Having an air conditioner in your home can be a great way to keep your space cool during the summer. In addition to cooling the air, an air conditioner also typically draws some moisture out of the air. However, if despite running your AC, you notice high humidity levels, it is a sign that you may need a dehumidifier. In this post, we will review the top 5 signs you need a dehumidifier. But first, we will take a look at why excess humidity is bad for your home.
To learn more or to have a whole home dehumidifier installed in your home, contact the heating and air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons today.
Why Do You Need a Dehumidifier?
Most individuals are comfortable when the humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. If the humidity level in your home is above 50 percent, you can experience discomfort. In addition, humidity puts you at risk of experiencing problems like mold, musty smells, and allergies. High humidity can cause carpeting, wooden furniture, and other moisture-sensitive items to warp, crack, and suffer from mold and mildew growth.
Dehumidifiers can help protect your home and your health by removing moisture.
Top 5 Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
Now that you know how dehumidifiers work and why you need them. Let us take a look at the top signs you need a dehumidifier.
- Condensation: When too much moisture is present, water vapor can condense on surfaces like windows and walls. Condensation on windows is one of the most reliable signs you need a dehumidifier.
- Mold growth: Mold grows when there is too much moisture in the air, so if you see mold on any surfaces in your home, it is one of the signs you need a dehumidifier. Mold can be hard to identify at first because it looks like dirt or grime on walls. It can also be seen on floors in the form of blackish discoloration or mats that appear damp to the touch. In addition, you may notice an odor that is similar to mildew or decaying vegetation.
- Allergies: Mold growth due to high humidity levels can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from sinus infections to asthma. Mold triggers respiratory issues in susceptible individuals, while the spores themselves can cause allergic reactions and damage the lungs.
- Warped wooden doors and windows: When you live in a humid environment, your wooden cabinets and doors are likely to become sticky and make a lot of noise as they move around. The excess moisture can expand the wood and cause small cracks to form, compromising the structural integrity of the cabinet. It can also lead to warping or bending in the doorframes and floors.
The Importance of Getting Your Air Conditioner Serviced
A whole home dehumidifier can help to alleviate the issues linked to excess moisture so that the humidity levels in your home are stabilized. In addition to investing in a dehumidifier, it is also important to keep your AC unit in top shape. An AC that is functioning normally is able to remove a good amount of moisture during the cooling process.
However, if the air conditioner is broken, old, or inefficient, its ability to reduce moisture declines. Getting your air conditioner serviced regularly by a St. Louis heating & air conditioner maintenance professional such as Galmiche & Sons is an effective way to prevent AC and humidity issues.
By working together, your AC and dehumidifier ensure that your home stays comfortable year-round!
