This week’s News brought reports of extensive flooding in South West England, marking yet another devastating episode caused by extreme rainfall and overflowing rivers. For far too many residents, this has become an annual nightmare—a recurring battle against destructive floods. These occurrences are going to become more frequent as our planet warms through climate change as the warming atmosphere holds more moisture, translating into heavier downpours, and so the risk of flooding increases. As well as addressing climate change, we will need better flood defences. But if you are one of the unlucky households that already has been flooded, then in a previous post we have already suggested some recommendations to help. One of these suggestions is to use a dehumidifier. We’d go as far as to say, that this should be a priority. But why are they so important in flooding scenarios?

Why are dehumidifiers useful in flooded homes?

Once all the water has drained away, what is left is dampness, dirt, silt and unhygienic conditions. A dehumidifier can get to work in these conditions to extract excess water or humidity from the air and restore normal humidity. Here is what a dehumidifier will do to help in a flooded home:

Moisture Extraction: Dehumidifiers work by drawing in damp air, passing it over refrigerated coils or through desiccant materials, and extracting moisture from the air, condensing it into water. The captured water is then emptied and the process continues until there is little or no moisture left to extract.

Drying Out Surfaces: Floodwaters leave surfaces, walls, floors, and furniture damp and saturated. Dehumidifiers play a crucial role in drying out these surfaces and restoring them to what they were previously.

Preventing Mould and Mildew: Excessive moisture post-flooding creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew growth. These spores are very harmful to your health and should always be dealt with. By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers actively inhibit mould and mildew formation, mitigating potential health hazards and structural damage.

Improving Air Quality: High humidity levels can compromise indoor air quality, leading to musty smells and potential respiratory issues. Dehumidifiers help restore a healthier indoor environment by removing excess moisture and airborne contaminants.

Protecting Belongings: Efficiently drying out the home with a dehumidifier helps safeguard the belongings and structural integrity of your home. It prevents the warping of wood, deterioration of building materials, and damage to electronic devices caused by prolonged exposure to moisture.

Stopping bugs and insects from inhabiting your home: Some insects such as woodlice, silverfish, centipedes and even cockroaches love damp conditions to thrive. Making your home less friendly to these is another benefit of using a dehumidifier.

Warming your home: while a dehumidifier’s primary purpose is to remove moisture, the process of cooling the air to extract moisture results in a slight temperature increase before the air is released back into the room. This temperature increase is often modest and might not be immediately noticeable but can contribute to a slightly warmer environment in the room over time as the dehumidifier operates.

After a flood, a dehumidifier becomes essential for recovery, and the size and capacity of the unit matter. Get in touch with your nearby dehumidifier hire service, like CAS Hire, for expert guidance in selecting the ideal dehumidifier. Hiring one may make more sense than buying and we will help you choose the right option. CAS Hire is a national company so wherever you are they can help.