Advantages of Installing a Dehumidifier and Signs It’s Needed
With sweltering heat and humidity in the summer, households can face moisture issues that make living spaces uncomfortable and make their skin feel clammy. However, a dehumidifier installation in the home can improve home comfort and offer many advantages. This guide will discuss installing a dehumidifier, including what dehumidifiers do, signs it’s needed, and the benefits.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
A whole-home dehumidifier works by extracting excess moisture from the air in a house. They can be particularly useful during summer months, as humidity levels naturally rise because warm air holds more water vapor than cooler air. The dehumidifier pulls air through its system, passes it over refrigerated coils that condense the moisture, and then returns drier air back into living spaces. The process is remarkably efficient.
The collected water is automatically drained, eliminating the need for manual emptying like a portable dehumidifier requires. Additionally, unlike a portable dehumidifier that only helps with a small area, whole-house dehumidifiers can provide moisture control for the entire home. A whole-home dehumidification system can be installed and work alongside the home’s ductwork and forced air system to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels between 30-50%, creating a more comfortable indoor environment while reducing cooling costs.
Signs the House Needs a Dehumidifier
If the home feels uncomfortably damp or muggy, installing a dehumidifier can be exactly what is needed to restore comfort and protect the living space. Recognizing the warning signs of excessive indoor humidity can help homeowners take action before moisture causes serious damage to their home and health.
One obvious indicator of high humidity is a persistent clammy feeling to the skin. The house should feel like a refuge from summer heat and humidity, not an extension of it. When surfaces feel sticky or damp to the touch, indoor moisture levels have likely exceeded the ideal 30-50% range. Window condensation provides another clear visual cue of high humidity indoors, with water droplets forming on the inside of glass panes.
Mold growth and a distinctive musty odor from mold growth that thrives in moist environments also signal the need for a dehumidifier installation. Other red flags of high indoor humidity include warping wood furniture and belongings, peeling wallpaper, and increasing allergy symptoms among household residents. Water stains on walls or ceilings also indicate excess moisture.
Benefits of Installing a Dehumidifier
Installing a dehumidifier in a home can offer immediate comfort benefits by reducing excess moisture in the air. High humidity levels can make the living space feel stuffy and uncomfortably warm, even with the air conditioning running. A quality dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, creating a more pleasant and comfortable indoor environment.
Controlling indoor humidity levels can also help prevent the growth of mold and mildew that thrive in damp conditions. These, as well as dust mites and other allergens that can worsen with high indoor humidity, can trigger and worsen allergic reactions and respiratory issues, so a whole-home dehumidifier can also benefit the health of residents. Additionally, unpleasant musty smells that indicate excessive moisture and mold growth can be eliminated.
Ideal humidity levels in the home also help preserve furniture, electronics, flooring, and more by preventing moisture damage from high indoor humidity. Protecting the home and belongings from moisture damage can also help homeowners save money over time by preventing the need for repairs and replacements due to high humidity.
About Ranger Air & Heat
Ranger Air & Heat is a veteran-owned company that has been serving the Melbourne community since 2012. They provide same-day service, trustworthy technicians, and extended hours. Call them for dehumidifier installation and services in Melbourne, FL.
