Understanding Humidity
Humidity is something that most people deal with when there’s either too much of it or too little. The word itself is used to describe the amount of water vapor that is present in the atmosphere. Low humidity levels are often a concern in the cold winter months, causing the air to feel dry because of a lack of moisture.
The opposite can also happen - high humidity levels peak in the summer months when the high temperatures cause water to evaporate and hang in the air as water vapor. This becomes a problem because oversaturated air with water vapor prevents more water from evaporating, leaving people with sticky skin coated in sweat that doesn’t dissipate. While not much can be done about this outdoors, homeowners thankfully have the option to do something about this problem within their indoor comfort zones through a whole-home dehumidifier.
What’s a Dehumidifier and What Does It Do?
As its name implies, a whole-house dehumidifier decreases humidity in the air by removing excess water vapor. A series of coils in this machine is cooled by refrigerants, which is what humid air first encounters when it gets sucked into the dehumidifier. As humid air passes through these cooled coils, the water vapor in the air condenses back into liquid form and is collected in a tray or tank within the system. The dehumidified air is then allowed to pass through a final set of coils that warms the air before being blown back into the room.
How To Tell When Your Home Needs a Dehumidifier
While most homeowners may benefit from using a dehumidifier in their homes during the summer season, some houses are especially prone to high humidity levels and require a dehumidifier installation. Some signs that a home needs to be dehumidified include:
- Water forming inside window glass - this is called condensation and is an indication that there is excess water vapor in the air. The excess water vapor is responsible for the presence of condensed water as it hits the cooler surface of the glass.
- Musty smell - a musty smell could be because too much water is collecting in soft, porous surfaces like carpets or upholstery and is not being allowed to escape through evaporation.
- Presence of mold - unchecked, condensation could allow fungal growth such as mold to take root and cause all sorts of problems at home.
The Dehumidifier Advantage
Homeowners can’t go wrong with installing a dehumidifier to combat high humidity levels this summer. Aside from the fact that these nifty machines improve indoor air comfort by eliminating the sticky, stuffy, suffocating feeling that comes with excess water vapor in the air, they also do wonders for asthma and allergy sufferers since dehumidifiers are also able to minimize dirt, dust and other allergens that irritate the airways. Dehumidifiers are also effective at preventing the growth of mold, which in turn creates a healthy atmosphere at home.
About Chad’s AC Direct
Chad’s AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.
