High humidity levels are common in White Plains, MD during the summer. This moisture can make a home feel uncomfortable, even when a cooling system is in use. AC systems remove a bit of moisture from the air that’s circulating through them. However, cooling equipment isn’t meant to maintain relative humidity between 35% and 50%. Our team at Southern Pride Service recommends installing a whole-home dehumidifier to help achieve indoor comfort. This equipment also offers other benefits, such as lowering your energy consumption and protecting surfaces in your home.
Maryland Humidity Basics
Maryland experiences high levels of humidity due to coastal moisture from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Frequent storms and high levels of heat in the spring and summer also contribute to uncomfortable conditions. If temperatures drop in the evenings, humidity tends to remain high. This is especially true in areas that have dense tree cover, which can trap moisture. These outdoor humidity levels can quickly make the inside of your home less comfortable when you don’t have a whole-home dehumidifier in place.
The Basics of a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
A whole-home dehumidifier installs directly onto your HVAC system. As air passes through this system during the cooling process, your dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air. This moisture passes through a drain line and away from your residence.
A whole-home model is much more convenient than a portable unit. You don’t need to empty a collection tank. You also avoid inconsistent dehumidification when you’re using a whole-home model that covers your entire residence. There may even be rebates or incentives available to offset the cost of a whole-home unit.
The Benefits of a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
When humidity is high, the air feels warmer than it is. You may notice your home feels uncomfortable on humid days, even if you’re not turning up the temperature on your thermostat. By using a dehumidifier to remove some of that dampness, your home will feel cooler. You won’t overuse your cooling equipment, which keeps your monthly utility bills low.
Removing moisture from your indoor air can lead to better sleep quality. This ensures you feel your best each day. Getting a good night’s rest can help you control seasonal allergies and reduce the likelihood of illness.
Protecting Your HVAC Equipment
When you have humid air passing through your HVAC system, moisture can lead to corrosion of interior components. This leads to frequent repairs and a shorter system lifespan.
Overusing your AC to battle humidity can cause equipment strain. This can damage your cooling equipment, spike energy bills, and increase your carbon footprint. Investing in dehumidification equipment in an area such as White Plains is very practical.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. You may notice that certain areas, such as your basement or attic, smell musty or stale. You may find mold growing in cabinets or near pipes. There may even be mold growing in areas you can’t see, such as inside walls.
Mold exposure is extremely dangerous. You can experience symptoms such as chronic headaches, fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and allergies. It’s best to maintain relative humidity levels that are below 50% to prevent mold growth.
Indoor Air Quality Concerns
Humidity can decrease the quality of the air inside your home. In addition to the presence of mold spores, moisture can also lead to higher concentrations of particulate matter in the air. Dust mites thrive in humid conditions. This aggravates asthma and allergies. It’s common for residences to have high levels of bacterial and fungal growth when humidity is high. Maintaining low levels of moisture in your home can keep you and your family members healthy and safe.
Protecting Your Home
Moisture can quickly cause structural damage in a residence. Hardwood floors can warp, doors and window frames can swell, and paint can start to bubble or crack. You may find wood rotting around doors or inside walls. Metal fixtures and hardware can experience rust and corrosion.
Your belongings can absorb moisture and experience damage. Papers and books can warp or ripple. Clothing and linens may smell musty. Electronics can even take on moisture and fail. A whole-home dehumidifier can protect all these items.
The Condition of Your Basement
Most homes experience damp conditions inside their basements. However, this is a problem that is extremely common in White Plains. Because this area of the home sits below grade, moisture easily collects. A whole-home dehumidifier will keep your basement dry, prevent musty odors, and keep items in storage in good condition.
Maintaining low humidity in your basement can make this space more usable. You’ll be able to consider finishing your basement to create a guest bedroom, office, or playroom for your children. Moisture can make this challenging and worrisome.
Ease of Use
Whole-home dehumidifiers are much quieter than standalone models. You’ll be able to remove moisture from the air inside your home without disrupting your sleep or relaxation time. These units are also hidden from view, so you don’t have to worry about losing space in your utility closet or basement. Minimal maintenance is necessary. Simply ensure the drain line is kept clear. If your unit has a filter, you’ll need to clean or change it periodically.
Lowering Your Monthly Utility Bills
Cooling costs can already be burdensome during summer heatwaves. However, a whole-home dehumidifier lowers the workload on your AC system. By avoiding overuse of your cooling equipment, you’ll see a drop in energy usage. Raising your thermostat one to two degrees may be possible, saving you money.
Signs It’s Time to Invest in a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
A simple hygrometer can help determine the level of moisture in your home. Make sure that you’re checking various areas, including your basement, attic, bedrooms, and living room. Bathrooms and kitchens tend to be more humid because of the presence of sinks and tubs. Cooking also increases humidity. You may find these areas have higher relative humidity than others. If levels are consistently above 50%, it’s important to remove moisture using a whole-home dehumidifier.
Inspect your home for condensation, mold growth, wood damage, or musty odors. You should also review your monthly energy bills to see if they are high due to overuse of your AC. Frequent AC repairs can indicate equipment strain that is the result of high humidity. If you or someone in your home has allergies or asthma and experiences symptoms more often when at home, high humidity may be an issue.
Don’t let high levels of humidity make your home feel uncomfortable all summer long. Instead, let our team at Southern Pride Service assist with the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier. We can help you choose a model that meets your needs and prioritizes comfort and savings. Also, routine inspection and maintenance of your dehumidifier and AC equipment is beneficial yearly. Contact us at Southern Pride Service today to learn more or to schedule an appointment in White Plains.
