Dehumidifiers & FAQ 

Why isn't an air filter effective against dust mites and mold? Air filters are only effective on particles suspended in the air. The dust mite allergen is relatively large and dense compared to other particles, therefore, it does not stay airborne for a sufficient amount of time to travel a significant distance or through ductwork. Direct contact with these allergens in their breeding grounds is how individuals are exposed to them in the home. This is unaffected by air filtration devices. Effective dehumidification is very helpful in controlling dust mite populations.

Why is 50 percent relative humidity so critical? The survival of adult dust mites is limited to 4 to 11 days in relative humidities below 50 percent. Dust mites in the protonymph stage, however, can survive in this dormant larval stage for several months waiting for high humidity conditions to return. Mold and mildew growth occur when there is a consistant humidity level of 60% or higher.

What about running smaller dehumidifiers in just the bedroom? A recent study showed that providing dehumidification to a single bedroom did not significantly reduce the humidity or the allergen levels present in the bedroom. The humidity from the rest of the house will overwhelm the efforts to dehumidify a single room. Smaller portable units do not even begin to compare to the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the Horizon Dehumidifier. 

How will the added heat affect my air conditioner? Because the moisture load has been removed from the air conditioner, it is able to cool the air more efficiently. Homes that maintain lower relative humidity are more comfortable, and require less cooling. The tendency is to set the thermostat at 78 to 80 degrees rather than 72 degrees.

Doesn't adding fresh air ventilation increase my air-conditioning costs? An increase in the amount of ventilation will increase the energy costs required to condition the fresh air to indoor levels. It is important to understand that some ventilation is occurring all the time. This is called natural ventilation. The actual increase in the overall rate and, in turn, the increase in utility costs is normally not significant.

How large an area can one unit handle? Horizon Vert dehumidifiers will maintain relative humidity levels below 50 percent in air-conditioned structures up to 3000 square feet, even if there is more than one air conditioning system. A Horizon 50 Crawl Space Dehumidifier will maintain humidity in a 24" crawl space up to 3500 SF.

Is it true that the Horizon 50 is the most efficient dehumidifier available ? Yes, at only 4.2 amps, it is the most powerful, and most efficient when compared to any other in it's class.

How does Horizon compare to other brands? Click here to see the results.

Which Dehumidifier should I choose ?