Every home has different humidity levels. The moisture in the area varies by region, by home type, and even by the number of trees planted in the yard. Unfortunately, homes in some areas are prone to high humidity levels more than others.
If you live in an area where the air is moist and heavy, you may want to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. Learn more about dehumidifiers and what they mean for your air quality.
What is a whole-house dehumidifier?
A whole-home dehumidifier pulls moisture from throughout your house, reducing the humidity levels so you can feel more comfortable. The dehumidifier works by filtering air and cooling it, creating condensation. The condensation drips down into a pan or through a series of pipes that push the water out of your house. The dehumidifier then releases the drier air back into your home.
Most people set up their dehumidifiers in their crawl spaces. The system will collect pints of moisture and then pump it out of the house through a hose. Many homeowners don’t even hear or see their dehumidifier throughout the day. You can also control the humidity in your home with a thermostat, just like your HVAC system.
You have the option of investing in portable dehumidifiers if you have a small space. However, a whole-house dehumidifier is made to remove moisture from the entire home, not just from one or two rooms.
A whole-house dehumidifier can reduce allergens.
While a dehumidifier works to remove excess humidity from your space, you may find that your whole-house dehumidifier has other benefits for you and your family. Allergens like dust mites and pollen travel through the thick air. They can float through your home and trigger allergies in vulnerable family members. If you currently do everything in your power to keep your home clean but are still sensitive to dust mites and allergies, then you might have a bigger issue than cleanliness. You may need to adjust your humidity.
Additionally, mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture. If you notice musty odors coming from various corners of your home, your humidity levels could be the culprit. Not only can mold growth ruin your furniture and eat your walls, but it can also worsen asthma symptoms in those who have trouble breathing. Investing in dry air means choosing healthy air as a homeowner.
Even if you don’t have a mold problem now, humidity in the air can cause it to grow in only a few days. This is why most people in areas of high humidity need a dehumidifier.
Your HVAC system can’t handle the work alone.
Most people think their air conditioner will take care of the humidity levels on its own. While HVAC systems can remove some moisture, it’s hard to set dedicated relative humidity levels within your unit. Plus, if you live in a humid climate, your air conditioner might not be able to pull out pints of water from the air each day. You can wear your air conditioner down and eventually cause it to break prematurely.
The only way to take control of your indoor humidity and moisture levels is with a whole house dehumidifier, which can create dry air that keeps you comfortable. The initial cost of a dehumidifier is worth it when it extends the life of your HVAC system and makes your whole house feel comfortable.
A portable dehumidifier or HVAC system can remove some water from the air, but it can’t eliminate the pints of moisture you have throughout your whole house. A dehumidifier is the preferred method to control your relative humidity and ensure your home has dry air.
