Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Relative humidity is the moisture ratio to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature. The air can have higher relative humidity during warm days than cold periods. You should maintain a relative humidity between 40% and 60% for indoor environments. This humidity range not only provides comfortable conditions but can also ensure your systems are working optimally.
Understanding Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Besides providing low indoor temperatures, air conditioners help regulate humidity levels. On a summer day, when the air is humid, the AC absorbs heat from the air flowing back to the system from your home. The refrigerant transfers the warm air to the outdoor unit for release into the outdoor environment. The evaporator coils, which hold the refrigerant, are cold. As moist air passes through them, the moisture condenses. The water droplets fall into a condensate pan.
The air conditioners are, however, not effective in reducing humidity levels, especially on very humid days. Your AC’s difficulty in lowering humidity levels is why you need a whole-house dehumidifier to manage indoor humidity. These devices are installed as an add-on to the HVAC system, often on the return duct that leads to the air conditioner. As the warm air passes through the dehumidifier, moisture condenses on the evaporator coils, and the water is collected on a pan. A drain directs it away from the system as the air free of excess moisture moves to the AC and circulates back to the house.
Benefits of Whole-House Dehumidifier
High indoor humidity can be caused by several actions, including showering, cooking, and drying laundry inside the house. Poor ventilation can also lead to high humidity because there is restricted movement of fresh air. The amount of moisture released inside the house thus accumulates. When the humidity levels inside the rooms rise beyond the set levels, the dehumidifier is triggered to operate. The following are five benefits of using these devices.
1. Reduce Reliance on Cooling Systems
Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can save your air conditioner from overworking. High humidity makes the air feel warmer than it is. Some property owners can reduce the temperature settings on the AC thermostat to have comfortable indoor temperatures. Excessive system use leads to high energy consumption and increased wear and tear on the components.
2. Protect Properties
Wooden properties, including furniture, floorboards, and musical instruments, can be damaged by high humidity. Wood loses or gains moisture depending on the relative humidity. If it has higher moisture than the surrounding air, the part of the wood directly exposed to it will absorb it. This absorption leads to swelling. Since air moisture condenses to water when it comes into contact with cold surfaces, the wood structures near an exterior wall are at higher risk of damage. This is because they can absorb large amounts of water and rot.
The walls in your home have air or vapor barriers to prevent moist air from penetrating the material. When moisture condenses on the walls, it can seep into the plaster, joints, and studs, causing them to expand. The expansion can lead to the formation of cracks and compromise the wall’s strength. It may also damage paintwork and wallpapers. High moisture will cause the wallpapers and paint to peel or curl.
3. Prevent Growth of Mold and Mildew
Humid conditions and the warm weather during summer create a favorable environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Mildew will appear as white or grey patches on walls, windowsills, and tiles, while mold is often black or dark green. The marks are unsightly and reduce the aesthetic appearance of the surface they grow on. Mold can grow deeper into the material as it feeds and, if uncontrolled, weakens the structure.
These microorganisms release spores, which can cause health complications when inhaled. They can trigger allergic reactions. You may notice increased sneezing, blocked or runny nose, and watery eyes. Mold can also worsen respiratory conditions, especially in individuals with weakened immunity. Also, mold can lead to more bugs that feed on it. The insects can cause health complications.
Mold and mildew can result in musty, unpleasant odors. These can permeate fabrics, carpets, and even the walls of your home. A whole-house dehumidifier effectively removes excess moisture from the air, eliminating the breeding ground for these microorganisms. It thus contributes to a house that smells fresher and more inviting.
4. Safeguard Your Health
Humidity levels have a direct impact on your family’s health. On a hot, humid day, there is an increased possibility of heat-related illnesses.
The body regulates its temperature through sweating. When the atmosphere is saturated with moisture, the released sweat cannot evaporate as it should. This mugginess forces the body to retain its temperature. Consequently, you feel hotter, and your body overworks to cool down. It does this by sending more blood closer to the skin, where heat can escape. This process can lead to fainting as more blood leaves the brain. Sweat may also accumulate under the skin, leading to heat rash. These appear as raised bumps that can be itchy. In extreme cases, some people can have a heat stroke. Heat stroke happens when the body overheats beyond normal levels. The person becomes disoriented and loses consciousness.
Some health conditions can make you vulnerable to the adverse effects of high humidity. For instance, individuals who have asthma can have severe symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. This happens because their lungs are more sensitive, and humid conditions trigger airways narrowing, making breathing hard.
Humid air also holds pollen and other contaminants. This biological pollutant increases the possibility of inhaling the allergens, so allergic people may have severe reactions when humidity levels are high. A whole-house dehumidifier ensures optimal indoor humidity to prevent these health complications.
5. Indoor Comfort
Excess humidity can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. It also disrupts normal sleeping patterns by increasing wakefulness. A healthy adult has four sleeping stages. The first two non-rapid eye movement stages involve light sleep. The third involves deep sleep (slow-wave), vital for tissue repair and immune health. The final stage consists of rapid eye movement. High humidity reduces the time spent in deep sleep. When this happens, you may experience tissue recovery and exhaustion issues.
A whole-house dehumidifier creates a more pleasant and comfortable living environment by maintaining balanced humidity levels. It provides consistent humidity control throughout your home without the need for individual dehumidifiers in each room. You can use it alongside an air purifier or scrubber to remove air pollutants for better indoor air quality.
Take control of your home’s humidity levels and experience the benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier. Contact our professional HVAC technicians at Precision Heating & Air to discuss the best dehumidification device for your home. In addition to dehumidification solutions, we provide heating and air conditioning services throughout Metro Atlanta. Contact us today at Precision Heating & Air, and our Nate-certified technicians can help you with any HVAC issue.
