of the surrounding environment in which it is being used. Generally, dehumidifiers use more energy than some appliances like a lamp or a small fan, but in comparison, they use much less energy than other appliances like a refrigerator or a clothes dryer.

To get a sense of how the energy use of a dehumidifier compares to other appliances, The easiest way is to look at the appliances energy label or the manufacturer specs. That information will give you an estimate of the appliances use in watts or kilowatts.

Here are some examples of how the energy use of a dehumidifier might compare to other appliances in your home.

1.A small dehumidifier with a 30 pint capacity might use about 250 Watts of power. That is about the same amount of energy that you use when you were running a medium size window air conditioner.

2. A larger dehumidifier that has a capacity range of more like 70 pints might well use 500 Watts of power a day. That would be on the same level as running a space heater throughout the day.

3. And a medium sized dehumidifier that collects about 50 pints The water a day uses around 350 watts of power. That’s about what your clothes dryer uses.

Overall, The energy use of a dehumidifier depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the dehumidifier, how high the humidity is at any time, and how long you use it for.

Here is a few helpful tips to reduce the amount of energy that your dehumidifier uses.

1. Try a smaller unit and set it to a lower humidity level. Then turn it off and it’s not in needed.

2. Use the dehumidifier and conjunction with other measures to reduce humidity.

Such as:

  • Seal up leaky windows and doors
  • Use exhaust fans in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

This will reduce the amount of work that the dehumidifier has to do which was result in saving energy and lowering the cost of operation.

3. Turn the thermostat down.

The ambient temperature of a room can affect the amount of humidity in your home greatly. High temperatures are often filled with moisture whereas lower temperatures not so much.

4. Purchase a higher efficiency dehumidifier.

Just like any other appliance, dehumidifiers are made in a range of styles that include some that are inexpensive and use higher amounts of energy and dehumidifiers better made to be much more efficient and use less energy.

In closing

Using a dehumidifier is an effective way of controlling the humidity in your home or any other space and it can help alleviate many problems that are caused by high humidity. Problems like musty odors, mold, mildew growth, and other problems that are just annoying like frizzy hair and constant perspiration.

But it’s important that you be aware that dehumidifiers can use a significant amount of energy.

Especially if they are being used too long and too large of a space.

Although there are things you can due to get a better energy performance out of your dehumidifier, things like using a smaller dehumidifier for a smaller amount of time and just turning it off when you’re not using it.

And using it with other humidity lowering methods like using exhaust fans and turning down the thermostat.

Also fixing any leaky doors or windows that might be letting humidity get inside.

If you are just now in the market for the humidifier, you should consider buying a more energy efficient dehumidifier.

Hopefully some of these tips can’t help you save money and still maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home.

We appreciate your time and thank you for using some of it to read this article.

Humidity Blues? 11 Tips for Beating the Heat and Moisture

  1. Fixing moisture sources
  2. Using a dehumidifier
  3. Exhaust fans
  4. Closing windows and doors
  5. Air conditioning
  6. Moisture-absorbing plants
  7. Using a humidistat
  8. Drying laundry outside
  9. Mechanical ventilation system
  10. Cleaning gutters
  11. Proper insulation
 
 
 

  1. Fixing moisture sources


    When you’re trying to prevent high humidity in your home, identifying the source of the humidity is going to be at the top of your list.

Leaks and dampness are often caused by damaged pipes and plumbing.

Gaps or cracks in your foundation or walls are also high humidity points.

As well as any leaks in the roof.

Finding and fixing any of the above problems is The first step to reducing the high humidity in your house.

2. Using a dehumidifier

Other areas in the house that can suffer from high humidity or damp basements in bathrooms.

You may need to consider getting a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture in these areas.

If you’re not familiar with dehumidifiers, they are machines that work by pulling air out of the environment and use a refrigerant to cool it down.

When the air cools the moisture condenses and either collects it into a tank or follows a hose outside depending on your dehumidifier and setup.

3. Exhaust fans

Another way to lower the humidity in your house is using exhaust fans in the areas where moisture is built up.

There’s a good chance you already have exhaust fans in a couple of the main humidity areas of your house.

Typically the kitchen in the bathroom or outfitted with the exhaust fans because they are identified as high humidity areas.

