Should You Run Dehumidifiers in Winter?

Dehumidifiers are quite a handy invention. They are used all over the world during the summer months to help us all escape the miserable heat and humidity. Over the past ten years or so the usage of dehumidifiers has increased tenfold thanks in part due to Climate Change.

For those of you that do not know, there is a huge difference when it comes to a dry heat and a wet heat. A dry heat of one-hundred degrees, let’s say in California, can feel actually cooler than a humid heat of ninety degrees in Georgia.

If you live in one of these high humidity areas then some that humidity is seeping into your home. A dehumidifier will help to remove that excess humidity and get you back to a more comfortable level. The commonly agreed most comfortable humidity level is between thirty and fifty percent. A dehumidifier will get you to those target levels.

Winter Running

Dehumidifiers are meant to be run during the hottest months of the year. This is where the humidity levels and heat have peaked. I know here in Kansas we can see July or August days start out at eighty-five degrees and ninety percent humidity. Winter is a different story though. Running a dehumidifier in winter may not be necessary and if you do run it then you could risk lowering humidity levels too low.

If humidity is too low then this could cause severe dry skin, rashes, sinus trouble, and other issues. I’m sure you have experienced some of these before during the winter season. I get severely dry skin during the cold months. It can get so bad that it cracks open. It can be quite painful. Having a dehumidifier running constantly could result in this exact scenario or it could worsen the symptoms you are already experiencing.

That’s not the worst of it though; a low humidity environment can dry out your respiratory tract which can result in you being more susceptible to colds and the flu. Houses with low humidity will result in inhabitants getting sick more often. All of this could be a recipe for disaster. (Also note that you may end up seeing some of these same problems if you leave your humidifier operating in the same room for an extended period of time. Especially if the room is smaller or closed off.)

This is why in winter, especially, if you are dealing with the symptoms mentioned above that you should consider purchasing a humidifier.

If you want to go that read then I recommend you check out our complete buying guide that I completed earlier this week. The guide goes over every possible question and consideration that should be made before purchasing a dehumidifier.