If you live in the Commerce City, CO, area, then you know that humidity can be a problem in your home. Certain times of the year produce quite a bit of moisture, which can make its way indoors. Not to mention, there are several things that you may be doing in your home that increase humidity. This includes bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Let’s discuss the basics of a whole-house dehumidifier and what its benefits are.
What is a Whole-House Dehumidifer?
You may be familiar with a portable dehumidifier, which plugs into the outlet of your choosing and removes moisture from your air. With a portable unit, you only remove moisture from a small section of your home at one time. Also, you must periodically empty the reservoir tank to keep the unit functioning. However, a whole-house dehumidifier can address all the air in your home as it moves through your HVAC system. You will be able to always maintain a much more controlled level of relative humidity.
There is minimal maintenance involved with a whole-house dehumidifier. The moisture that is collected is disposed of through a drain line that we install with the unit. Other than ensuring the drain line stays clear, you don’t have to do much.
The Benefits of a Whole-House Dehumidifier
There are several benefits associated with investing in a whole-house dehumidifier as part of your home’s line-up of indoor air quality products.
Better Interior Comfort
When the air inside your home is very humid, your residence can feel very warm and stuffy. If you maintain an indoor humidity level between 30% and 50%, this can increase your indoor comfort. It will feel easier to breathe air that has a more comfortable level of humidity. You’ll sleep better at night and feel more relaxed overall with the use of a whole-house dehumidifier.
Improved Air Quality
Humid air can hold onto a lot more particulate matter than dry air. This can decrease the quality of your indoor air. People who are susceptible to allergies may experience more symptoms. This applies to people with asthma or chronic respiratory issues. By removing excessive moisture, you get improved indoor air quality because those tiny water droplets can’t capture and carry pollutants around your home.
Energy Efficiency
When you maintain optimal relative humidity levels and your home feels more comfortable, you’ll rely on your HVAC system less. This will reduce your household’s energy consumption, reduce your carbon footprint, and lower your monthly energy bills. A lot of homeowners run their air conditioning equipment to deal with high humidity. While AC units do a pretty good job of reducing humidity, it’s not the primary function of this equipment. This can lead to an increase in AC wear and tear, resulting in more repair needs over time.
We should mention that a whole-house dehumidifier is a very affordable piece of technology. The long-term savings often outweigh the initial investment. There may be different incentives and rebates that make this purchase more affordable.
Preventing Mold Growth
When high levels of moisture are in your indoor air, this can make certain areas of the home more susceptible to mold growth. By reducing moisture, this will prevent the growth of these spores, which can cause serious health issues if inhaled or you encounter them.
Protecting Your Fixtures and Furnishings
Moisture can have a negative impact on different surfaces of your home. For example, high levels of humidity can cause your wood floors to expand. When humidity goes back down, the floors will contract. This process of expansion and contraction can lead to damage and warping. Furniture, curtains, and other materials can experience similar damage.
If you would like to learn more about a whole-house dehumidifier for your Commerce City home, reach out to our team here at Smith & Willis Heating & Air Conditioning. In addition to humidity control, we also offer the installation of new heating and cooling equipment. We also provide repairs and maintenance for your HVAC system. Indoor air quality services are also part of what we do, installing whole-house filtration and ventilation as needed.
Contact Smith & Willis Heating & Air Conditioning in Commerce City for more information or to schedule an appointment.
