Whole house dehumidifiers are useful in the summer to combat high humidity levels that are common across Atlanta and all of Georgia.
With summer in full swing, learn the reasons why using a whole house dehumidifier is recommended this season. However, everything has its drawbacks, so consider both sides as you decide what is best for your household.
Pros of Whole Home Dehumidifier Use in the Summer
Indoor Air Quality Improvements
Since last year, the city of Atlanta has made some improvements in regards to pollution. The city ranked as the 25th most ozone-polluted city in the nation in 2019 and has fallen to 33rd in 2020. Atlanta’s particle pollution levels saw a significant reduction, and 2020 shows the metro area’s best recorded levels yet.
Even with these significant improvements, we still have room for improvement. While these reports measure outdoor pollution levels, residents must be mindful that indoor air is typically 2 to 5 times more polluted. Improving indoor air quality must be a concern for everyone in the Greater Atlanta area.
Running a dehumidifier in the summer months is one way to improve indoor air quality and help lower the occurrence of allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. By removing excess moisture from the home’s air supply, whole house dehumidifiers help reduce allergens such as mildew and mold growth in the home environment. Common allergens such as dust mites also thrive in high humidity areas – by dehumidifying the home, concentrations are greatly reduced.
Give Your Air Conditioner a Break
Air conditioners work around the clock during Atlanta summers. One reason we rely on them so much is because our bodies feel warmer due to the high humidity. When there is a high level of moisture in the air, the air is unable to absorb moisture from our skin as quickly, leaving us to feel hotter for longer. When we feel too hot, we turn up the AC – this uses more power though the temperature isn’t the real issue.
Using whole house dehumidifiers rids the home environment of excessive moisture from the air to help everyone inside feel cooler. When relative humidity levels stay balanced indoors, homeowners can back off the air conditioner use and feel just as comfortable at a temperature that’s a few degrees higher. It saves money, too, by helping the air conditioner perform more efficiently and helping us cut back on our dependence on it.
Air conditioners do provide some dehumidification to the home, but their capabilities are severely limited in the face of very hot, humid outdoor conditions. Whole house dehumidifiers are much better suited for the job and do so without expending excessive amounts of energy, such as a home’s air conditioning system does when tasked with performing this job in addition to home cooling.
Protect the Home
The high humidity levels of summer pose a risk to your home, not just its occupants. When there is an excessive amount of moisture in the air, the following issues can occur:
- Musty or mildew smells
- Constant condensation on windows
- Water stains on ceilings or walls
- Small black mold spores growing on walls or bathtubs and showers
Whole house dehumidifiers reduce indoor humidity levels, which does the following for your home:
- Eliminates odors
- Decreases risk of mold growth
- Decreases risk of water damage, corrosion and rust
Cons to Using Whole House Dehumidifiers in the Summer
Natural Ventilation Disrupts Performance
Many Atlanta residents enjoy opening windows and doors at home on summer days to take in the breeze and benefits of natural ventilation. However, opening windows and doors to allow the breeze in creates struggles for whole house dehumidifiers. It is difficult for these units to keep relative humidity levels consistent in the home with an open window and door, because the incoming breeze changes the humidity level of the home’s living spaces.
If you wish to enjoy the breeze on a summer day, it’s best to turn your home’s dehumidifier off as you do so.
Excess Heat
When whole home dehumidifiers run long hours, they generate more heat. The heat from the equipment impacts the surrounding areas and could make certain living areas in the home too hot for comfort. In turn, occupants increase air conditioning usage to offset the extra heat, which wastes energy.
Estes Has Whole House Dehumidifiers for Your Atlanta Home
There are always two sides to things – whole house dehumidifiers offer great benefits during the summer months, but they do have some distinct drawbacks. Even so, installing a whole home dehumidifier is a smart move that helps Atlanta families combat the heat and relative humidity indoors. Are you ready to install one?
Call Estes Services today to receive an estimate for installation from our team of indoor air quality professionals.
