A whole-house dehumidifier in the North County can improve your health and that of your home, along with helping you save energy during the summer. Excessive humidity levels in your home make it feel warmer and set the stage for mold growth along with an increase in the dust mite population.
Whole-house systems attach to your home’s forced-air heating and cooling system. They use a cooling coil that condenses the water vapor from the air. They drain automatically into your home’s plumbing. They have a humidistat that works just like a thermostat. You set your preferred humidity level and the dehumidifier maintains it to that level. Ideal levels range between 30 and 50 percent.
When you maintain the humidity between these ranges, you’ll experience:
- Greater indoor comfort. Excess humidity makes the air feel warmer. The human body relies on evapotranspiration to stay cool when it’s warm. When there’s too much humidity, perspiration covering the skin doesn’t dry as fast, which makes you feel warmer.
- You might be able to avoid turning on the cooling system simply by using the dehumidifier during the summer. Although air conditioners do dehumidify, it’s a secondary benefit. When your humidity level is lower, the system doesn’t have to work as hard to remove the water in the air, which lowers cooling bills.
- Reduces indoor allergies. A whole-house dehumidifier will help any family member with allergies or asthma. Dust mites and mold spores proliferate in damp homes and are often triggers for an allergy or asthma attacks. Lowering the humidity below 50 percent reduces the viability of these populations indoors, improving air quality.
- Maintains structural health of home and contents. Mold plays a significant role in decomposing anything organic. Inside your home, mold feeds on paper, wood, some kinds of insulation, food, and fabrics. Mildew is a form of mold that grows on fabric and carries a musty smell.