A Quick Run-Down on Dehumidifiers

What Homeowners Should Know About Dehumidifiers

For everyone who lives in a state where dry heat doesn’t exist, they know exactly what humidity does. It makes the temperature feel hotter, it makes curly hair frizz out like a beach ball, and it makes anyone sweat as soon as they step out the door. It can also lead to things like condensation forming on pipes and other parts of the home. Even with the AC turned on, the air indoors can still feel humid without a dehumidifier. In this article, homeowners can get a quick run-down on dehumidifiers. Homeowners can learn what they do, what benefits they have, and how they should be maintained.

What Is a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a common HVAC appliance that helps to control the level of humidity in the air, and they function in a very similar way to an AC unit. Dehumidifiers use a fan to draw in warm, moist air and pass the air over cool coils. As the air cools, moisture condenses and falls into a removable drip pan. Then the air is reheated by the recovery system to dry the air and finally disperses the air back into the room.

Nowadays, many dehumidifiers are portable, making them easy to add to any room or transfer between rooms. However, installing a whole-home dehumidifier is a bit more complex because it often involves installing new ductwork. Homeowners should research their different options to determine if a portable dehumidifier (for a single room) or whole-house dehumidifier would be the best option for their home.

The Many Benefits of Dehumidifiers

There are many reasons that households will invest in a dehumidifier because it offers a wide range of benefits.

• They make the home more comfortable: When the air doesn’t feel so stuffy and wet, it’s easier to breathe, walk around, and enjoy time at home.
• They prevent mold and mildew: Because they balance the humidity in the air, there is less condensation forming on pipes and other items throughout the house by extracting that water from the air.
• They reduce allergies: Many allergic reactions are triggered by mold, mildew, and dust mites, which favor humid environments. With less humidity, there are fewer allergic reactions.
• They reduce energy costs: Dehumidifiers work alongside the AC unit to remove moisture from the air, so the AC doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent, cool temperature.

Properly Maintaining a Dehumidifier

A good rule of thumb is to check the filter about once a month. Once it’s been cleaned a few times, homeowners can start to get into a rhythm for how often it needs to be cleaned. Of course, if other problems start to arise with the dehumidifier (unusual noises, higher humidity than normal, etc.), it’s important to contact an HVAC professional to take a closer look.

About Air Comfort Service, Inc.

Air Comfort Service, Inc. is a professional HVAC company in St. Louis, MO, serving the community for 50 years. They offer trusted solutions for all indoor comfort needs. Whether homeowners are struggling with a broken air conditioning unit or need a furnace tune-up, their expert technicians will get the job done safely and at the highest level of quality.

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