How Well Does a Dehumidifier Help with Allergies?

Struggle with allergies? In this post, we’ll dive into the question of, “Does a dehumidifier help with allergies?” and if it could be a smart addition to your allergy self-care and management toolkit.

You’re not alone if your eyes, nose, and throat are constantly at war this season (and you’ve counted more tissues than daffodils). Millions of people cope with seasonal allergies yearly as pollen counts soar. 

When your sinuses feel stuffed up, and breathing is a struggle, it’s understandable to feel frustrated and want real solutions. After trying multiple medications with only minor relief, you may be wondering – can running a dehumidifier help alleviate my symptoms?

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Understanding Indoor Allergens & When a Dehumidifier May Help

Excess moisture in the air can make allergens stickier and more likely to stay put. 

A few examples:

• Dust mites, tiny bugs that thrive in humid environments, worsen allergy symptoms. Mites feed on human skin flakes found in dust. Increased humidity makes their populations explode. 
• Mold spores need moisture to grow (usually >68% relative humidity). They are released into the air and cause allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Pet dander is another source of indoor allergies. It consists of tiny, often microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers. These particles can cling to bedding, carpet, and furniture and contribute to allergic responses. 

The best way to control water vapor is by using a dehumidifier that pulls water from the air, which hampers the allergens’ ability to grow. While a dehumidifier may not entirely cure your allergies, reducing the indoor allergens you’re exposed to may make a meaningful difference.

Keeping the indoor air dry (through humidity control) is vital. <source> <source>

The Role of Relative Humidity in Allergies

Humidity, the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air, is measured in terms of Relative Humidity (RH) and shown as a percentage. More specifically, RH is the amount of water vapor present in the air compared to the greatest amount of water vapor the air can hold at that temperature.  

The air’s moisture changes with temperature; warm air holds more moisture than cold air. 

Too much humidity can make our homes a breeding ground for allergens. This means allergy sufferers may face more symptoms. 

Keeping humidity levels in check is essential; you want to aim for a sweet spot. You can have watery eyes or dry skin when RH is too low. Too high, and you might trigger mold growth or increase dust mites. This can cause itchy eyes and worsen your symptoms.

A dehumidifier helps by pulling water from the air. It lowers the water vapor and keeps humidity levels at the proper percentage. When you manage this balance, allergy sufferers may see fewer symptoms, possibly making relaxing and enjoying your space more accessible.

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How Dehumidifiers May Help Allergies – 3 Ways

Dust mites and mold thrive in damp environments, making allergies worse. The tiny bugs burrow into mattresses and pillows. Mold spores float. It’s a recipe for itchy eyes and relentless sneezes.

Keeping an indoor RH of less than 51% during the humid summer in a temperate climate may significantly reduce mite and allergen levels. <source>

A home dehumidifier monitors the air. When too much moisture lurks around, the dehumidifier pulls water from the air, keeping the indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% by collecting water droplets inside a cool coil. Then, it stores the droplets in a tank or drains them away. 

This process keeps humidity levels dry enough to discourage the growth of mold and dust mites from settling, making it the ideal range to help alleviate allergy symptoms. 

By reducing excess humidity, it becomes tougher for allergens to survive. 

As a side note, consider all relevant outcomes when answering the query, “Does a dehumidifier help with allergies?”

For example, removing the excessive moisture may help you get a better night’s sleep. Dehumidifiers can also protect your crawl space. 

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Choosing the Best Dehumidifier

When you want to buy a dehumidifier, it’s not just about buying any random unit. 

Understanding square footage is crucial. 

A dehumidifier’s capacity is measured in square feet and depends on how much space it can cover. Check product descriptions for this information.

Choose a dehumidifier that matches the size of the space needed. Otherwise, it won’t be effective in maintaining the optimal humidity levels.

• Small rooms work best with compact dehumidifiers. They’re easier to move and fit snugly in tight corners. 
• Large spaces need more power. 
• A whole-house dehumidifier integrates with an HVAC system. It controls moisture levels throughout an entire large home.
• A portable dehumidifier may be the best choice in a small apartment. 

It’s also essential to look for key features, too.

A built-in hygrometer measures the humidity and shows how much work the dehumidifier requires. Some models have a desiccant rotor; others use compressors.

• A desiccant dehumidifier often works quieter. 
• Compressor-based models are typically more robust. They’re better for higher humidity levels.

Each space demands a particular type.

Dehumidifiers Vs. Air Conditioners When Asking: Does a Dehumidifier Help with Allergies?

An air conditioner offers a different benefit: it reduces indoor temperatures.

Cooler air holds less moisture, but air conditioners don’t tackle allergens directly. Yet, they do bring a feeling of fresh, cool air and can ease the stuffiness in a living space.

Dehumidifiers are the primary defense against excess humidity. They powerfully extract water vapor, keeping humidity levels in check. Less moisture means fewer dust mites and mold growth, translating to fewer allergic reactions and better sleep at night. Dehumidifiers don’t filter out allergens, but by attacking the moisture, they strike at the source of the problem.

Depending on where you live, you may want to apply a combination approach.

• Running your air conditioner can keep the air cooler and your windows closed (thus keeping additional allergens out).
• Using an air purifier may provide another way to reduce airborne allergens.
• The dehumidifier keeps spaces dry and discourages allergen proliferation.

This tandem works best to maintain quality indoor air and avoid allergy symptoms.

Additional Allergy Relief Strategies

Allergies can disrupt life. Using a dehumidifier can be a game-changer for tackling the high humidity that dust mites and mold love.

But that shouldn’t be the only weapon in your arsenal against allergies. Complementary strategies to reduce allergies include:

• High-Quality HEPA Air Purifiers: These devices capture the tiniest particles, including pollen, pet dander, and smoke.
• Washing Bedroom Fabrics Frequently: Wash blankets and comforters in hot water weekly.
• HEPA Vacuum Cleaners: These keep rugs and carpets from harboring allergens and can help reduce that stuffy nose feeling.
• Clutter Elimination (decluttering): Piles of clothes and stacks of papers trap dust. So, declutter regularly to minimize places for allergens to hide.

The related posts below show you more about allergies and management strategies.

Related Posts

• How to Stop Snoring and Sleep Apnea When Allergies Cause Snoring
• Allergies and Heart Rate: Self-care to Reduce Your Disease Risk
• Can You Get a Stye From Allergies? Yes & How to Treat
• Can Allergies Cause Dry Eyes? Yes & Here’s Treatment!
• 3 Simple Ways How to Treat Hearing Loss Due to Allergies
• What To Do For Dry Mouth Caused By Allergies
• Allergies Cause High Blood Pressure: How to Lower Your Risk

Fostering the Right Combination Indoors

The right humidity level can make a huge difference. It’s critical for our comfort and our health.

Dry air can irritate your skin and respiratory system. But too much moisture? That’s a whole other problem. Dust mites and mold thrive in those conditions. That’s where a dehumidifier swoops in to remove excess moisture from your air. Keeping the humidity in check means fewer allergens, which equals fewer allergies. 

But when answering the question, “Does a dehumidifier help with allergies?” it’s not just about buying a dehumidifier.

It’s about finding the right strategies for your space and your symptoms. 

Some allergy sufferers might also need an air purifier. Others might find their HVAC system does enough. It’s about your needs and space, so aim for that sweet spot. Good indoor air quality equals a better, healthier life.

Despite the challenges, you can take concrete steps to improve your indoor air.

Remember, combining strategies may work best. It’s not just about how much humidity is in the air. It’s also about keeping your living space clean and free from allergen accumulations. That way, you can truly breathe easier.

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