Too Humid Inside? Add a Dehumidifier to Your HVAC System
We are surrounded by water in Michigan. We have the Great Lakes and 11,000 inland lakes to choose from if we want to spend time fishing, swimming, boating, or water skiing. In fact, Michigan’s very first license plate slogan, used from 1954 to 1964, was Water Wonderland. High humidity is a result of those same water resources. Unfortunately, that’s not as enjoyable. It’s not only unpleasant, it can also cause problems in your home. If you’ve found yourself saying, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” indoors, one solution is adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes excess moisture from the air. Many of us use portable dehumidifiers in areas of our homes like the basement because they are prone to damp. Dehumidifiers pull in humid air. This air condenses on an evaporator coil and is directed away from the unit and into a container or a drain, and a fan blows the treated air out of the unit.
A whole-house dehumidifier operates the same way, but it removes humidity from the entire house. Adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system can significantly enhance indoor comfort and air quality, but, as with everything, there are some pros and cons to weigh.
The Pros
The first and most noticeable benefit is improved comfort. Because dehumidifiers reduce excess moisture, your home will feel cooler and more comfortable during the hot, humid months. Your dehumidifier will keep humidity levels below 50%. Ideal indoor humidity falls in the range of 30 to 50%.
A dehumidifier will use energy, but it will make your HVAC system more efficient too. When humidity levels are controlled, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. Dehumidifiers use only a fraction of the power that an air conditioning compressor does, so it’s better to install one than to continuously keep your air on a lower temperature. This increased energy efficiency is good for your pocketbook and the environment.
Drier air is also a less fertile environment for dust mites, allergens, and fleas. Your indoor air quality will be better, you will breathe easier, and you will have to worry less about your pets. Lower humidity levels help prevent mold and mildew growth, protecting your home and health.
Finally, removing moisture from the air helps safeguard your home and its contents. Installing a dehumidifier helps protect wooden furniture, flooring, art, clothing, and other household items from warping, mildew, or other damage.
The Cons
Unfortunately, installing a whole-house dehumidifier has a price tag, with the cost of the unit and installation. This type of dehumidifier must be professionally installed to ensure a proper connection to your home’s ductwork.
Dehumidifiers also require regular maintenance like changing filters and emptying and cleaning water reservoirs in order to function effectively and avoid bacterial growth. Depending on your HVAC system setup, adding a dehumidifier may require additional space as well, which could be an issue in smaller homes.
A whole-house dehumidifier is not something that can be uninstalled and moved to a new house if you decide to sell someday because it’s affixed to the HVAC system. However, a whole-house dehumidifier might increase your home’s value, so that’s a positive.
Should You Install a Dehumidifier?
A whole-house dehumidifier isn’t necessary for every house, but it’s an excellent solution for a home with high humidity. It’s also wise to consider why your home is so moist. There may be a specific issue, like a plumbing leak, causing the problem. If that is the case, a plumber is the solution to avoid permanent damage to your home.
If you have questions about your home’s humidity, consulting with the HVAC professionals at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating can help you make an informed decision. We are alway ready to help with either HVAC or plumbing problems, so give us a call today!
