When to Use a Dehumidifier

You’ve probably heard the saying – it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. That rings true in many parts of the country during the heat of summer. High indoor humidity can make your home feel hot, sticky, and downright uncomfortable. It can also worsen allergies, respiratory issues, and encourage mold growth.

In short, high humidity levels are never a good thing. Fortunately, you can reduce humidity in your home with a dehumidifier. HVAC.com explains when it’s best to use a dehumidifier to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

Understanding Humidity Levels

Humidity levels refer to how much moisture or water vapor is in the air. It’s measured as a percentage relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping humidity levels between 30-50%, with 40-50% considered a comfortable measure in the summer when humidity is naturally higher. Relative humidity levels above 55-60% can lead to health and comfort issues, as well as promote mold growth.

9 Signs You Might Need to Use a Dehumidifier in Your Home

Signs to watch for that indicate you may need to install a portable or whole-dehumidifier include:

1. Condensation on Windows: Have you ever needed to wipe the water off the inside of your windows with a towel? Heavy condensation on windows is a tell-tale sign of high indoor humidity. Condensation forms on the inside of windows when warm, humid air meets the glass' cooler surface, causing water droplets to form.
2. Musty Odors: A musty or moldy smell in certain areas of your home – especially the basement, bathrooms, or closets – could suggest excessive moisture caused by high humidity.
3. Visible Mold Growth: Speaking of mold, damp and dark environments are ideal breeding grounds for it. If you notice mold on walls or ceilings, it’s likely caused by humidity levels far exceeding 50%, creating favorable conditions for mold to grow.
4. Allergy Symptoms: Elevated humidity levels are no friend to allergy sufferers. Mold spores and dust mites can worsen allergy symptoms, leading to sneezing, coughing, or skin irritation.
5. Difficulty Cooling: Is your AC struggling to keep up? High humidity can make it harder for your air conditioner to cool your home effectively, as it struggles to remove both heat and moisture from the air.
6. Wet Spots on Walls or Ceilings: Water stains or wet spots that reappear after cleaning may indicate moisture issues.
7. Rotting Wood: Excess moisture from high humidity also can cause wooden furniture or floors to rot or decay prematurely.
8. High Indoor Humidity Readings: Use a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels regularly. Levels above 50-60% suggest a need for a dehumidifier.
9. Clammy Feeling: If certain areas of your home feel consistently damp or your skin is clammy to the touch, it’s a sign of excessive moisture.

The Different Types of Dehumidifiers

If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, consider installing a dehumidifier in your home. There are two types of dehumidifiers – portable models and whole-house versions. Both offer unique benefits.

Portable Dehumidifiers

Portable dehumidifiers work by drawing in moist air, which passes over cold coils that condense the moisture into water. This water is then collected in a removable reservoir that needs to be emptied periodically as part of regular maintenance.

Portable models are often used to target specific rooms like basements or sunrooms that may have higher humidity levels than the rest of the house, offering a cost-effective solution compared to installing a more expensive whole-house unit.

Whole-House Dehumidifiers

Whole-house dehumidifiers are integrated into the HVAC system and extract moisture from the air as it circulates through ducts. They are designed to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout the entire house, making them ideal for homes with consistent humidity issues across several rooms.

Whole-house dehumidifiers typically come with a built-in humidistat which monitors the relative humidity level in the air. If the humidity rises above a certain level, typically 50%, the unit will automatically turn on.

This centralized approach is often more effective and convenient than using portable units because it allows for comprehensive humidity control throughout the entire home without requiring separate units in each room.

How to Fix Sources of High Humidity

Being proactive and fixing the source of high humidity can create a healthier, more comfortable home, perhaps without the need for installing a dehumidifier. Some quick tips include:

• Make sure there’s good airflow in areas that tend to get humid, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Fix any leaks in plumbing, roofs, or windows to keep extra moisture out of your home.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to push humid air outside.
• Seal up any openings around windows and doors to stop warm, humid air from getting inside.
• If your HVAC system isn’t doing a good job of removing moisture, consider having it maintained or replaced to help keep indoor humidity levels in check.