Although your central air conditioning system or heat pump removes humidity, it often isn’t enough in our climate. High humidity levels affect HVAC operation, decreasing performance and making the unit work harder. That scenario results in more frequent repairs. If you notice foggy windows, excessively moist skin, or musty odors, your home has a humidity problem.

High humidity also affects indoor air quality. Excessive water in the air makes you feel warmer, reducing comfort. More importantly, high humidity contributes to the growth of microorganisms like mold and mildew.

Installing a dehumidifier in your home provides many benefits.

• Reduces musty odors
• Reduces mold development
• Reduces dust
• Helps lower energy costs
• Makes HVAC systems last longer
• Reduces potential structural damage from warping

Use dehumidifiers whenever the interior humidity level reaches 55%. A whole-house dehumidifier can also help in situations of excess water when you experience a water leak or another plumbing problem. They are also the best solution when you have problems with excessive humidity in more than one room, as they are more cost-effective than buying multiple portable units.

Like heating and cooling systems, dehumidifiers require regular maintenance. You can schedule preventive maintenance at the same time as cooling maintenance. Our HVAC technician will clean and inspect the unit’s coils, check the pumps, clean the air intake and exhaust grilles, and lubricate moving parts as necessary. Homeowners should also regularly inspect and replace air filters. If you have a portable unit, clean the condensate bucket frequently to avoid mold and mildew growth.