“It’s Not the Heat, Its the HUMIDITY”
Think about when folks complain the most about our Chicago heat. It’s usually on days accompanied by a lot of humidity, making it much higher on the heat index than the actual temperature reading on the thermometer. Ever wonder how dry sauna users enjoy typical temperatures between 160-180°F (while steam rooms with 100 percent humidity are generally set no higher than 110°F)? Without moisture, heat is not as “hot.”
The same is true in our homes. Humidity makes heat less bearable.
If your air-conditioning is set at a good temperature but you still feel hot or “sticky” it may be because of excess moisture in your home. That’s right, moisture. It’s not something we really think about, until it gets too low or too high, which is when it can really affect our comfort.
Utility Bills & The Life of Your Cooling Unit
Whole-house dehumidifiers help you save money on your monthly cooling bills because with less moisture in the air you are comfortable at a higher temperature. Because you aren’t always bumping the down the thermostat, your air-conditioner or handler runs less often and lasts longer. It is much more cost effective to run a dehumidifier than a central cooling system.
A strategically placed dehumidifier continuously dries out moist air in your home’s HVAC system before it circulates back through your home. This helps your AC run more efficiently, extends the life of your coils, and reduces cooling bills.
Whole house dehumidifiers are sensitive to your home’s moisture levels so they only kick in when you need them to. This means a lot during the summertime, less in the spring and fall, and usually not at all in the wintertime.
Does My House Need A Dehumidifier?
The more air-tight and insulated your home is, the more you need a whole-house dehumidifier because excess humidity created by normal every day activities (cooking, showering, breathing) can’t escape.
Several sure signs your home could benefit from a whole house dehumidifier
• Too much moisture (condensation on the windows, home feels muggy, and uncomfortable)
• Mold and mildew growth
• Musty house smell
• Dust mites
• Aggravated allergies and upper-respiratory issues (from air-born bacteria)
• Stains or water damage on ceilings
• Rotting woodwork (especially around windows where condensation collects)
• Basement or crawlspace feels wet