Having a dehumidifier in your home can make the difference between a comfortable summer and a miserable one here in southwest Florida. Besides our humid climate, we also have moisture accumulating in our homes from washing dishes and clothes, bathing, cooking, etc. 

Combine this with the fact that homes today are better sealed and insulated for energy-efficiency than in the past – and you have a problem. What’s the most effective, energy-efficient and convenient solution to high home humidity? A whole-house dehumidifier; it’s the only comprehensive way to control humidity in the home.

Air conditioners aren’t designed to handle excessive humidity. Over-cooling (overworking your air conditioning system) to combat humidity is uncomfortable and costly. A system with variable speeds or an advanced air handler can help with partial dehumidification, but efficiency will be compromised and utility costs will increase.

What about portables? A portable unit controls humidity in just one room – and who wants to buy and maintain one for every room in the house? Portables typically require lots of maintenance: frequent cleaning to prevent mold, daily emptying of the accumulated water in the receptacle – and frequent replacement of the unit.

Whole-house systems require little upkeep and last 15 years or more. Residents using whole-house dehumidification (incorporated into their central air conditioning systems) enjoy many advantages. Controlling humidity:

• Allows you to use less A/C to maintain comfort by setting the thermostat a little higher
• Helps control allergens and lessen symptoms
• Protects furniture from moisture damage
• Eliminates window condensation
• Prevents moisture stains on walls/ceilings, and flaking, peeling paint or wallpaper
• Retards mold and mildew growth
• Avoids insect infestations
• Transforms a muggy, uncomfortable indoor environment into a healthy, comfortable home

Use your whole-house humidity control system to keep relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent. Indoor humidity levels above 60 percent encourage mold and dust mites.

If you have questions about dealing with your home humidity problem, contact the experts at Conditioned Air. We can give you tips to lower indoor humidity and improve air quality, whether you’d like a whole-house system or not. Visit our website for more information or just give us a call.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Humidity meter image via Shutterstock