The level of humidity that is inside your Oklahoma City, OK home can vary during the summer months. Ideally, you want to keep relative humidity between 35% and 50%. As levels change from weather patterns shifting, cooking, cleaning and bathing, you must take steps to control indoor humidity. Otherwise, high levels of moisture can result in the growth of mold and mildew. Learn more about how a dehumidifier can keep your home safe and comfortable by controlling humidity.
The Use of a Whole-House Dehumidifier
You may already have a portable dehumidifier in your home. However, this type of equipment removes moisture from a very small portion of your house. If you need to address humidity at a whole-home level, we can install a larger unit onto your HVAC system. Each time your HVAC system runs, your dehumidifier will act as well. If you have a smart thermostat, you can monitor indoor humidity and control your dehumidifier remotely.
Whole-home dehumidifiers are convenient because they don’t require you to empty a reservoir tank every so often. When the conditions in your home are very humid, this could end up being something you have to do every few hours. Instead, a drain line is installed as part of your system. Water moves away from your home through this drain line, eliminating the need for daily maintenance. You’ll want to inspect this drain line periodically to ensure it is free of sediment and mineral deposits. This is something we can do as part of the annual routine maintenance of your dehumidifier. We recommend scheduling this service with our experienced team.
If there is warranty coverage for your dehumidifier, the manufacturer may require you to use a licensed and experienced professional for all maintenance and repairs. Otherwise, you could void the warranty coverage with DIY repairs and maintenance.
Whole-Home Dehumidifier Benefits to Consider
A whole-home dehumidifier is a relatively affordable purchase that can make a big difference in the comfort of your home. It can also protect your ductwork and the interior components of your HVAC system. If rebates or incentives are available, this can lower the initial investment in this equipment.
Addressing the Potential for Mold Growth
Relative humidity above 50% promotes the growth of mold, especially if you have other risk factors like plumbing damage. We recommend that you schedule routine inspections of your plumbing system and keep up with necessary repairs. You can use a whole-home dehumidifier to lower the moisture in your home. Mold can dramatically aggravate allergies and asthma symptoms and cause headaches, fatigue and brain fog. It’s important to avoid it at all costs.
Protecting Your HVAC System Integrity
When your air conditioning equipment runs in the summer months, this can remove some moisture from your indoor air. However, overusing this method of dehumidification can result in costly utility bills and lead to AC equipment strain. If you find that you’re scheduling frequent repairs for your AC system, a dehumidifier may help reduce these instances. This can also lengthen the life expectancy of your AC unit. With proper care, you can expect this system to last approximately 15 years.
Conserving Energy and Lowering Your Carbon Footprint
Many homeowners run their AC units more frequently because humid air feels warmer than it is. Overuse of your cooling equipment increases your carbon footprint. You can decrease carbon emissions and protect the environment with the use of a whole-home dehumidifier. Not to mention, your monthly utility bills should decrease.
Promoting Health and Well-Being
Air that is very humid can hold onto particulate matter much more easily than dry air. If you suffer from allergy symptoms, a whole-house dehumidifier can keep your symptoms at bay. Your home should be an escape from the high-pollen conditions outside. Not only does a dehumidifier decrease particulate matter, but it can also protect against dust mites. These pests thrive in damp and dark areas like your ductwork.
Monitoring Relative Humidity
Because humidity can fluctuate so much over the course of a day, it’s important that you have a reliable method of monitoring relative humidity. Invest in a hygrometer and check levels in different areas. You can also invest in a smart thermostat with a built-in hygrometer.
Consider Avoiding Dry Air
You don’t want to overcompensate by lowering your relative humidity too much. Relative humidity that falls below 35% can cause dry skin and irritated sinuses and airways. Use your smart thermostat to control your whole-home dehumidifying equipment, having it turn off when you reach your target humidity level. Some homeowners also invest in a whole-home humidifier. You can alternate between these two units depending on the season and the conditions in your residence.
How to Choose a Dehumidifier
There are many different sizes and types of dehumidifiers that you can purchase and install. We are dedicated to helping you find the right equipment for your needs and budget. It’s important that you don’t choose a unit that is incorrectly sized for your residence. This can lead to equipment strain and inadequate dehumidification. We will take into consideration the square footage of your home, the type of HVAC equipment you already have in place, your ductwork and your home dehumidification needs. Also, we refer to the ENERGY STAR rating included with a dehumidifier. This rating details how much it will cost you to run your dehumidifier per year.
Your dehumidifier should work behind the scenes and not keep you up at night. Many units have a low decibel rating, ensuring you can remove moisture from your indoor air without interrupting your sleep or relaxation.
Also, maintenance tasks and costs are something to consider. Most dehumidifiers are relatively easy to maintain, especially with their dedicated drain line. There may be a filter that you need to clean or replace every few months. Also, invest in routine inspections and maintenance to help you avoid large problems with your dehumidifier or HVAC system.
Make sure that you schedule installation with a professional. Trying to complete this process on your own can result in equipment damage and inefficiency issues. We complete all work according to local code enforcement, ensuring the safety of your new dehumidifier. We consider the fact that your dehumidifier must prevent water from leaking or pooling in your home. Otherwise, you could be faced with expensive water damage and potential mold growth.
You can learn more about the use of a whole-home dehumidifier in the Oklahoma City area with the help of our team. Our knowledgeable and helpful team of professionals can help you choose a unit that meets your indoor air quality and humidity needs and take care of the installation process. We can also perform routine inspections and maintenance for your dehumidifier, as well as your heating and cooling equipment. Our services also include emergency repairs.
Reach out to our team at True Climate Heat + Air to learn more about dehumidifiers in Oklahoma City today or to schedule an appointment.
