We all know summers in Northern Kentucky can be stiflingly hot. But when you add high relative humidity levels to the mix, days can quickly turn brutal, forcing people to retreat indoors to the comforts of their cooling systems.
Although one of the functions of air conditioning systems is to help regulate the humidity levels of the air in your home, they can struggle to keep up when humidity levels soar. If your house feels stuffy and warm, you may benefit from the addition of a whole house dehumidifier.
If you’re interested in learning more about whole house dehumidifiers or other indoor air quality solutions for your Georgetown, KY or surrounding areas home, reach out to the HVAC and indoor air quality specialists at Gibson Heating & Cooling today.
What Is a Whole House Dehumidifier?
Unlike portable dehumidifiers which provide coverage for just one room or area of a home, whole home dehumidifiers are connected directly to the HVAC system to provide complete coverage to a home.
These systems lower humidity levels indoors by drawing air through the return ductwork and into the system, where the warm, moist air is cooled, causing the moisture in the air to condense into droplets.
What Are Ideal Indoor Humidity Levels?
Relative humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount the air is able to hold at the current temperature. High indoor humidity is typically viewed as 60% or higher, which can lead to excess moisture that can cause health issues and damage homes. The recommended humidity level in homes during the summer is 30-50%.
Signs You Might Need a Whole House Dehumidifier Installed
Here are some of the most common signs that it might be time to consider the installation of a whole house dehumidifier.
You can’t get comfortable
Are you struggling to stay comfortable indoors during the hottest and most humid days of summer? Are you sticking to your leather couches? These are likely signs of high indoor humidity levels, which can leave you feeling hot, sticky and just downright uncomfortable. Restore comfort to your home and remove moisture from the air with the addition of a whole home dehumidifier.
You’ve discovered mold
Hot, humid conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for mold growth. If you discover mold spots, have them removed immediately. Airborne mold spores can spread throughout your home, leading to health issues such as stuffy nose, watery eyes and difficulty breathing, as well as other respiratory issues. If you can’t visibly see mold, you can be alerted to its presence if there’s a stale odor in the house which won’t go away.
Make sure to safely remove all of the mold, and then give an indoor air quality specialist a call to discuss having a dehumidifier installed.
Windows are wet on the inside
If you notice windows are wet with condensation on the inside of your home, it could be an indication that humidity levels are too high, and you could benefit from the installation of a whole home dehumidifier. Again, moisture in your home can lead to mold and can attract pests.
Water stains in your home
It’s common for some condensation to build up on walls and ceilings during the winter months when walls are colder than the indoor temperature. But if you notice condensation on your walls or ceilings during the warmer months, it’s likely caused by excess humidity. Letting condensation remain can lead to mold. Over time, excess moisture can also cause wallpaper to peel and paint to blister.
Damage to wood
When wood – whether it’s furniture, floors or doors – absorbs excess moisture because of high humidity levels, it expands, causing damage.
Contact Gibson for Indoor Air Quality Solutions
If your air conditioner is struggling to keep humidity levels at bay during the summer months, don’t live in discomfort – contact the indoor air quality specialists at Gibson Heating & Cooling for whole house dehumidifier installation services. Contact us today to request an appointment.
