Homeowner’s Guide to Dehumidifier Benefits

Ohio can be very humid in the summertime, so your air conditioner’s ability to dehumidify the home’s air is a great benefit. But some homes are more humid than others, and the A/C may struggle to keep relative humidity in check. It could be you need to find out about dehumidifier benefits.

What Is a Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers work in one of two ways. Some of them are designed to work like the air conditioner. These dehumidifiers pull air over pipes with refrigerant in them, condensing the moisture so that it runs into a reservoir, which has to be emptied when it’s full. Warm, dry air is then recirculated into the room.

Dehumidifiers also work by absorption/adsorption. The dehumidifier draws moist air in, where it passes over a rotating wheel equipped with moisture-absorbing material. This material removes humidity, and dry air is blown back into the room.

Dehumidifiers may be whole home types, which are plumbed into the HVAC system and use the drain lines to exhaust moisture, or may be portable, which collect moisture in a reservoir.

Benefits of Dehumidification

Drier air makes us feel more comfortable, especially in summer, when we’re likely to feel hot and sticky as relative humidity climbs above 50 percent.

Other benefits of dehumidification:

1. Your home is less likely to grow mold, fungus or mildew. Wet air encourages the growth of these organisms, which create bad odors, are hazardous to those with respiratory problems and allergies and can even destroy drywall, upholstery and carpet.
2. High relative humidity encourages the the presence of dust mites, which flourish under warm, wet conditions. Dust mite particles are an allergen.
3. You will feel the need to turn up your thermostat when relative humidity is high. Drying out the air means you can endure warmer dehumidify in the cooling months, and thereby save on utility bills.
4. Damp clothing and towels will dry faster when hung up than if you try to dry them in a home with high relative humidity.

For more on dehumidifier benefits, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We serve Lorain and the surrounding area.