How Is Indoor Moisture Controlled?
Humidity is the amount of water vapor that is present in the air. The level of water vapor in the air is crucial to indoor comfort year-round, but it is especially significant during the summer. When moisture levels indoors rise to levels above 60%, the air will feel warm and muggy despite the operation of an air conditioner. Unfortunately, the local climatic conditions can make this situation unavoidable in the summer.
Air conditioners are designed to remove a certain amount of humidity from the air as they run. Still, in many cases, especially during the summer, the humidity levels will rise, so the AC can no longer control them. When this happens seasonally, the best way to combat high humidity is with devices called dehumidifiers.
How Does a Dehumidifier Control Humidity?
Dehumidifiers can be portable or installed along with central HVAC equipment. Portable units do a great job lowering the humidity but can be cumbersome due to their noise and constant maintenance. Whole-home dehumidifiers are superior because they are installed out of the way and drain automatically.
They use the existing ductwork to move dried air around the home effectively. Most whole-home dehumidifiers are controlled by the same thermostat as the air conditioner, and they work in concert with the air conditioner to keep humidity under control, making them very user-friendly.
Signs of Excess Moisture Indoors
No homeowner must make an uneducated decision and throw money at the high humidity problem. Instead, they should take the time to understand the problem and decide if they think a dehumidifier is right for them. Once they have a working knowledge of dehumidifiers and their contribution to indoor comfort, they can contact experts to help them find the perfect unit for their home.
To make an educated decision about dehumidifiers, homeowners should look out for these signs that indicate chronically high humidity in the home:
- Humidity readings above 60%
- Condensation around the home
- The air can be described as “muggy” or “clammy”
- Mold problems
- Stubborn musty odors
- Consistently high utility bills from long AC cycles.
A dehumidifier may be a great choice if these signs are present. Take the time to find a reputable local expert for an assessment.
Benefits of Humidity Control
Humidity in the home is such an important concept that HVAC installers take it into account when designing a system. However, in many cases, an air conditioner may be over-sized for a space, leading to short cycling and lack of humidity control. Additionally, changes in the home that allow for more humidity are common, and a dehumidifier may be the only way to mitigate the problem. Regardless, installing a dehumidifier carries great benefits:
- Lower AC bills that result from raising the thermostat
- Mildew and mold control
- Improved comfort at lower prices
- Hands-off humidity control
- More enjoyable summer season
This summer, get a break from the heat by calling local experts to improve indoor air quality and lower AC bills.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC handles residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration. They are more than qualified for dehumidifier installation in homes and businesses and are available for emergency service. Call today for HVAC service in Manchester, NH.
