High humidity in the summer can be uncomfortable, and musty odors in a bathroom or basement are annoying. But humidity should be kept in check for more serious reasons, too. First, there’s your health: excess moisture encourages the growth of mold and dust mites, which are known to trigger asthma attacks and cause nasal irritation, sneezing, and other respiratory discomfort. Humidity can also lead to structural problems in your home, including warped and rotten wood. It also encourages unwanted guests: rats, mice, and wood-devouring carpenter ants and termites thrive in dampness. High humidity can even boost your utility bill in summer, for the simple reason that humidity makes you feel warmer, encouraging you to crank up the air conditioner.

The higher the humidity in your house, the harder it is for water to evaporate from your skin. That’s why humidity makes you feel warm in the summer. Water vapor can also make your basement or crawl spaces musty. Since it’s a lot cooler down there, a lot more water will condense because the cool air won’t hold as much water.

The ideal humidity inside your home is around 45%. Over 50% seriously encourages growth of molds and bacteria. If any part of your home is significantly higher than 45%, you should take the steps below and, if you still have a problem, consider a dehumidifier.The higher the humidity in your house, the harder it is for water to evaporate from your skin. That’s why humidity makes you feel warm in the summer. Water vapor can also make your basement or crawl spaces musty. Since it’s a lot cooler down there, a lot more water will condense because the cool air won’t hold as much water.

Top Tips

At home
Many problems with excess humidity can be eliminated or greatly reduced by taking the following simple steps to stop moisture at the source.

• Seal cracks in basement walls and foundations. Cracks obviously admit moisture. Look for them and seal them with a high-quality concrete sealer. Where there is general dampness rather than leaks, the application of a waterproof coating on the concrete may help.
• Check plumbing. Look for leaks, but also wrap any cold-water and drainage pipes where you see condensation forming. Also look for openings where pipes come through walls and floors and seal them with a good caulk.
• Clean and seal gutters and downspouts. Much of the moisture in basements comes from water that soaks into the ground close to the building. The first line of defense is to make sure there are no leaks or clogs in the gutters and downspouts. Once the water reaches ground level, it should be routed at least three feet away from the house.
• Add underground drains. Serious drainage problems may require installation of underground drainpipes close to the foundation. If you already have such a drainage system, run water through it periodically to make sure it isn’t plugged. If the water backs up, you need to unclog the system.
• Use a properly sized fan in your bathroom.
• Use a range hood fan in your kitchen when cooking.

When shopping, look for

• Energy Savings. The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is measured by its energy factor, the volume of water (in liters) removed per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed. A higher energy factor means a more efficient machine. A hard-working dehumidifier can consume around $150 worth of electricity a year, so look for one with the EPA’s Energy Star label.
• Easy-to-read, easy-to-set controls. Many models have electronic controls–some with digital displays–that allow you to set the humidity where you want it. If yours doesn’t have such controls, you can purchase a hygrometer, which will measure your humidity. (These cost about $20.)
• The right size. Consider the size of the area that needs to be dehumidified and how damp the area is. A moderately damp 2,000-square-foot basement, for instance, will need a dehumidifier with capacity of 22 pints a day. An extremely damp area of the same size may need one that can wring out 40 pints a day. To cope with serious humidity problems in large crawl spaces, you may want to take a look at companies that provide more heavy-duty dehumidifiers specifically designed for crawl spaces.
• Easy maintenance. Most dehumidifiers have a water tank inside that must be periodically emptied. Some machines expect you to do it, and others do it automatically by draining into a basement drain or sump-pump cavity or pumping the water outside. If you are likely to forget to empty the water, then be sure to select one of the automatic machines. If, on the other hand, there isn’t a convenient outlet for an automatic to drain to, make sure the tank is easy to remove and carry. You’ll probably also want a washable air filter that can be easily cleaned.
• The right model for your climate. Many dehumidifiers operate best at temperatures above 65ºF. If the temperature of the area being dehumidified will routinely fall below that temperature, you should probably buy a dehumidifier designed to handle the cold–or one that shuts off if the temperature goes too low. Below 65ºF, frost can collect on the machine’s condensing coils, interfering with its operation (just as frost does in a refrigerator). If you see frost on the coils, turn off the unit and let it defrost before starting it up again.

1. Countertop Dishwasher

Doing dishes can be a chore, especially if living with roommates. If your apartment does not come with a full size dishwasher, you’re stuck washing dishes by hand or eating out. Another option is to give a countertop dishwasher a try. Countertop dishwashers can be easily placed inside a cabinet if you have one with enough room. The only requirement is that it’s not too far away from the sink since you’ll need to attach a hose to the faucet. Most of these dishwashers have a heating mechanism inside so heating  water to a high enough temperature shouldn’t be an issue. You can pick one up for about $200 – $300.

2. Portable Washing Machine
It’s a bird… no it’s a plane… no… it’s a portable washing machine! Portable washing machines are becoming more popular in North America.  Portable washing machines do not require a permanent hook-up, making them very convenient and versatile. You can place these units pretty much anywhere, as long as there is access to a water source, a drain, and an electrical plug. These units cost between $300 and $400, depending on the model.

