An air dehumidifier can do wonders for a Florida home. With outdoor humidity levels averaging around 75%, we could use a break from the sticky, warm air, and these machines certainly do the trick.
But it’s not all about comfort. Indoor humidity also plays a vital role in health and safety within the household. Not to mention, reducing the moisture in the air throughout your home can save you money on energy bills- Now, do we have your attention?
If so, continue reading as Veterans AC & Heat walks you through all the benefits of owning an air dehumidifier and how to know if your home needs one.
Why is High Indoor Humidity an Issue?
To say the least, high humidity levels are uncomfortable. However, excessive humidity can be quite dangerous for your home and family members. Not only are you dealing with damp linens and frizzy hair, but the effects get much more alarming:
- Growth of mold and mildew
- Irritated allergies
- Increased pest infestations
- Unpleasant odor
- Higher energy bills
What is an Air Dehumidifier?
An air dehumidifier creates a more comfortable and healthier space for you and your family to thrive. It does this by reducing the moisture of indoor air. And for this reason, an air dehumidifier is the perfect solution to your sticky and damp home environment.
How it Works
To best picture the process, imagine the water cycle- evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.
First, the warm, moist air inside your home passes through a vent on the air dehumidifier. Next, it passes over the refrigerated coils, which cool and condense the air into a liquid. Then, the fluid collects in a storage tank. And as a result, cool and dry air is pushed out into the room.
It’s pretty simple, right?
The Benefits of Having an Air Dehumidifier in Your Home
Beyond added comfort, there are numerous benefits to owning an air dehumidifier. Whether your home is in dire need of one or not, having this appliance can still make for a healthier and safer living environment.
In the following paragraphs, we discuss how air dehumidifiers can impact your safety, comfort, and health.
Safety First
Investing in an air dehumidifier may save your home. High humidity levels can lead to the deterioration of your house’s structure. More specifically, moisture causes wood to rot and metals to rust and become brittle. And if you happen to have children or pets running around your home, exposed rust can be a danger.
Plus, damp environments welcome pesky critters. The following insects are especially attracted to these conditions:
- Ants
- Beetles
- Silverfish
- Termites
Comfortable Living
When indoor humidity levels drop below or rise above the optimal range, you and your household members are more than likely experiencing discomfort in the home. Thick, moist air causes the temperature inside to feel significantly warmer than what the thermostat may be reporting. And in turn, you crank the AC up, hoping for relief.
However, a warm and sticky environment is not the only unpleasant effect. Pungent odors from sweaty workout clothes or family pets get trapped in moist air. Additionally, these scents are intensified as they are carried by water particles.
There’s no need to worry, though, because an air dehumidifier eliminates the excessive moisture in the air. And as a result, unwanted smells are reduced. Plus, the air dehumidifier will produce crisp and cool air for a more suitable environment.
Healthy Household
By far, the most notable benefit to owning an air dehumidifier is the impact it can have on your health. Excessive humidity can make it difficult to breathe, which is a major issue for those who have a preexisting respiratory illness or common allergies. With an air dehumidifier, you are surrounded by clear and breathable air.
Moreover, mold and dust plaguing your home environment can make you and your family ill. If you’ve been experiencing persistent cold-like symptoms that haven’t subsided after some doctor visits, the culprit may very well be high humidity. In fact, the growth of mold and mildew are not possible without moist conditions.
Invest in an air dehumidifier to save yourself the trouble and avoid mold and mildew growth.
Do You Need an Air Dehumidifier?
Humidity levels indoors should typically fall between 30% and 50%. In other words, if the percentage drops below 30%, your home will be dry and chilly. And if the level rises above 50%, you can expect your home to be quite toasty and damp. In this case, you may want to consider purchasing an air dehumidifier.
For homes in the south, regulating indoor moisture levels is especially relevant. This is because outdoor humidity is higher in the southern states, particularly Florida. However, even some lifetime sunshine state residents are unaware of how indoor humidity impacts their comfort and health.
What Signs Indicate the Need for an Air Dehumidifier?
In Your Home:
- Increase in pests, like silverfish
- A musky, unpleasant odor
- Mold or mildew growth
- Condensation on the inside of walls or windows
- Water stains on walls or ceiling
In Your Health:
- Wheezing, coughing, chest pain, and other respiratory issues
- Irritation to the skin and eyes
- Stuffy nose
- Agitated asthma symptoms
- Prolonged allergy symptoms
But Wait, There’s More!
We could carry on and on about the benefits of owning a dehumidifier. Not only does it improve your health, comfort, and safety in your home, but it is easy to use and affordable. And the best part is, you’ll see some dollar signs knocked off your energy bills.
Can it get any better?
If you aren’t yet convinced, read on to discover how the air dehumidifier can further benefit you and your family.
- Easy to Use- Modern air dehumidifiers are designed to be hassle-free. And for added convenience, these devices are almost always portable. That way, you can move the appliance to different spaces throughout your home, based on your needs. In fact, some even have an automatic shut-off feature to sense when the environment is balanced and save energy by powering down.
- Lower Energy Cost- With excessive moisture in the air, your HVAC is working much harder than it needs to. As a result, your unit can quickly become worn and not last as long as it should. Plus, overworking your AC leads to higher energy bills at the end of the month. Using an air dehumidifier reduces the level of indoor humidity, which in turn allows your HVAC to run efficiently and use less energy. And the less energy used, the lower the cost will be.
- Affordable Prices- You may be surprised to know that the average price of an air dehumidifier is quite reasonable. And although the brand and model will ultimately determine how much you’ll spend on this appliance, it isn’t difficult to find one for around $100.
High Indoor Humidity? Veterans AC & Heat Can Help.
The money you save in energy costs, the comfort you’ll experience, and the health benefits you’ll reap make adding an air dehumidifier to your home an easy choice.
However, if you suspect your HVAC system is not working as well as it should be, it’s best to give the professionals a call. Regardless of whether you decide to invest in an air dehumidifier or not, it is likely that your unit is having more concerning issues that produce a moist environment.
At Veterans AC & Heat, we maintain your HVAC system for all seasons. When humidity fluctuates, we know just how to keep your system running smoothly. Improving your indoor air quality is just one of the ways we enjoy caring for our regular customers.
Call in the Experts at Veterans AC and Heat today.
