Living in Murphysboro with our high humidity levels, you know how uncomfortable it can be. The air feels heavy and sticky, making it harder to breathe and leading to excessive sweating. But did you know that excessive humidity can also affect the efficiency of your air conditioning system? The good news is that a dehumidifier can help with both of these problems. We’ll explain how dehumidifiers work, if they are capable of cooling the air, their benefits, and how they can ultimately save you money on your cooling bills.
Your HVAC system isn’t just composed of your heating and cooling units, indoor air quality is also an important factor in your home’s comfort. Talk to Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing to see how your home can benefit from installing a dehumidifier.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air. They do this by drawing in humid air, passing it over a cold coil, and condensing the moisture onto the coil. The water is then collected in a removable tank or drained out through a hose.
There are two main types of dehumidifiers on the market: portable ones and whole-house units. The main difference between the two is the size of the area they cover and how they are installed. Portable dehumidifiers are intended for smaller spaces or specific rooms and are free-standing – you can move them from room to room. A whole-house unit will address every room in your home. Rooms that commonly suffer from high humidity are rooms without windows like bathrooms and kitchens. A whole-house dehumidifier can help prevent mold growth in these damp rooms and help them feel considerably more comfortable. If you want to stay comfortable and save money, consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier in your home.
Do Dehumidifiers Cool the Air?
Do dehumidifiers cool the air? The short answer is no. They don’t actually lower the temperature of the air, but they do make the air feel cooler.
The amount of moisture in the air is what controls the humidity level. The more moisture in the air, the higher the more humid it is. When the relative humidity level in your home is high, it can make your home feel hotter than it is. Just like on a humid day outside, the thermostat says it’s 85, but it feels like 90. Humidity not only makes you feel uncomfortable, but it strains your air conditioner to work harder to cool a room in your home.
When the relative humidity is at normal levels, the air will feel less sticky and heavy. This can help you feel cooler and more comfortable in your home without having to lower the temperature on your air conditioning unit.
Benefits of Dehumidifiers
There are several benefits of having a whole-house dehumidifier installed in your home. First and foremost, they improve your comfort level. As mentioned above, when there is less moisture in the air, you feel more comfortable. This is because your body is better able to regulate its temperature when the air is less humid. This means you can feel cooler at a higher temperature and save money on your cooling bills.
When your home is hot, you may be tempted to try to make the room feel cooler by turning down the temperature on the air conditioner. However, this can strain your system more and cause it to cycle for longer which can bring up your energy bills. Dehumidifiers don’t cool a room, they extract the moisture from the air which lower relative humidity levels to make you feel more comfortable.
In addition to improving comfort, dehumidifiers can also help improve air quality. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Dehumidifiers can help prevent these issues by keeping moisture levels in check and reducing the growth of mold and mildew.
Another benefit of dehumidifiers is that they can help prolong the life of your air conditioning system. When the air is less humid, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the air. This can reduce the stress on your system and ultimately save you money on repairs and replacements.
Do Dehumidifiers Cool? The Verdict
Dehumidifiers don’t actually cool the air, but they do make the air feel cooler and more comfortable. Lower humidity levels can not only improve your comfort but also reduce stress on your air conditioning system, improve air quality, and save you money on your cooling bills.
Talk to Heartland About Whole-House Dehumidifier Installation Today
At Heartland Heating, Air, and Plumbing, we highly recommend using a dehumidifier to improve your home’s comfort level. Our trained professionals can help you choose the right whole-house dehumidifier for your home and install it quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our dehumidifier services and how we can help improve your home’s indoor air quality.