Understanding Humidity
Humidity is an important aspect of indoor air quality. When air quality in a home is poor, it can lead to poor health. While most people focus on removing particles from the air to improve indoor air quality, no amount of filtration can fix the root problem when high humidity is to blame.
During the summer, humidity in the home will go up. When warm air settles in a region, it can hold more moisture, eventually finding its way into homes. This, coupled with steam-producing activities like cooking and showers, can cause humidity to get out of hand during the summer.
Whole-house dehumidifiers help by reducing the amount of water vapor in the air inside the home. Installing a dehumidifier has benefits like improved health and comfort in the home. Here is a quick guide to help homeowners understand how whole-home dehumidifiers can help the air quality in their homes.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
Dehumidifiers reduce humidity in the air, much like an air conditioner. These devices can be small, portable units that remove humidity in small spaces or be installed in tandem with central air conditioning systems. Whole-house dehumidifiers are obviously the most convenient because they work without hassle to the homeowners and service the entire home.
Whole-home dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and drain it away automatically. In contrast, portable units must be emptied periodically to prevent minor flooding and can only serve a small area, not the entire house.
When to Install a Dehumidifier
High humidity is a major problem in many homes. The most costly way that high humidity affects people is comfort. The ideal humidity for people to feel comfortable is between 40% and 60%. When levels creep higher than this, the air feels warm and damp. This impedes evaporation which also makes sweating less effective at cooling the body. It also reduces the comfort that can be gained from using ceiling fans. The result is typically higher energy bills as members of the family often turn to the thermostat and lower the temperature for relief.
Other signs of high humidity in homes that indicate the need for a dehumidifier include:
- Visible mold growth, especially in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens
- Moldy and musty smells
- Condensation around windows
- Long cycles by the air conditioner
- Inability to feel comfortable even after the air conditioner has run
Dehumidifiers are a great way to combat these problems. For those looking to reduce their cooling bills during the summer, whole-home dehumidifiers are a great choice that can take some burden off an air conditioner.
Benefits of Installing a Dehumidifier
The primary benefit of installing a dehumidifier is greater comfort. Once people understand the signs of high humidity in a home, they won’t be able to ignore it. Rooms feel warm and muggy or cold and clammy. By installing dehumidifiers, homeowners can get complete comfort from reduced moisture in the home and often reduce their energy bills as a result.
Another benefit of dehumidifiers is improving health. The main contributor to mold growth in the home is moisture and high humidity. By removing moisture and reducing high humidity levels, dehumidifiers can prevent mold growth and the adverse health symptoms of mold exposure.
About Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Hancock & Son Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning is a one-stop resource for homeowners experiencing plumbing, heating, and air conditioning issues in Salisbury, MD, and the surrounding areas. They provide honest pricing and personalized service options. Call them today for AC dehumidifier installation and repair in Salisbury, MD.
