Dehumidifier Facts and Home Uses You Should Know

Down south, the amount of humidity in the air never goes unnoticed, especially after a thunderstorm. As Alabamians, it is important we have somewhere to escape when the humid weather is at its peak, and what better place than your own home? 

At Service Tech, we know about heating and air conditioning. With that being said, here are a few dehumidifier facts and home uses that we think you should know. 

What Is a Dehumidifier and How Does It Work?

The main job of a dehumidifier is to reduce humidity in the air. Your dehumidifier filters and cools humid air and converts it to condensation. The condensation is then gathered in a tank that must be emptied or drained. In most cases, a sump pump would move the water from out of your home if you own a whole home dehumidifier. However, portable versions require manual disposal of accumulated condensation.

HVAC systems have add-on options that can fulfill the role of a dehumidifier. This is not the best solution because it will overwork your HVAC system and decrease its lifespan. 

Drawbacks of Portable Dehumidifiers

When buying a dehumidifier, everyone’s budget varies. Portable dehumidifiers cost less and are a good option for people who can’t afford a typical whole-home unit. However, we recommend you save up enough money for a house-sized unit. Energy cost reduction and the protection of your home’s furniture will make the investment worth it. 

Portable

Did you know that if your portable dehumidifier is located in your basement, then it will not get rid of the humidity on your first floor? There are many drawbacks to choosing a portable dehumidifier, and one of them is that it will never shut off because of the moisture funneling downstairs endlessly. Also, you can’t forget to manually dispose of the accumulated condensation from your portable dehumidifier’s tank either! 

Portable dehumidifiers are not known to last very long. During the summer, humidity is at an all-time high in Alabama. The motor of your dehumidifier will be running non-stop and using tons of energy if you choose the portable option. Another drawback includes manual disposal of your portable dehumidifier’s tank. 

Reasons You Need a Dehumidifier in Your Home

• Decreases your energy costs if the dehumidifier isn’t running non-stop
• Prevents excess moisture from rotting wood, ruining furniture, and creating a dangerous home environment where electronic mishaps are likely to occur
• Removes allergens, mold, and viruses from the air, making it easier to breathe

What Size Dehumidifier Is Right For Me?

It is important to know that dehumidifiers are sold by capacity, the amount of moisture that a model can remove in one day. Capacity depends on the condition and square footage of your home. Some houses have more moisture than others so it’s important to know your environment. Luckily, you can purchase a hygrometer at a hardware store to find the (RHL) relative humidity level of your home. The RHL is usually between 30%-50%

NOTE: When determining your home’s size, it is important to include the crawl space in the square footage total.

Dehumidifiers have the ability to save energy and protect your home from damage. Are you considering purchasing a humidifier for your home? Check out these facts before purchasing a humidifier. 

READ what other ways you can save money or visit Service Tech, Inc.’s home page to learn more about the services we offer.