It looks like we may be in for a cooler spring, something that many residents around here will be grateful for, given the soaring temperatures we experience in the summer time. Nonetheless, even though our temperatures are on the mild side for now, it’s no time to neglect your home comfort.
Part of caring for your home in the spring and summer is ensuring that you’re equipped with the right Los Alamos, NM indoor air quality products and services, with a whole-house dehumidifier at the top of the list. If you’ve lived in this area through even just one summer, then you know how much the excess moisture this time of year can affect your comfort, and potentially even your health.
The Benefits of Whole-House Dehumidification
When used in conjunction with your air conditioning system, a whole-house dehumidifier removes excess humidity so you don’t have to keep turning down your AC system in order to avoid that clammy feeling that summer brings—which is inefficient and uncomfortable all on its own.
Relying on a quality dehumidifier allows you whole-house comfort during the hot, sticky months of summer. Not only that, but it prevents the development of mold and other harmful bacteria, which can make their way into your home and make you and your family ill.
How Do You Know if You Need a Dehumidifier?
In general, any home in a climate such as ours will benefit from whole-house dehumidification, but some homes are naturally more prone to excess moisture than others. For example if you live with multiple occupants, or do a large amount of cooking, then your home may have more excess moisture than another.
Additionally, better-sealed homes with airtight windows, while fantastic for your air conditioner’s energy efficiency, create an environment for mold and mildew growth, as the decreased ventilation doesn’t allow home moisture to escape. Lack of dehumidification can also cause wood flooring and furnishings to begin to warp and wallpaper to peel.
Common Myths About Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Despite the numerous advantages of investing in one of these systems, there are some fairly common misconceptions about them as well, which we would like to debunk! However, we urge you to look at the bigger picture (no pun intended) and consider what you could be saving month-to-month.
Myth #1: Whole-House Systems Are Costlier Than Portable Dehumidifiers
Well, yes. The upfront costs of a whole-house dehumidifier are going to be greater than that of a portable dehumidifier. A portable dehumidifier can do its job just fine in a closed bedroom.
However, it’s going to constantly run because it cannot effectively dehumidify an entire living area or even a larger bedroom. On the other hand, a whole-house system can move a lot of air and extract much more moisture.
Myth #2: I Have to Upgrade My Electrical System to Accommodate
This is not always the case. In fact, most residential whole-house dehumidifiers will use a standard 3-prong 115V plug and can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet in a house. If you were already having issues with your electrical system and an electrical upgrade was recommended, then you may definitely want to consider investing in this service. But in general, you won’t have to make any additional accommodations for a dehumidifier installation.
Contact Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration today for all of your indoor air quality needs and concerns!
