A whole house dehumidifier is a good device that every homeowner with high humidity problems should consider having in their house. It functions by removing moisture from the air and also enhances the quality of the air that is found indoors. This solution can help to a great extent in keeping discomfort caused by high humidity, such as feeling sticky during summer. It further discourages the formation of molds and shields the structure of the house, furniture, and other items from harm resulting from water damage.
Since the system is able to tackle humidity in every room of the house, this can be a long-term solution for people residing in a humid climate or in areas where moisture problems are common.
What is a Whole House Dehumidifier?
Whole house dehumidifier is an enhanced system that is used to control the humidity level in every room of the house. It is different from portable models that can only operate in one place at a time; this model becomes part of your home’s heating and cooling system to rid the whole house of moisture constantly. It operates by drawing in moist air, conditioning it to remove condensation, and returning dehumidified air into the living quarters. This eliminates instances where the house is prone to having high humidity levels, which cause the formation of molds, mildew, and condensation, and it is very useful to those houses that are located in highly humid regions.
Benefits of Whole House Dehumidifiers
Improved Comfort
A central dehumidifier for the house assists in keeping high humidity levels in check and sets a perfect indoor climate for everyone. This means that your body will tend to feel warmer than the actual temperature, especially during the hot seasons, due to high humidity. Whole house dehumidifiers lower the humidity in the air, thus making your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
Healthier Indoor Environment
High levels of humidity can lead to mold and mildew, which would be very dangerous to the health of the people living in the home. A whole home dehumidifier can help minimize the development of mold and also enhance the quality of air in your home. This is especially beneficial for those who have respiratory problems, including asthma or allergies.
Preserves Home and Belongings
The furniture, wooden floors, and even electronic equipment are some of the items that can be affected negatively by high humidity. For home HVAC systems, a dehumidifier is essential because it will protect your property from the negative effects of humidity. It also helps to avoid the formation of mildew on the walls and ceiling and keeps your home in better shape.
Reduces Odors
Humidity also poses a problem since it may lead to the development of fungus, leading to bad smells in the house. These smells are related to mold, mildew, or dampness, which are common in basements, showers, and other areas with high humidity. That is why, when you are seeking to eliminate these nasty smells, investing in a whole house dehumidifier is recommended. As the system assists in the regulation of humidness, it also assists in the eradication of these smells, hence making your home smell fresh. It is particularly useful in places such as basements or crawlspaces that are typically more humid and therefore more prone to encouraging the growth of odors.
Energy Efficiency
Whole house dehumidifiers are efficient devices that work to reduce energy consumption in your household. High humidity can be very problematic for an air conditioning system because it slows down the speed at which the rooms cool. To better utilize the conditioned and cooled or heated air in the house, you should install a central dehumidifier, which will, in turn, also lighten the load on your HVAC system. This can immensely reduce energy consumption, especially during the warm months when both cooling and dehumidification are required. In the long run, the cost savings on energy could be enough to offset the cost of investing in a dehumidifier system.
Is It Energy Efficient?
One element that homeowners are concerned with when it comes to a whole house dehumidifier is the energy factor. Despite the fact that dehumidifiers use electricity to operate, they are normally energy efficient. Hence, the size and model of a dehumidifier can give a clearer view of how much electricity it consumes. For instance, while a unit meant for a full home may require more energy, these units will consistently provide adequate humidity levels as opposed to using several portable ones.
To understand more about dehumidifier electricity usage and how it may impact your utility bills, check out this detailed guide: Dehumidifier Electricity Usage.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole House Dehumidifier?
The cost of the whole house dehumidifier installation may depend on the size of the house, the model of the dehumidifier, and the level of difficulty that arises from the installation process. In general, central dehumidifiers are more expensive to purchase than individual portable ones, but they are worth it in the long run. In the long run, you will be in a position to cut down on your energy bills and also minimize the frequent replacement of items that might have been affected by moisture.
However, the expense of a whole house dehumidifier may be offset by the fact that it is integrated into your heating and cooling system, and thus, you do not need to install one for each room. Thus, the central dehumidifier for the house will save you time and the inconvenience of using several portable humidifiers at the same time to maintain the proper air quality inside your house.
How Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Work?
A whole house dehumidifier is installed in your home heating and cooling system as one unit. It sucks in moist air, then dehumidifies it and re-circulates dry air back into the room or any other area in the home. This process aids in regulating the humidity, as it should range from 30 – 50%.
Most models come with adjustable settings, so you can control the humidity levels based on your preferences. Some advanced models even offer smart features, allowing you to monitor and adjust settings remotely via a smartphone app.
Is a Whole House Dehumidifier Necessary?
Whether you require a whole house dehumidifier depends on the climate of the area you live in or the climate within your house. If you live in a state where the climate is really hot and humid, for example, Florida or Louisiana, a whole house dehumidifier can be of great use. These states have relatively high levels of humidity, which can cause discomfort and damage to your home.
If you're wondering about the most humid states in the summer, check out this detailed list: Most Humid States in the Summer.
Even if you live in a region with moderate humidity, a dehumidifier for home HVAC systems can still improve your indoor air quality and prevent long-term damage to your home.
When Should You Use a Whole House Dehumidifier?
A whole house dehumidifier is most effective during summer because that is the season when humidity is high most of the time. During summer, humidity from the outdoor environment may infiltrate the house and make it warm and clammy. Thus, a full home dehumidifier will easily capture that much moisture, making the living conditions more comfortable.
You should also think about getting a dehumidifier if you have a problem with mold/mildew or have allergies/asthma in your home. Also, if your house is located in an area with a tendency to flood or high rainfall, a whole house dehumidifier is crucial for ensuring dryness in the house.
Conclusion
A whole house dehumidifier is undoubtedly a useful addition to any home since it has a number of benefits. When air is humid, has poor quality, or the room you are in carries a risk for moulding, a central dehumidifier is beneficial to use for your home. It is easy to use since it can maintain a constant level of moisture, is energy efficient, and does not require any interaction with your current HVAC system. In case you reside in a humid region, the use of a dehumidifier for your home is an investment worth making in order to ensure that your home is safe and suitable for habitation.
If you're interested in purchasing a whole house dehumidifier, check out our whole house dehumidifiers and central dehumidifier for house options with us today.