If you do not already have exhaust fans, they can be installed fairly inexpensively by a professional or you can do it yourself if you like taking on your own projects.

close the door4. Closing windows and doors

When the weather is particularly humid it’s a good idea to keep your windows and your doors closed to prevent any outside moisture from entering the home. The simple thing like keeping the doors shut can help keep the humidity more consistent inside.

5.  Air conditioning

Air conditioners unbeknownst to many people are also good at reducing humidity.
Similar to how a dehumidifier works, an air conditioner pulls the surrounding air and cools it off with refrigerated coils. The moisture usually follows a drain line outside. Running the air conditioner is a great way of reducing the humidity inside when the heat outside is the main perpetrator of the humidity.

6. Moisture-absorbing plants

Moisture absorbing plants are a way to naturally reduce the humidity in the air.

A couple of popular varieties of plants that are known for reducing humidity are snake plant which is also called mother-in-law’s tongue, and peace lilies.

7. Drying laundry outside

The laundry is also another huge source of humidity, especially running the dryer.

Avoid hanging wet clothes in the house and consider adding more ventilation to your laundry room to pull the humidity out when you’re doing laundry.

8. Mechanical ventilation system

A mechanical ventilation system can be used to reduce humidity in your home by exchanging indoor air without door air.

This is a more powerful version of using exhaust fans because it actually exchanges the air instead of just pulling it out.

9. Cleaning gutters

Keeping the gutters cleaned is also a good way of reducing humidity in your house. When gutters get clogged and damaged they can allow water to leak into your home and cause excess moisture.

10. Proper insulation

Insulation is also a great tool for keeping humidity down in your home. Installing proper installation can help prevent moisture from coming in your walls and your ceilings.
Ceiling up any gaps or cracks and adding insulation to your attic is a great way of keeping the humidity in check.

11. Using a humidistat

Use a hygrometer and a humidistat to keep the humidity consistent.
Some of the signs like static electricity and condensation on the windows are obvious signs that your humidity is too high, just going off of your frizzy hair is not exactly the best way to keep the humidity consistent in your home.

Consider purchasing a hygrometer to measure your humidity and a dehumidifier that is outfitted with a humidistat that will turn it on and off as needed to keep your humidity status quo.

Why Is My Room So Dusty? 11 Suggestions

Taking the time to dust the furniture  and clean the house is a chore and can be disheartening when you realize how fast the dust has came back. Simply walking is enough kick it back up and undo your work.

Dust something we all battle but if you have an allergy to dust or asthma, the battle is more like a war.

Why Is My Room So Dusty?

Here is a list reasons that may help you identify why there is so much dust in your room.

  • Cheap HVAC filters
  • Dryer Hose
  • Shoes
  • Leaky Vacuum
  • Carpet
  • Humidity or Lack of
  • Dirty Duct work
  • Proximity to Outdoor Dust
  • Windows
  • Pets
  • Dead Skin
  • Bugs

Cheap HVAC filters

This is easily one of the main reasons your room or house can become excessively dusty.

Cheap poor quality air filters can do little to nothing to filter out the dust from the air that is being circulated around the house via the forced air system.

Using cheap filters in your HVAC can make your air handler a whole house dust machine.

On the flip side, purchasing better filters with a Merv rating of at least a 9-12 can turn your HVAC into a whole house air cleaner and dust remover.

A warning though. A higher Merv rating means keeping the filters replaced more often 2 reduce undue strain on the unit.

If the dust level in your home does not warrant it, A filter with a 5-8 Merv rating will better for your machine and pocket book.

Dryer hose

The dryer can be a huge source of dust.
If the dryer hose has come off in the back or if it has damage that is keeping it from focusing the dust outside, then you can expect all that dust to settle indoors .

Why is there so much dust in my houseShoes

One of the biggest reasons your room can be extra dusty is because it is being carried into the house by your shoes.

This is true especially if your having to walk through dirt in order to get to your house.

The easiest thing to do to prevent dust from traveling into your house with your shoes is to use door mats and keep the door mats clean.

Even better, make sure you and your family take your shoes off before you walk around the house.

Leaky Vacuum

If your vacuum doesn’t fully capture the dust and is leaking back into the air, it may actually be helping you make your room dustier.

Consider purchasing a vacuum that is fully enclosed and is equipped with a HEPA filter to capture smaller pollutants.

And don’t empty the dust canister or change the bag in the house.

