Does DampRid Really Provide Protection From Humidity?

We’ve had quite a few clients ask, ”Should I be using DampRid in my unoccupied Florida home?”. In the past, the answer was, “It’s your call—but be careful.” However, we have recently cleaned up two separate DampRid messes—one from a leaking, hanging DampRid bag and another from a cracked DampRid canister in a different home. Neither of these were due to the bag or canister being full. They simply leaked. The bottom line is that our recommendation has officially changed: Skip the DampRid.

Here Is What You Need To Know About DampRid

DampRid doesn’t actually reduce humidity. This product absorbs a small amount of moisture and transfers it into a container that just sits in your home. That container of stagnant liquid can actually add to the problem, not solve it.

This product can create a mold risk when it’s left too long or if it leaks, especially for a car. Imagine the mess and the risk to your car’s interior if a DampRid leaks in your car?

DampRid is only effective in small, enclosed spaces like a closet or a cabinet. It cannot control moisture in an entire home, especially with Florida’s extreme humidity.

Marketing for DampRid can be misleading. Claims like “prevents mold and mildew” may make it seem like a whole-home solution, but it’s not a substitute for proper humidity control.

Your Air Conditioning is the Real MVP for Humidity Control

Your air conditioning (A/C) system is the real hero when it comes to humidity control. Why? It’s designed for Florida’s extremely high humidity and temperatures. A properly functioning A/C system can remove 9 to 22 gallons of moisture per day, far more than any moisture absorber ever could.

Keep in mind that your A/C doesn’t just cool and dehumidify, it keeps air moving, helping to prevent mold-friendly stagnant conditions.

Your A/C system is working 24/7 to keep your home cool and to keep the humidity down. If you’re away for the Summer and you keep the thermostat between 76–78°F, your indoor humidity will typically stay under 60% (ideal is 50%), helping to prevent mold from getting a foothold in your Florida home.

If you have a Smart thermostat, that will help too. These devices allow you to monitor and control your home’s temperature from anywhere in the world with internet access. You can also get alerts when either the temperature or humidity go out of range.

Additional Ways To Protect Your Florida Home From Humitity

There are a number of other actions that you can take to protect your Florida home from excessive humidity and from mold.

First, make sure that your A/C system gets regular maintenance. In Florida, the condensation lines are prone to stoppage, which will cause the A/C system to cease operation (until the stoppage is removed).

Keep your ceiling fans running at a low speed when you’re away. The air circulation will help reduce the ability for mold spores to start growing.

Check your window and door seals. Leaky seals allow warm, humid air in and make your A/C system work harder.

If your garage is not cooled, consider a fan or dehumidifier with a drain hose to help keep the air circulating and the humidity down.

Finally, for vehicles parked in a garage for the Summer, clean the interior, close the windows, and push the ‘recir’ button on your car’s HVAC system before you depart. All of these items will help reduce the ability of the mold spores that would love to grow on your leather seats.

TE Reliable Home Service Can Help with Humidity Control

TE Reliable can help make sure that your Florida home does not have an ugly surprise for your when you return to Florida in the Fall. We can provide Home Watch Services to keep track of your home’s condition. If your A/C system fails, the interior temperature can get into the 90’s within 24-48 hours. We can also advise you on humidity mitigation opportunities in your home. As the saying goes, ‘an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure’. Call us at 941.313.2254 or send us a Contact Request by clicking here.