When humidity is at its highest, the air in your home may feel stuffy despite the air conditioner running non-stop.
The peak of summer can get really hot and humid in Missouri. It is hard to stay outdoors for long and we often can’t wait to get back inside of our air conditioned homes. However, when the humidity becomes too much, the air conditioning system becomes overwhelmed and may not be able to function as well. As a result, the indoor air quality of your home is adversely affected.
Why Use a Dehumidifier?
When your comfort levels are compromised, there is one thing that can save you from the hot and humid weather. During the time when humidity is at its peak, your air conditioner tends to get overwhelmed and is no longer able to remove the moisture from the air. A dehumidifier may then be needed. You can either choose a standalone dehumidifier or a whole house dehumidifier. Many HVAC experts recommend a whole house dehumidifier as it removes humidity from the entire house and not just one room, making sure that all rooms are equally comfortable.
How a Dehumidifier Increases Your Comfort Level
There are many different ways in which a whole house dehumidifier can elevate the comfort level of your home. When the humidity in the air increases beyond a certain point, the air conditioning system has to work overtime. This puts an additional cooling load on the system and leads to an increase in utility bills. A whole house dehumidifier works with the air conditioner and reduces the burden on the cooling system.
Problems Created by High Humidity
Humidity not only creates comfort issues, it also creates several other problems including respiratory conditions and damage to furniture, electronics, and property.
- Health problems: High moisture content in the air promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, which can lead to a variety of health problems. The moisture droplets become a breeding ground for germs. Moisture promotes mold growth, which can cause or exacerbate allergies and symptoms of asthma.
- Foul odors: Growth of mildew and mold in the moist areas of a home leads to a musty smell that can be quite offensive.
- Warped floors and wooden furniture: Moisture in the air can settle on hard surfaces such as furnishings, furniture, and floors. Wooden surfaces may crack and warp when the moisture content is high in the air.
- Condensation on pipes: Pipes with condensation, or a coating of water droplets, are signs of high moisture level in the house. When these droplets fall, they may cause sagging or soft spots on ceilings and floors.
It is best to seek advice from a St. Louis HVAC company on how a dehumidifier will best meet the needs of your home. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 to speak with an HVAC Engineer with over 30 years of experience!
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