Why a dehumidifier is a good idea

In the southern area of the country, with especially hot and muggy weather, the air conditioner is essential to comfort. The cooling system often operates for more than half the year, combats temperatures in the triple digits and adds up to a significant electric bill. High humidity is typically a problem. While modern air conditioners are helpful in reducing humidity, they aren’t designed to handle excessive moisture levels. Air conditioners work by pulling heat out of the air and transferring it outdoors by way of refrigerant. Because overly damp air feels warmer than dry air, it can be tempting to lower the thermostat setting. The air conditioner then starts up more often and works for longer cycles. It uses more energy and leads to higher energy costs without solving the problem.

Lower temperature settings can lead to over-cooling the air yet the humidity remains. Along with causing discomfort, high humidity levels can result in damage. Hardwood floors, antiques, wood furnishings, modlings, doors and musical instruments can warp and split. There’s a greater risk of mold and mildew growth and dust mites thrive in moist environments. The degraded air quality is often responsible for health issues such as headaches, difficulty sleeping, coughing and sneezing. High humidity aggravates symptoms of allergies, asthma and respiratory infection. A whole-home dehumidifier provides a significant improvement.

While portable dehumidifiers affect only a single room and require continual upkeep, whole-home dehumidifiers are installed right into the air conditioning system. The device draws moisture out of the air as it passes through the ductwork. The higher end models can be adjusted to preference for humidity levels. The operation is unobtrusive and the accessory only requires annual maintenance. Because of running the dehumidifier, homeowners can raise the temperature setting. The savings on electric bills quickly helps to recover the investment. 

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