Dealing with Humidity in the Home
Local weather conditions during the summer make humidity more favorable, but when it creeps into our homes, the heat can be unbearable. Without being able to escape from the heat and humidity, homeowners can begin to hate summer.
High humidity is the result of moisture evaporating into the air. Coincidentally, sweating relies on evaporation to cool the body. When the air is already laden with atmospheric humidity, sweating is less efficient, and people feel warmer than they are. Luckily, dealing with high humidity levels in the home is easy with whole-home dehumidifiers.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
A dehumidifier works by blowing air across a cold coil. If this sounds familiar, it's because an air conditioner works similarly. This main difference is that an AC’s coil gets much colder. Dehumidifiers only slightly chill the coil to the point that they effectively remove moisture without using up too much energy.
Whole-home dehumidifiers are superior to portable units because they work hand-in-hand with air conditioning equipment to keep the home comfortable. Instead of tripping over a portable unit and constantly emptying the collection bucket, whole-home dehumidifiers are installed automatically in out-of-the-way places and drain condensate.
With less moisture in the air, evaporation, and by extension sweating, becomes more effective at cooling the body. Since the body is constantly sweating, even without people noticing, the body can stay cooler. This allows homeowners to turn up the thermostat without sacrificing comfort.
When Does a Home Need a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers may not be necessary in every home. If a home is newly built and constructed to the highest home-building standards, it may be sealed well enough to prevent too much moisture from migrating indoors. The air conditioner will handle the little moisture that does make it inside. However, more homes need dehumidifiers than do not, so knowing the signs that a dehumidifier is necessary can be helpful. Some of the signs are:
- 40-60% humidity levels according to hygrometers
- Musty odors
- Mold growth
- Condensation
- Stubborn odors
- Discomfort
- High utility bills
If these signs are present, then a dehumidifier may be a good investment.
Benefits of Drier Air
Most people can immediately recognize the main benefit of drier air. For locals, the humidity during the summer is no secret, so it is easy to see that the main benefit of a dehumidifier is comfort. However, the benefits don’t end there. For starters, dehumidifiers can save homeowners money during the summer.
Saving money with dehumidifiers is easy. When the humidity levels in the home are under control, the thermostat can be set higher. The air conditioner will run less often when the thermostat is set higher. While the temperature in the home is high, the lower humidity will make the space much more comfortable.
As a secondary benefit, controlled humidity will protect the healthfulness of the air in the home. When humidity is allowed to creep up, moisture fuels the growth of allergens like mold and mildew. By lowering the humidity, homeowners can experience better health outcomes.
About Chad's AC Direct
Chad's AC Direct helps home and business owners overcome humidity problems with dehumidifier installation. They offer competitive pricing and easy financing options. Call today to schedule a dehumidifier installation service in Montgomery, AL.