Carpet

Carpets can get very dirty and be very hard to get dust out of. Especially when you’re talking about thick shag carpet.

A dirty carpet can easily be the culprit in an extra dusty home. If you have an old carpet or a thick carpet that is hard clean, just walking through the house can kick up dust onto your surfaces.

Humidity or lack of

A dry climate is a natural source for dust. when the air is dry you can expect dust in the air to be a problem because there is no moisture to help it settle.

Consider running a humidifier in your room. It will not only help keep the dust out of the air, it can help ease your dried nasal cavities.

Dirty Ductwork

If your ductwork has not been cleaned in a while, then you may have a issue with your HVAC distributing the dust inside the ductwork throughout your home.

Dust mites and mold or also attracted to the inside of your ductwork because of the high humidity level inside of the air handler.

Dust mites and mold spores are both common household allergies that could be originating in dirty ducts.

Having your ductwork cleaned and system checked may be the answer you need to control dust in your house.

Proximity to Outdoor Dust

Look around you. Are you living near a construction zone where dust and are being continually thrown around, you live near a highway or a busy Street wear exhaust is an issue?

Do you have patches of dirt in your yard or do you live next to a vacant lot?

Your proximity to outdoor dust can 100% affect the level of dust that you can expect to deal with inside of your house

Windows

If you have poorly sealed windows or open windows, you can expect dust to come through the windows.

Also windows and shades tend to become very dusty because of their proximity to the out doors.

Keeping your windows and shades clean can help does from building up and spreading further out from the windows.

Consider throwing out your old dusting  t-shirt and getting a microfiber cloth instead. You can also get microfiber dusters that will help you capture the dust even better.

Pets

It’s no surprise that if you have pets that are coming in and out of the house that they are transporting all types of dust with them.

Not only dust, it’s their hair also.

Pet dander can be a real issue for allergy sufferers. Pet dander is actually bacteria that comes from your animals licking themselves and then shedding.

If you have pets in the house then consider brushing and bathing them more to help prevent dust.

Dead Skin 

If your bedroom is extra dusty then you should know that it is actually your skin that is the issue.

Whether you realized it or not, you are actually shedding yourself.

And the bedroom, being one of the most used rooms because of the amount of time you spend sleeping and grooming there is taking the hit on the amount dead skin that is accumulating.

Consider washing your bedding and pillows more often to help reduce the amount of dust in your bedroom.

Bugs

Finally bugs.

Insects leave behind feces and bacteria that turns into dust.

Not only is it their feces, it’s their shell.
Dead bugs break apart and become part of the overall dust issue.

Another problem is rodents leaving there tracks and feces everywhere.

If you have a bug problem, you can very easily contribute to your dust problem.

In that case it’s time to get an exterminator.

dusty houseWhen you got a problem with your room or house being dusty, it usually comes down to the few primary reasons we have tried to lay for you here.

We hope you are able to take advantage hope some of these helpful hints.

 

Does a Humidifier Make a Room Warmer?

If you have a warm mist humidifier or vaporizer, then your device is creating steam by boiling water.

Though technically you may not see the number on the thermostat get any higher, steam can make the room feel warm.

I remember a few Christmases ago ( maybe more than a few, I’ve lost track)
Me and my wife were at a Christmas party where they were having a white elephant gift exchange. If you have never heard of a white elephant gift exchange, the idea is simple.

The participants all bring a gift that is supposed to be around the same value. Once the gifts are opened, you have the opportunity to steal someone else’s gift one time till all the gifts are taken.

This particular Christmas, I got what I thought was a humidifier as a gift.

I was pretty excited, a humidifier is a pretty decent gift and we did not have one in our bedroom.

That night, I put water in it, turned it on and went to bed.

I thought I was in for a refreshing cool air coming from the direction of the humidifier but that is not what I got at all.

We woke up to a swampy hot bedroom.

Turns out what I thought was a cool mist humidifier was actually in fact a vaporizer.

And I had been filling the room with hot steam.

Does a humidifier make the room warmer?

A humidifier can make the room feel warmer when the humidifier that you are using is a warm mist humidifier or a vaporizer.

Vicks is one of the most popular vaporizers. And they are sold primarily as a way of delivering their eucalyptus smelling medicine to help you breathe better.

For that, they work very well. 

