Can You Benefit from a Whole-House Dehumidifier?
Do your chips, crackers, and cereal lose their crispiness just days after you open the package? Do your breads, muffins, and other baked goods seem to go stale prematurely? Also, are you feeling sticky and warm even with the central air conditioner running? These aren’t just little summer annoyances; they may be signs that your home has an excess of indoor humidity.
Excess humidity can be harmful to your home and your family’s health. Is your home in need of a high-humidity fix? Pay attention to these warning signs that all point to “yes, it does.”
You’re Uncomfortable
No matter what the thermostat reads, when humidity levels are high, you just can’t seem to get comfortable. Why does this happen? Well, when you’re hot, your body perspires in its attempt to cool you off. When perspiration dries, you feel cooler. However, when excess humidity is present, perspiration never fully dries, leaving you feeling sticky and damp, even if the indoor or outdoor temps are mild.
Window Moisture
Sure, you expect to see moisture on the outside of your windows when it’s raining. But if moisture is gathering on window interiors, it’s likely due to excess humidity. When moist indoor air connects with cool window glass, condensation occurs. Over time, it can drip down and warp window framing, leading to wood rot.
Water Stains on Walls
Water stains on ceilings and walls that are not caused by a leaky roof or plumbing pipe are often the result of high indoor humidity. Similarly, condensation can occur on walls or ceilings when they are colder than the temperature inside (usually during cold weather months). Look for dark stains over screw heads or nails or areas with missing or insufficient insulation. Other signs include peeling paint or wallpaper.
Mold
The presence of mold is arguably the clearest indicator of a humidity problem. Mold spores thrive on damp surfaces where they can quickly spread, leading to health problems. If you see or suspect mold, or start experiencing unexplained symptoms like watery eyes, congestion, or wheezing, promptly remove the mold, address the cause of it, and bring in a dehumidifier to prevent its return.
Oversized AC
An air conditioning system’s job is to remove excess moisture from the air as the air chills over the coils, thereby creating a cool and comfortable atmosphere. If your AC system is too big for your house, it will take less time to reach a desired temp and, in the process, have less time to remove moisture before cycling off. The result is an air conditioned home that never feels quite cool enough and excess wear and tear on the system and its components.
AC systems gradually lose their ability to remove excess air as they age. So, if you’re feeling the effects of high indoor humidity and your system is at least 10 years old, now is a good time to replace. But if a new system just isn’t in the cards (or your budget) right now, the next best option is to purchase a whole-house dehumidifier. They work in conjunction with AC systems to keep humidity at its most comfortable levels, generally between 30% and 50%. So, for greater comfort and advice on the best way to achieve it, contact Correct Temp today.
