Areas that experience high heat and excessive humidity have specialized requirements for temperature control.
While advances in cooling technology have improved the dehumidification capability of modern air conditioners, they aren’t designed to handle moisture.
An air conditioner pulls heat out of the indoor air and transfers it outside by way of refrigerant. When the house feels sticky, it can be tempting to lower the thermostat setting. This results in over-cooling without targeting the cause of the problem. The added use puts more strain on the air conditioner and increases energy use, running costs and the probability of malfunction. High moisture levels make the air feel warmer, muggy and oppressive. A dehumidifier is designed to remove moisture. While there are a variety of portable options, these units require a great deal of maintenance. Once the reservoir is full, it needs to be emptied or the dehumidifier no longer operates effectively. Plus, the standing water can actually cause problems with mold growth, bacteria and all sorts of air quality concerns. A better alternative is a whole- home dehumidifier. Installed into the home’s air conditioning system, the dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air as it passes through. It positively impacts every room in the house. Operation is nearly silent, very energy efficient and the unit needs only annual maintenance. Because the home feels cooler and more comfortable at a higher thermostat setting, there are less demands on the air conditioner. The savings on monthly electric bills works to offset the investment into the whole-home dehumidifier. Ideal humidity levels elevate the health of the home as well. Better sleep and fewer issues with allergies, asthma, respiratory infection, sore throat and more are the positive benefits of dehumidification.