Dehumidifiers
Throughout the summer months, you rely on your air conditioner to cool your home, office, or workspace. It is a must in order to get through the high-temperature days when a fan just won’t cut it.
But if one day you notice a musty odor, moist air, or foggy windows, you may have a problem. And the culprit is likely humidity.
While air conditioners already remove some water vapor from the air, that is not their main job. If humidity levels are excessive, you may be placing undue pressure on your air conditioning system, putting it at risk for damage or other issues.
Here we will take a closer look at the impact that high levels of humidity can have on air conditioner systems and some options that you have to both minimize the humidity in your home and keep your air conditioner functioning properly.
When these problems arise, you may want to consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
How does high humidity impact air conditioning?
When there is too much humidity in your home or apartment, you will notice an effect on your air conditioner. Since the system is overwhelmed by water vapor, it will work harder to cool your home and not be as effective as possible.
But more moisture in your house and the system means that sooner or later, it won’t be able to keep up, so the air will not feel as cool, and your unit will most likely break down at some point if it continues.
Air Conditioning Units vs Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
The main difference between AC units and dehumidifiers is that air conditioners remove humidity by cooling the air, and dehumidifiers decrease humidity by drying the air.
A dehumidifier’s job is to help control humidity levels inside your household, hopefully decreasing it. Essentially, it takes the excess moisture out of the air in your home by collecting it and dumping it into a reservoir (in the case of smaller units) or piping it through a drainage system (whole house units). There are many different types of dehumidifiers, from ducted to portable, but all have the end goal of having your home obtain a humidity level below 50%.
Which one is the best solution for your home? We have weighed in on some of the pros and cons of each:
Energy Use: To properly control humidity levels, you might find yourself running your AC 24/7. This can increase your overall energy bill. Whole-home dehumidifiers can quickly reduce humidity levels and use less energy than central air conditioning units because they help speed up natural evaporation.
Mold and Mildew: Because dehumidifiers dry out the surrounding air, they are more effective in combating fungus and mildew that thrive in damp areas. Since AC units don’t remove moisture, bacteria, and mold can grow more easily. If you or someone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies, a dehumidifier can help alleviate symptoms.
Cost: Installing a whole-home dehumidifier for the first time can be a costly investment but can save you energy costs and take pressure off your AC unit.
Temperature Control: Dehumidifiers cannot cool or heat a room. They are strictly designed to manage moisture levels. Dehumidifiers, however, can be installed to work in conjunction with your residential heating and air conditioning system.
Which Dehumidifier should I pick?
We recommend AprilAire whole-house dehumidifiers. Why are they our pick?
AprilAire whole house dehumidifiers are an essential addition to make your home a healthy living environment. It can be installed in your existing heating and cooling system, and the onboard air filter only requires cleaning once a year. Other key features include:
- Recognized as the Energy Star® Most Efficient for 2022
- Removes up to 80 pints (10 gallons) to 130 pints (16 gallons) of moisture per day, depending on which model you choose
- Reduce the proliferation of airborne viruses
- Built to last with corrosion-resistant aluminum coils in the U.S.A. by ApriliAre, the leader in indoor air quality solutions
- Helps prevent mold, termites, structural wood rot, and odors
- No messy water tray to empty and simple to set up – just place the hose or place the dehumidifier over a drain, level it, plug it in, set the target humidity, and you’re done
- Set it and forget it control automatically starts dehumidification when humidity above the target is sensed
Ultimately, it will be up to you to decide if it is worth it to get a whole-house dehumidifier. If you aren’t sure, contact Rohde Air Conditioning and Heating to discuss which dehumidifier would be a perfect fit for your home.
A dehumidifier can be a great addition to your home. It can purify the air, giving you better breathing room, reducing allergy flare-ups, and increasing overall comfort, but it can also help your cooling process be more efficient.
Get expert help for all your air quality questions by contacting Rohde Air Conditioning & Heating.
Rohde Air Conditioning & Heating has the staff and equipment to get the job done right. Call today at (254) 939-COOL (2665) or request service online.
