The Advantages of Whole-House Dehumidifiers in Western New York
The weather in Western New York can vary greatly throughout the year. From extremely hot temperatures in the summer to single digits in the winter, conditions inside the home will fluctuate. Not only will indoor temperatures change throughout the year, but humidity levels will as well. Ideally, the relative humidity in a home should be between 35% and 50%. Anything higher than 50% can promote the growth of mold, which is a major health concern. Luckily, there are modifications to your HVAC system that can help control moisture, such as a whole-house dehumidifier.
What Is a Whole-House Dehumidifier?
A whole-house dehumidifier removes moisture from the air. A pan under the unit captures the water produced by the process. This liquid drains outside your home through a pipe or is directed into your plumbing system. When it is hot and muggy, a whole-house dehumidifier can remove up to 20 gallons of water from indoor air daily.
A professional can integrate a dehumidifier into your current HVAC system. It is installed near your furnace and air conditioning equipment, treating all the air that passes through your forced air system on the supply side before circulating through your living spaces. Whole-home humidity control offers several benefits.
Better than Portable Units
Many homeowners use stand-alone dehumidifiers to remove moisture from areas such as the basement. While this equipment is usually effective, it doesn’t cover much square footage at one time. There are likely areas of the home that still have high levels of humidity. Also, portable units must be emptied when their tanks become full. This results in an ongoing task that is time-consuming. A whole-house model provides superior humidity control for all the rooms in your home and has built-in drainage.
Preventing Mold Growth
By reducing moisture in your indoor air with a whole-house dehumidifier, you reduce the risk of mold growing. If you are exposed to airborne mold spores, you can experience health issues such as an increase in allergy and asthma symptoms and other respiratory problems. Mold can also damage flooring and walls, resulting in the need for expensive repairs.
Indoor Air Smells Better
Humid air tends to have a musty odor, which can affect the overall comfort and ambiance of your home. Bringing the relative humidity back down to an acceptable level will make your home smell fresher. Drier air will hold on to fewer airborne particulates, reducing any smells that come from pet dander, dust, pollen, and everyday activities like cooking.
Protecting Your Investment
Not only can mold compromise the integrity and safety of your home, but moisture can negatively affect things like hardwood flooring, antique furniture, and upholstery. A household environment with between 35% and 50% humidity will experience less expansion and swelling of wood and the breakdown of materials. The upfront cost of a whole-house dehumidifier makes sense when you consider the protection that it provides over many years.
Saving Money on Cooling Your Home
During the summer months in New York, high humidity can make warmer temperatures unbearable. Many homeowners crank up their air conditioning to better control humidity. While air conditioners can effectively reduce moisture in the air, this is an expensive option. A whole-house dehumidifier is a more affordable and efficient way to control humidity. Once humidity issues are under control, you will find that you need to run your cooling system less often. A dehumidifier will help you reduce monthly electrical bills. Running your cooling system less also means it will experience less wear and tear, preventing the need for frequent repairs and increasing the lifetime of your cooling unit.
Promoting Optimal Indoor Comfort
High levels of humidity and extreme summer temperatures often result in people heading indoors during the months of June, July, and August in Western New York. When indoor air quality is no better than what’s going on outside, this can be a concern for homeowners. A whole-house dehumidifier can help promote a more comfortable indoor environment by reducing that muggy and sticky feeling that often comes along with Buffalo summers. Your home will be more comfortable during the daytime, and you’ll also be able to sleep better at night thanks to boosted indoor comfort.
Contact the Professionals
At Vastola Heating & Cooling, we have served the residents of Orchard Park, NY and the surrounding areas since 1946. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. In addition, we provide indoor air quality, generator, and electrical services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
