The Ins and Outs of Humidity
As summer closes, many homeowners look for ways to keep their homes cozy and cool, especially in warm climates. One of the most uncomfortable parts of the summer is the humidity, which can leave someone feeling hot and sticky, no matter the temperature or shade dip.
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air at any given time. It is typically measured as a percentage, or how much water is found in the overall presence of the air. The higher the amount of water in the air, the higher the humidity, the closer to 100 the percentage will be. At 100%, the air is completely saturated with water vapor and can’t hold anymore. Atmospherically, this can mean there is a possibility of rain as the water finds a new place to go, but for humans, it can also mean that sweat will struggle to dry and feel sticky and uncomfortable.
The ideal humidity for most people is generally around 30% to 50%. When the humidity goes much higher than that, it can feel uncomfortable and even lead to problems in the home, including mold and poor air quality.
How a Dehumidifier Can Help
Although it can seem like if there's high humidity, there’s no hope, that might not be true! Dehumidifiers can answer the discomfort of high humidity and even prevent larger issues in the home. A dehumidifier is an equipment designed to reduce humidity and maintain a stable level of water vapor in the air. Even whole-home dehumidifiers can be utilized throughout the summer to keep homes at low humidity. These differ from portable units, which generally only work per room, by entangling with the HVAC system currently in the home to control humidity and maintain a constant percentage of humidity throughout the whole house.
Why a Whole-Home Dehumidifier Is Advantageous
To better understand the advantages of the whole-home dehumidifier, it’s important to understand how it works. The machine works by integrating itself into the home’s HVAC system. From there, it works by drawing warm air from the outside air through a fan into a system of cooler coils. The warm air will contract through the cold, refrigerated coils. This will cause the moisture in the air to condense and become little water droplets. The droplets collect into a reservoir inside the unit or might drain out of the unit and the house through a hose. The air that is now dehumidified (with fewer water droplets) is then reheated to match the room's temperature and circulated back into the household. The process will continue and ultimately reduce the humidity from the air around the house.
How to Know When a Dehumidifier Might Be Necessary in Your House
In addition to being uncomfortable, high humidity can cause problems in the home that might impact living conditions and structural parts of the home. Here are a few signs that a dehumidifier might be necessary in a home:
- Condensation on Windows: If there are water droplets on the windows in the house, it might be a sign that the air on the inside of the house has a higher humidity level on the outside and might be too high.
- Mold: Mold loves environments, and humidity is perfect for mold spores to grow. If mold starts growing on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces in the home, it is a sign that water is present in the air and that humidity might be an issue.
- Musty Smell: Musty and damp smells often come from mold and mildew, both of which grow and flourish in environments with high humidity.
- Water Damage: Because humidity is the high presence of water in the air, some signs of high humidity come from signs of water damage. Things like peeling paint, wallpaper, or water stains on walls and ceilings can be signs of high humidity levels.
Benefits of Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier can impact the quality of life inside a home, especially in the hot, humid summer months. It can greatly improve comfort, making the air quality clearer and lower. High-humidity air environments can make the house's temperature feel even higher than it is, meaning on those 100-degree days, a humid house can feel like a desert at noon. This also means that an air conditioner can work less hard to make the house feel cool and comfortable on those hot days. Dehumidifiers also increase air quality by reducing the environmental chances of the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Dehumidifiers can even provide long-term benefits for structures and belongings. Lowering humidity can help discourage wood rot, mold, paint peeling, and water damage to the home. The same goes for belongings, particularly books and electronics that can suffer moisture damage.
About The Darville Company
The Darville Company is an HVAC company with a large fleet of knowledgeable and dependable specialists. With 24/7 emergency services and a satisfaction guarantee, they’re committed to addressing your HVAC needs quickly. Call The Darville Company today for trustworthy and dependable HVAC and dehumidifier services in Odessa, TX.
