What Is Humidity?
Summer is here whether it’s wanted or not, so it’s time to deal with the less attractive parts of the season, like the heat, humidity, and bugs. And while the sun might feel amazing on a 7 am walk, it starts to feel much less nice at noon and even less nice when the house is hot and sticky. That’s why a dehumidifier might completely change the comfort of the home. Keep reading to see all the surprising benefits of a dehumidifier.
First, it’s important to understand humidity. Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air at any given time. It is typically measured as a percentage, with 100% humidity indicating the air is fully saturated with moisture and 0% meaning no moisture. Most days fall somewhere in between, as some level of humidity is important for comfort and health on a day-to-day basis. However, as the humidity levels get too high, it can feel uncomfortable and can even cause damage to the home.
The Magic of a Dehumidifier
On days when the humidity is high, a dehumidifier can help. A whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the home’s air, helping to maintain a comfortable humidity level so you can stay healthy inside your home.
It works by taking humid air from around the home and passing it over cooling coils. These cooling coils will cause the moisture to condense into small water droplets that will then be collected.
These water molecules get collected into a reservoir in the dehumidifier, or some dehumidifiers drain that water collection through a connected hose outside the system. Once the moisture is out of the air, it can be reheated, dehumidified, and circulated back into the home, making it a comfy and perfectly humid home.
Since a whole-home dehumidifier continues this cycling process, it can significantly and sustainably lower indoor humidity levels and make the home feel more comfortable and healthier.
How to Know That Your House Needs a Dehumidifier
Sometimes, a dehumidifier is necessary for a home to maintain healthy humidity levels. Some signs to look out for to determine if the home needs a dehumidifier installation:
- Condensation on Windows: Persistent condensation on windows can suggest high indoor humidity levels, especially in the morning.
- Mold Growth: Since mold thrives in damp environments, it’s more likely to grow in a home with a high moisture level. If mold spores start showing up as spots on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces, it's a clear sign of excess moisture, and the house may not be a healthy place to stay.
- Musty Smell: Mold’s best friend is a musty or damp odor. If there is a strong, musty smell in the home, it most likely indicates the presence of mold or mildew, which thrive in high humidity.
- Allergy Flare-Ups: Dust mites and mold love high-humidity homes, and since these are the enemies of allergies, allergies tend to flare where they prosper. If allergies worsen, it's best to take a second look around.
The Never-ending Gift of the Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a small thing that a homeowner can do to their home to have large benefits in terms of health and comfort. Some benefits include:
- Improved Comfort: Lower humidity levels make the air feel cooler. In the summer, that can be the difference between being unable to get out of bed and cooking a nice dinner. Also, the more comfortable and cool the home is, the less need to pay for air conditioning.
- Mold Prevention: Dehumidifiers discourage mold by managing humidity in the home. This not only protects the integrity of the home but also protects the family’s health.
- Allergy Relief: Humidity can encourage dust mites and mold spores, which are hard on allergies. Reducing humidity gives those things less room to grow and may offer some relief to allergy sufferers.
- Enhanced Air Quality: A dehumidifier helps maintain indoor air quality consistently by reducing excess moisture, which leads to musty odors and dampness.
- Energy Efficiency: The HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the home, with the dehumidifier constantly lowering the humidity. This can have a larger impact on comfort and potentially lower energy bills.
About Davis Heating & Cooling
Davis Heating & Cooling is the leading HVAC company, with 4.9/5 stars on Google. A family-run business that emphasizes honesty and trust, Davis Heating & Cooling is straightforward and ready to work with you. Call Davis Heating & Cooling today for professional dehumidifier services in Flemington, NJ!
