ndk@aprilaire.com
Madison, Wis. (July 19, 2004) -- In a just-concluded study by market researcher Harris Interactive, homeowners, as well as those seeking to buy homes, expressed their concern about the effects of excess home humidity and demonstrated a need for effective solutions to remove moisture from – and improve the comfort levels in – the home.
High humidity levels in the home promote harmful household particles, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites, respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and asthma, chemical interactions and ozone productions. In addition, an indoor environment with excess moisture can be uncomfortable – regardless of the temperature.
The study of 2,109 homeowners or soon-to-be homeowners found that:
72 percent of those surveyed said that indications of mold or a musty smell in a home they are considering for purchase would cause them to walk away – no matter how much they like the home.
- 45 percent of the survey panel said they would often turn down the thermostat at night because they are uncomfortable.
- 47 percent said they often turn on the air conditioning to help remove humidity from the home.
- 32 percent of homeowners believe that their homeowners insurance covers damage due to excess moisture. (It’s important to note that most insurance policies do not cover damages related to mold, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In 44 states, mold is excluded unless it is the direct result of a peril that is covered.)
- 27 percent said they would consider purchasing a whole-house dehumidification system over a less expensive portable alternative.
“These study results are significant for a number of reasons. First, homeowners and potential homeowners are aware of and understand the dangers of excess moisture,” said Tom Kraeutler, a 20-year veteran of the home inspection industry and host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program. “Second, we’re seeing that homeowners are using very inefficient means of removing excess moisture from their homes – something that air conditioners are not designed to do. Finally, we’re concerned that too many homeowners believe that moisture related damage is covered by insurance – when most often it isn’t.”
According to Aprilaire, the average family disperses more than six gallons of moisture into their home each day, from simple activities like cooking, bathing and breathing, not to mention moisture that seeps in from external resources. Home need a solution that will keep homes comfortable in an energy efficient method.
“Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners and portable dehumidifiers can’t dehumidify homes effectively or efficiently, but – as this survey shows – homeowners tend to turn down their air conditioners because the humidity makes them uncomfortable,” said Kraeutler. “A new whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire, for example, is an innovative, affordable solution to controlling excess moisture – and it removes up to 90 pints of water from the home each day.”
The Aprilaire Dehumidifier is a whole-home unit that features flexible installation options allowing it to be installed in attics, closets, crawlspaces, garages, and basements. Built in intelligence allows for automatic control (the same “set-it and forget it” technology found in Aprilaire automatic humidifiers), which allows for improved humidity and temperature balance throughout the house.
Methodology
Harris Interactive®, via its QuickQuery(SM) online omnibus, fielded the five question survey on behalf of Aprilaire. The online study sample consisted of 2,109 adults nationwide and was comprised of 1,007 men and 1,102 women – all of whom own homes now or plan to purchase one in the next year.
The data were weighted to be representative of the total U.S. adult population on the basis of region, age within gender, education, household income, race/ethnicity and propensity to be online. Interviewing for the survey was completed during the July 8 – July 12, 2004.
In theory with probability samples of this size one can say with 95% certainty that the sampling error is plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. This online sample was not a probability sample.
Harris Interactive (www.harrisinteractive.com) is a worldwide market research and consulting firm best known for The Harris Poll®, and for pioneering the Internet method to conduct scientifically accurate market research. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, Harris Interactive combines proprietary methodologies and technology with expertise in predictive, custom and strategic research. The Company conducts international research from its U.S. offices and through wholly owned subsidiaries—London-based HI Europe (www.hieurope.com), Paris-based Novatris and Tokyo-based Harris Interactive Japan—as well as through the Harris Interactive Global Network of independent market- and opinion-research firms.
Indoor Environments
