When your indoor air is too humid, it can cause all sorts of problems. Having a whole-home dehumidifier installed can help prevent issues such as mold and mildew growth. Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air can take care of the installation and any repairs necessary to make sure you and your family stay comfortable. In this short guide, we will go over some of the benefits of having a dehumidifier in your home.
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How a Whole-Home Dehumidifier Works
Whole-home dehumidifiers can work in different ways. Some models are directly attached to your HVAC system. Other models are portable but big enough to dehumidify most of your home at once. Both options allow you to set the humidity level that you want to maintain.
Portable units are convenient in that you can move them. However, you have to empty them frequently, and they take up floor space. They often do not work as efficiently as humidifiers attached to your HVAC system.
A whole-home dehumidifier that is attached to your air ducts operates automatically and helps extend the life of your HVAC system as well as improve your indoor air quality. This unit will collect moisture in a reservoir before draining it away from your HVAC unit. You don’t have to worry about constantly emptying the tank, as with portable models.
A whole-home dehumidifier lowers the humidity level without dramatically changing the temperature of the air. You can still use your furnace and air conditioner as needed. The whisper-quiet function of a whole-house unit is convenient. This type of model is also more durable and can last between 8 and 15 years when properly maintained.
You can test what your relative humidity levels are in your home by using a hygrometer. Ideally, humidity should be between 30% and 50%. Humidity is affected by things like weather, air circulation, and more.
Routine Dehumidifier Maintenance
In order to keep your whole-home dehumidifier working properly, you must schedule periodic maintenance. Our professionals can come inspect your unit for any signs of damage or malfunction. We also make sure the condensate drain is working and not allowing water to reenter your HVAC system. Sometimes your water collection reservoir will need to be cleaned to prevent bacteria and mold from growing.
Size of Your Unit
If you have a dehumidifier that is too big, it can make your air too dry, which causes other problems. If it is too small, then it won’t be sufficient for your needs. A professional will determine the appropriate size dehumidifier for your home by considering several factors, such as:
- Size of your home
- Number of people
- Number of doors and windows
- Number of bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Energy efficiency
How Dehumidifiers Benefit Your Indoor Air
They Reduce Dust, Mold, Mildew, and Other Allergens
Dust is one of the most common allergens in the home. High humidity levels can make this problem worse by allowing dust mites to thrive. Having a dehumidifier installed in your HVAC system can help cut down on the amount of dust that circulates around your home.
Another common issue with having higher humidity levels is mold and mildew growth. If you notice a funky smell in your home or your allergies flare up, mold and mildew may be to blame. Mold and mildew love humidity and thrive in places such as basements and bathrooms. When you have a whole-home dehumidifier, it can help prevent the growth and spread of mold, which will help you breathe better.
Excessive humidity can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, or other chronic respiratory problems by increasing phlegm production and making breathing harder.
Reduce Musty Odors
Dehumidifiers assist in getting rid of musty odors from your air by taking out extra moisture from spaces like your basement. This helps your air smell cleaner and fresher.
Improve Comfort
Having high humidity can often make you feel uncomfortable, especially on those hot summer days. When the humidity levels are above 50% in your home, the heat can weigh you down and feel oppressive. Dehumidifiers will help you feel more comfortable and cooler. It is important to keep your humidity levels between 30% and 50% for optimal benefits. This keeps the air from being too dry as well, which can lead to issues like dry, itchy skin.
Clean Up Flooding
In the event of flooding in your area, owning a dehumidifier can ease the cleanup process. It will help contain the excess water that is in the air, so you can dry out your belongings faster.
Prevent Condensation
If you have too much humidity in your home, it can cause condensation to form on your walls and windows. Over time, this can cause paint to peel, mold to grow, and the structural integrity of your home to weaken. Having a whole-home dehumidifier can help prevent condensation from forming inside, which will in turn protect your home.
Reduce Costs
By installing a whole-home dehumidifier, you may be able to help your HVAC equipment last longer. This saves you money on repairs. Having a dehumidifier also helps remove excess water from your air and helps your air conditioning equipment work more efficiently, saving you money on your electric bills.
Dry Clothes Faster
If you like to hang up your clothes inside to dry, having lower humidity may help them dry faster.
Reduce Pests
Lower humidity can also reduce the a number of bugs, like cockroaches and spiders, that you have in your home. This is because most bugs thrive in hot, humid environments.
Protect Your Items
High humidity can damage your books, photos, and antiques. In order to prevent this damage, use a dehumidifier to lessen the chance of fungus, mold, and dust mites ruining your possessions.
Protecting Your HVAC Equipment
When you have both a furnace and air conditioner in your home, there is a certain degree of wear and tear that will take place with ongoing use. If too much moisture is present in these units, their interior components can malfunction and break prematurely. While routine maintenance can address these issues, you may be looking at a short life span for your unit or decreased efficiency.
Professional Dehumidifier Services in Idaho
For more than ten years, Magic Electric, Plumbing, Heating + Air has provided high-quality HVAC services to Jerome and Twin Falls. We can help with the installation of whole-home dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and air conditioning units to help keep you cool and comfortable. We also offer routine maintenance services and can install furnaces and heat pumps. Besides HVAC service, we also take care of all of your plumbing and electrical needs.
