Something a lot of people do not realize about home air-conditioners is that they not only cool the air, they remove moisture from it at the same time. Getting the moisture out of your home is very important in regards to your comfort, ease of breathing, and to avoid mold and mildew growth. Part of the way you can ease some of the strain on your AC but still enjoy a comfortable living environment is with the use of home dehumidifiers.
Home dehumidifiers are a valuable way to safely suck the moisture out of your home. When there is moisture lurking in a room the area becomes sticky and heavy, but this can also lead to damage to wood flooring and cause permanent stains and spots on walls and ceilings.
In order to get the most out of home dehumidifiers, it is best to know how to choose the ideal unit for your needs. In St. Louis, contact the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons today to learn more about choosing the best home dehumidifier.
Four Steps to Choosing a Home Dehumidifier
Step 1: Determining Your Needs
Your climate as well as the size of the space that you need to remove moisture from will determine your home dehumidifier needs. Some homes have a very designated problem area such as a basement, utility room, or laundry room. In these instances, a portable dehumidifier is probably sufficient to get the area back to a comfortable and non-threatening state.
In hot, moist climates there are models known as whole-house dehumidifiers. These install essentially as an extension of your air-conditioner and operate in a quieter manner while also removing the moisture from every room in the house. They of course cost much more to install.
Step 2: Home Dehumidifier Sizing
Most consumers opt for portable home dehumidifiers because they are much more convenient and affordable to install. Plus, modern units have expanded capabilities and sizing efficiencies. Units are sized based on the amount of water it can remove from the air over the course of a 24-hour period. Smaller 10 pint dehumidifiers, for example, are recommended for 500 sq. ft. rooms. Larger 44 pint models have capabilities for areas up to 2,500 sq. ft.
This is where climate conditions also come into play. Some areas and spaces throughout the home are on the low end of the humidity scale and might only develop a problem on certain days. Then there are extremely wet areas such as laundry rooms or basements with sweaty walls and floors. Your minimum needs will increase as the wetness of the area does.
Step 3: Consider Noise Level
Depending on where you are placing your dehumidifier, noise may be another factor that you need to consider. For example, it might be worth it to pay more for an insulated home dehumidifier if it is going to be installed in an often populated room of the house. Standard basement units for example are not manufactured with much attention to noise control. There are, however, other models that are specifically insulated for use in a finished basement or living area as the decibel output is at a minimum.
Step 4: Evaluate Other Features & Considerations
In addition to the basics above, there are some other features that you may want to consider as well when selecting a home dehumidifier. For example, normally home dehumidifiers require daily maintenance of emptying of the water tank. However, some models include a drain attachment that allows the dehumidifier to run independently as it hooks up to your floor drain. Other models have built in air filters for not only conditioning, but purifying the air in a room as well. Other home dehumidifiers have an auto setting (humidistat) where they turn on and off based on humidity levels in your home, which saves on utility bills and ensures more consistent humidity levels.
Following these four simple steps should help you to find the right home dehumidifiers for your needs. For more help selecting the best dehumidifier for your St. Louis area home, contact the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today to learn more about home dehumidifiers!
