How Dehumidifiers Work




When storms strike, and heavy rains fall, humidity increases, and the ground can become swollen with water. And that means the humidity in your home can go up, especially in the basement. Add a lack of light, and you have a perfect scenario for mold growth.


Having a water-tight home to fight this would be best, but that’s virtually impossible. But there are ways to waterproof your home — to some degree — but you can always work to reduce the humidity.


That’s where dehumidifiers come into play. They are small appliances (the pros use large commercial units) designed to reduce humidity in the air by removing excess moisture. They are invaluable units to have on hand. Using them improves comfort and prevents serious issues such as mold growth, musty odors, and possible damage to surfaces caused by increased humidity.


How they work


The first is the air intake. Dehumidifiers draw in air with a fan and pass that moisture-laden air through a filter to remove dust and particulates. Then once the air is inside the unit, it meets cooling coils that are colder than the dew point temperature of the ambient air. When this happens, the moisture in the air condenses into water droplets on the waves.


From there, these droplets end up in a drip pan or tank at the bottom of the dehumidifier. Some of these are small, others larger. Some fill up and must be drained regularly, while others have a hose that allows the water to drain out, such as into a sump pump basin. More expensive options include a pump draining into a floor drain, sink, or other receptacle.


As all this happens, heat is lost in the condensation process while the air passes through the cooling coils, and the now dry and cooler air is put back into the room. The cycle continues, and most units have a monitor to tell you the humidity level, but if not, you can use a simple gauge to see the progress. And some can be set to a specific humidity control setting. There are different types of dehumidifiers, with the refrigerant type being the most common.


But even with all your moisture control efforts, the unthinkable sometimes happens. Water intrudes, musty odors occur, and mold can grow. Be sure to contact your favorite restoration company with any questions or concerns. They are there for you. After all, it pays to call a pro!

How Wind Works


Wind, that invisible force that rustles leaves, fills sails, shapes landscapes, and more, is a fascinating natural phenomenon. Have you ever wondered how wind forms and develops?


At its core, wind is the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. You could say that the sun is to blame for wind as air movement is primarily influenced by the sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface. When sunlight strikes the Earth, different surfaces absorb and radiate heat at varying rates. This creates temperature differences, leading to differences in air pressure. This leads to wind.


How it works


As the sun warms the Earth's surface, the air above it also warms up. Warm air is lighter and less dense than cool air, causing it to rise, a current. This upward movement creates a region of low pressure at the ground's surface. So, in areas where the air cools, it becomes denser and sinks, creating high pressure areas.


The movement of air from high-pressure to low-pressure regions generates wind. Air moves horizontally from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure to balance out the differences in pressure. This movement is known as atmospheric circulation.


However, wind patterns are not solely dictated by temperature differences. Other factors, such as the rotation of the Earth and the Earth's topography, play roles in shaping wind patterns.


You might wonder about wind currents, such as in the United States. It’s about the rotation of the Earth. Northern Hemisphere, the deflection causes air to curve to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it curves to the left. This deflection influences the direction of winds, contributing to wind patterns.


On a smaller scale, landscapes such as mountains, valleys, and bodies of water can impact wind patterns. Mountains, for example, can obstruct air flow, causing it to rise and create localized areas of low pressure. Then on the other side, air descends, creating areas of high pressure and often resulting in drier, warmer conditions.


Wind is an integral part of storms. Whether a hurricane, tornado, or strong winds from a thunderstorm, wind is impressive and has a lot of power.






Wind at times turns into your enemy. When that happens and your home is damaged, do the right thing. Call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

How Sump Pumps Work


Sump pumps are crucial in safeguarding homes from water damage, especially in areas prone to flooding or excessive moisture. These devices are designed to efficiently remove water accumulating in basements or crawl spaces, preventing costly damage and potential health hazards.


At its core, a sump pump is a mechanical device that sits in a specially constructed pit, known also as a sump pit or sump basin, usually located in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space. The primary function of the sump pump is to pump out water that collects in this pit.


This is where it gets interesting, because if any of this fails you, then you could have a flooded basement and thousands of dollars in damages.


How it all works and what you should know


When water enters the sump pit, it triggers a float switch or pressure sensor, depending on the type of pump. These mechanisms activate the pump when the water reaches a certain level, signaling the need for action. Once activated, the sump pump uses an electric motor to power an impeller or propeller, which spins rapidly, creating a centrifugal force.


As the impeller spins, it creates a low-pressure area at its center, causing water to be drawn into the pump through an intake valve or suction pipe. The water is then accelerated and expelled from the pump through a discharge pipe, which directs it away from the house to a designated drainage area, such as a storm sewer or a dry well.


Some sump pumps have additional features to enhance their functionality and reliability. For instance, some models come with a backup power source, such as a battery or generator, to ensure continued operation during power outages when water damage risks are often higher. And some have a check valve system to keep water from flowing back into the pit.


Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance of a sump pump. It is recommended to inspect the pump periodically, checking for any signs of damage or debris that may impede its operation. Testing the pump by pouring water into the sump pit can also help verify that it activates and pumps out water as intended.


If the unthinkable does happen and your home is damaged by water from a failed sump pump — or from other water intrusions — then it is time to call in your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro!