Here in Eastern North Carolina, humidity levels are high throughout much of the year. But because warm air holds more moisture than cool air, humidity-related problems tend to develop in the spring and worsen over the summer months, when outdoor levels peak. This makes spring the ideal time to learn about the advantages of purchasing a dehumidifier if you have a moisture problem.
Why You Might Need a Dehumidifier
Your heat pump or air conditioner draws moisture from the air during the cooling process, but it can get overwhelmed when humidity levels are high. Struggling to cope with that extra moisture increases your cooling equipment’s workload and your energy bills. Your overwhelmed equipment also won’t cool as effectively, which can leave your home feeling too warm and sticky regardless of the thermostat’s temperature setting. Other problems can develop too, such as:
- Mold, mildew and musty odors
- Flourishing dust mites colonies
- Worsening symptoms for those suffering with asthma, allergies and respiratory conditions
- Warping and cracking of wood furniture, floors, and trim
- Damage to personal belongings
How Dehumidifiers Dry the Air
A whole house dehumidifier that’s integrated into your HVAC system can make controlling humidity effortless. You simply set a desired humidity range on the humidistat or your thermostat, and the unit cycles on and off automatically.
- As moisture-laden air moves through the HVAC system, it’s drawn across the dehumidifier coil, which condenses excess humidity into water.
- Extracted water travels through the system’s condensate drain and gets expelled outdoors.
- Your dehumidified air then gets cooled and sent out through the HVAC system’s supply ducts.
Advantages of Owning a Dehumidifier
Keeping indoor humidity in check can give you a more comfortable home and healthier air quality. It will also protect your home’s finishes, your belongings and furniture from moisture damage. Running a dehumidifier will lessen the workload on your HVAC system as well, which can help prolong its lifespan. And because dehumidified air feels cooler, you can save energy by increasing your usual thermostat setting several degrees without sacrificing comfort.
To learn more about the benefits of having a dehumidifier installed this spring, contact us today at Jackson & Sons.
