You know that sticky feeling you get when you walk outside on a humid day? You should never feel that way when you’re in your home.
A properly functioning air conditioning system and a dehumidifier are the keys to reducing humidity in your home.
Let’s look at what a dehumidifier does and how it works.
What’s the Problem With Having High Humidity in Your Home?
High humidity is one of the leading causes of mold and mildew growth in your home.
In addition to high humidity causing unsafe indoor air quality, it can also make your home feel warmer than it is, causing you to crank up the AC and drive up your cooling costs. This can also cause your air conditioner to work harder and fail sooner.
A dehumidifier can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air and increase the comfort level of your home.
How Can I Tell That My Home Has High Humidity?
In addition to feeling that sticky, heavy air, you can look for these signs that your indoor humidity is too high:
- Mold or mildew in the bathroom
- Condensation on windows in the winter
- Peeling or cracking paint on interior or exterior finishes
- Rotting wood in your home
- Mold growth on the ceiling
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, indoor humidity levels should stay between 30% and 50%. You can find humidity gauges at your local home improvement store to check your home’s exact humidity level.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
All dehumidifiers work by using a fan. A dehumidifier pulls in the moist air from the home and runs it over cold coils or an evaporator to condense the moisture out of the air and collect it in a drip tray.
The dehumidifier uses a condenser coil to bring the air back to room temperature, and a fan blows it back into the room.
How Can I Balance My Home’s Humidity Level?
If your home’s AC is working properly, it should ensure you have acceptable humidity levels in your home. It’s important to perform preventative air conditioner maintenance to detect any issues that might make it less effective.
A whole-home dehumidifier can be a great option for homes with humidity issues. This system will monitor your home’s humidity levels and turn on a dehumidifier as needed.
Whole-Home vs. Portable Dehumidifiers
Whole-house dehumidifiers can be more effective and efficient than single-room dehumidifiers. This is a permanent and separate system from your AC, and you should talk to an HVAC professional before investing in a whole-home dehumidifier.
Portable room dehumidifiers are single units that can be easily set up and moved from room to room as needed. On the downside, these units are often a bit noisy and unsightly, and the condensation pan that collects the water from the air will need to be emptied frequently.
Choose Russo Bros. & Co. for Whole-Home Dehumidifier Installation
Controlling your home’s humidity isn’t just about comfort — it’s about maintaining healthy indoor air quality in your home. Russo Bros. has helped New Jersey homeowners tackle humidity issues in their homes for over 70 years. Contact us today for dehumidifier services.Â
Call us or contact us online for all your AC repair, maintenance, installation, and replacement needs.Â