3. Convectional Toaster Oven
Most apartments come equipped with a regular ovens. These use up a lot of electricity and can be a pain to clean. Countertop toaster ovens are versatile, heat up quickly, and don’t take much space. If you do decide to get one of these portable ovens, go with one that has a convectional cooking feature. Convectional units have a fan inside that circulates the hot air and cooks your food faster as a result. You can find these toaster ovens for about $100.

4. George Foreman Grill
Lean, mean, fat grilling machine. Yes, food prepared on an electric grill doesn’t taste as good as the same thing prepared on a regular charcoal or propane grill, but it’s convenient. These grills are easy to use, easy to clean, and inexpensive.  Some of them turn into a griddle, allowing you to make pancakes, scrambled eggs, etc.  Depending on the model and size, cost for these grills ranges from $20-$200.

5. Compact Fridge
These can come in handy even if you already have a full sized fridge. Compact fridges are perfect for dorm rooms as well. There are two main types: one piece fridges and fridge/freezer models with a separate freezer compartment. Compact fridges can range in price from $100 to $300, depending on the size and configuration.

Though some might opt to purchase these appliances used, keep in mind that if you buy new, you usually get a warranty and if you keep them in good shape you can resell them yourself and get a good portion of your money back when you move out.

As you are enjoying your favorite spiced wines and meals this holiday season, check out this list of crazy and wild wine cellars from around the world. Happy Holidays from our family here at Danby to yours at home!

Enter Now!

We’re giving away two Danby products to lucky Facebook likers.

Go here to Like Danby and enter to win now.  No purchase necessary.  We just want you to like us.

This is a limited time offer. Our Facebook page has ideas for your home, our latest product offerings, how-to guides, latest news and information, contests, offers and so much more.

We’d love to know what you think and really get to know you, plus if you have any great ideas we’d love to hear from you.  Danby’s Facebook page is managed by our in house marketers not a third party.  We know our products and we’d like to know you.

Good Luck!

Here’s what you can win:

Dual Door Compact Fridge with Freezer   DCRM31BSLDD | 3.00 cu. ft.

This dual door Energy Star® rated compact refrigerator includes a separate fridge and freezer section. The 3.0 cu. ft. capacity provides enough room to keep small meals, snacks, leftovers, drinks and frozen fare handy. This miniature version of larger models is ideal for dorm rooms, the recreation room or the office. This unit features a mechanical thermostat, partial automatic defrost and a reversible door option.  More information about the Dual Door Unit.

Compact Keg Cooler DKC146SLDB  5.20 cu. ft.

What better way to celebrate your favorite sport then with an ice cold pint of beer.  Danby’s newest compact keg cooler is the perfect addition to any game or entertainment room. Its stylish black and stainless steel look finish is complimented by the chrome guard rail and pour spout.  This 5.2 cu. ft. keg cooler can accommodate a half or full size keg or convert to a large capacity all refrigerator, making this model the perfect game time companion.  More information about this prize.

Enter now before it’s too late.

As of today over 42,000 people have watched JimmyWhoFan install and use one of our portable laundry units.  We wanted to thank him for taking the time to show it with such finesse. We didn’t pay him to do this nor did we know he was doing this, we simply found the YouTube video online.  We encourage you to watch this unbiased video and read the comments below.  Thanks JimmyWhoFan!

Get more information about the Danby’s portable washing machines here.

Watch other Danby videos on our own YouTube Channel.  Video’s like How to install a Danby Single Hose Portable Air Conditioner, Danby Keg Cooler Installation Guide and so many more.

If you’ve reviewed a Danby product please let us know by emailing us at consumers@danby.com .

Thanks,

The Danby Marketing Team

We get to see inside your kitchens, see your favorite recipes, add some of our products like wine fridges, ice makers, keg coolers to help give you ideas about party planning.  Our Pinterest is a showcase of primarily other people’s ideas, design and more – we think it’s inspiring.

Join Us on Pinterest

If you have a Pinterest, please follow-us and we’ll follow back and re-pin some of your wonderful creations or finds.  We’re just getting started, but here are a few of our boards to pique your interest (or dare we say Pinter…):

Wine & Fancy Things:

What’s not to love?  We chose this board because we know that wine branding is beautiful, serving wine is a pleasure and all of the accoutrements that go with wine are outstanding.  Like wine toppers with an octopus on the top, glassware, vineyards, wine infographics, casks and more.  We also sell Wine Fridges so it’s a natural fit.

For The Home:

Obviously, kitchens are one of the things that make your home a home and we love everything about kitchens.  From the types of wood, slate, marble you use for your countertops to the sinks and the flooring you choose.  There are just so many ideas and on Pinterest there are some fantastic designers of small kitchens where our fridges fit and look fantastic.

Party Ideas:

We put the “P” in party.  Not really, but we do have some ice makers, beverage fridges, wine fridges, portable dishwashers, keg coolers and more.  Our Pinterest board has great food ideas, party decorating ideas and great favors.