Depending on where you live and the time of year, it can sometimes be challenging to control the humidity inside your home. Humidity levels have to be just right. If the humidity is too low or too high, it can create an uncomfortable environment inside your home and lead to poor health conditions for your family.
Your dehumidifier is an important component of your HVAC system because it helps remove excess moisture in the air when humidity levels increase. This component of your HVAC system is crucial in controlling your home’s humidity during stuffy summers and in places where moisture thrives, such as your basement, crawl space, and garage.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
The dehumidifier draws humid hot air and pulls it over cold coils that condense the moisture in the air into liquid. That liquid is then removed through a drainpipe. The new drier air is then circulated into your home.
When Is It Appropriate to Use a Dehumidifier?
To accurately measure the humidity inside your home, a hygrometer can be used. You can find this device in home improvement stores for a fairly low price. If the hygrometer provides a reading of 50% or higher, then your home is likely to need a dehumidifier. Your thermostat may also indicate your humidity level. Here are other ways to know if the levels of humidity in your home are too high.
You Notice Condensation Around Your Windows
If you start to notice that condensation is forming on the interior portion of your window’s glass, it is a sign that there’s excessive moisture in the air in the room where the window is located. This often occurs in the winter when the warm, humid air in a room hits a cold window, causing the moisture in the warm air to condense.
You See Mold Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Another sign of excessive moisture in a particular space is when you start seeing mold stains. These are usually dark scattered spots that start to appear in the corners of walls and ceilings. It is very dangerous to allow mold to grow. This type of fungi is responsible for several health conditions, including respiratory problems. The best way to deal with mold when you detect it is to contact a professional mold removal company. A mold stain on the wall or ceiling could be an indication of larger mold growth inside your walls and other interior structures.
Mold usually starts to accumulate in places that don’t have enough circulation of fresh air. For example, bathrooms that don’t have exhaust fans are likely to be places where mold can develop. This happens because the moisture and steam from a shower or bath rise and penetrate the ceiling and walls.
You Smell Foul Odors
If you notice musty smells coming from a particular area of your home, chances are that it is due to moisture. This tends to occur in places that easily trap moisture and lack air circulation. These include laundry rooms, garages, basements, and bathrooms.
The Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier
When you use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air in your home, you can prevent common allergens, dust mites, mildew, mold, and other contaminants from accumulating inside your home. By removing these, you can achieve a higher quality of indoor air in your home while preventing health issues.
By using a dehumidifier, you can also prevent your home from structural damage. It is important to protect areas such as basements and your crawl space because they are part of the foundation of your home and can rot with excessive moisture.
In addition, using a dehumidifier along with your air conditioner makes your home more energy efficient, thus saving you money on your monthly energy bills. When your home has excessive moisture in the air, your air conditioning unit has to work harder. A dehumidifier will help you achieve a more comfortable and consistent temperature inside your home.
How to Choose a Dehumidifier
The best way to choose a dehumidifier is to consult with an experienced HVAC professional. My Guy Heating and Air, LLC provides quality HVAC services in Firestone, Mead, and surrounding areas in Northern Colorado. Contact My Guy Heating and Air, LLC today for an appointment, and let us help you keep the humidity in your home under control!