And as a humidifier, they do raise the level of humidity in the air.

What type of humidifier do you have?

Do you have a warm mist humidifier or a cool mist humidifier?

If you are using a warm mist humidifier, then you can expect the room to feel warmer because the humidifier is basically providing you with a sauna type of atmosphere.

Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers are excellent for helping open up your airways with the steam that comes from them and the fact that they lend themselves to being able to add a medicine like Vicks or eucalyptus that can also help clear your airways.

They also have the distinct characteristic of not growing mold or bacteria inside of the machine because boiling water kills those things.

On the other hand,

A cool mist humidifier emits moisture that is primarily room temperature.

The feeling you can get in front of a humidifier is similar to the feeling of a cool breeze.

Summary

Does a humidifier make the room warmer?

The type of a humidifier that can make a room feel warmer is a warm mist humidifier or by another name “vaporizer”.

Vaporizers bring water to a boiling point to create steam as a means of humidifying the air.

  And adding steam to your room can make it feels a little swampy or a bit like a sauna.

If you like the idea of using steam to humidify your room, then vaporizers do have some good features.

If not, a cool mist humidifier will not make your room feel swampy.

Should I Put an Air Purifier in the Baby’s Room?

As a new mother or a not so new mother we are always looking for the best way to keep our baby’s room safe from the things that would keep our little ones from sleeping well and being susceptible to colds and viruses.

The typical “go to” device for the baby’s room is the humidifier. And it is true that keeping the relative humidity between 30 and 50% is very important especially considering the effects the dry air can have on a baby.

But what about the other parts of the year where humidity is not an issue or when it is an issue, but not the lack of it.

Should I put an air purifier in the baby’s room?

Yes an air purifier should be part of the defense against the airborne germs and viruses that can make your babies, as well as your own life miserable.

Air purifiers, unlike humidifiers, are useful for reducing airborne contaminants that can get into your baby’s lungs and nasal passages all year long. Not just during the dry winter months.

What kind of air purifier do I need for my baby room?

1. HEPA filter

 The primary thing to look for in an air purifier for the baby’s room is that it uses a HEPA filter.

H13 HEPA filters which have rapidly become the norm for baby air purifiers can filter out contaminants as small as .01 microns.

Which makes them very good as a defense against the common cold.

2. Carbon filter

Carbon filters are sponge like filters that are very good at filtering out VOCs, gases, and odors.

This type of filter is important because it is able to absorb the type of airborne contaminants that can come from chemicals. Things like paints and adhesives that are underneath the carpet as well as aerosols.

   They are also useful for absorbing chemicals from cigarette smoke if the baby is being exposed to a smoker.

Other air purifier considerations

1. Filter price

HEPA and Carbon air purifiers require replacement filters every 3 to 6 months.

The price of the filter or filters is a big consideration when purchasing an air purifier.

Some air purifiers may cost a little less up front but the price of the filter more than makes up for it on the back end.

And there are a lot of air purifier companies that only sell combination hepa and carbon filters.

Which from a convenience stance is great, but considering that carbon filters can last much longer than HEPA filters depending on your needs,

You could be buying twice the amount of filters by choosing an air purifier that has a combination filter.

2.  Ionic technologies

You can also purchase air purifiers that use ionic technologies like Plasmacluster.

The main thing to think about with ionic technologies is that they can create a bit of ozone. Which can be a long irritant.

But at the same time, a technology like plasma cluster can completely kill airborne viruses and bacteria, whereas a HEPA filter will only capture them.

Air purifiers like the Winx Plasmacluster feature the bipolar ionic technology as a completely independent feature on their air purifier that can be turned on when you are out of the house.

That gives you the option of using the technology to reduce the chance of airborne viruses and yet not have to ever use the feature when your baby is sleeping in the same room.

Summary

Should I put an air purifier in the baby’s room?

An air purifier in the baby’s room is one of the best ways you can help defend your baby against airborne germs and viruses.

And unlike humidifiers which are excellent during the dry months, air purifiers are useful all year long to help keep your baby breathing clean air.

The type of air purifier that is best for a baby is the Hepa H13 and carbon air purifier .

But remember, a HEPA filter and a carbon filter do not necessarily have the same lifespan, so it is useful to do your research before you get into purchasing an air purifier that requires a combination filter that is not necessarily useful and costs much more.