When the hot, humid weather seeps in from the outside into your home, you may be looking for a cost-effective solution for your house. While installing a central cooling system can be beneficial, there are other ways you can keep the humidity levels at bay and keep your home cool.

A whole-house dehumidifier works hand-in-hand with your AC unit so you can keep your desired temperature without increasing energy bills.

Why Air Conditioning Isn’t Always Enough

After being outside in the hot, muggy weather, nothing feels better than stepping into your air-conditioned home and relaxing. However, even if you have a reliable AC unit, your home can start to feel more humid, even if the temperature is set really low.

It’s true that in some climates, the dehumidifying action of an air conditioner is sufficient. However, Maryland is known for having muggy afternoons and damp evenings. On days with especially high humidity levels, the air conditioner may reach the target temperature before removing an adequate amount of moisture from the air. This leaves you feeling cool but clammy, a sensation that prompts you to turn the temperature down another degree or two.

By the time the indoor humidity finally reaches a suitable level, your home is too cold for comfort. You return the thermostat to the usual setting, but then moisture builds back up. You can avoid juggling the temperature and humidity level by installing a whole-house dehumidifier.

How Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Work?

Whole-house dehumidifiers work by integrating with your HVAC system to regulate indoor humidity levels. These units are installed directly into the existing ductwork, allowing them to treat the air throughout your entire home. As the warm, moist air circulates through the ducts, the dehumidifier extracts excess moisture, condensing it into water.

The dry air is then redistributed, maintaining a balanced humidity level. This process not only prevents mold, mildew, and musty odors but also enhances overall indoor comfort. Whole-house dehumidifiers offer a comprehensive solution, addressing moisture-related issues across the entire living space efficiently and seamlessly.

Do You Need a Dehumidifier?

Only some homes require whole-house dehumidification on top of what the AC can do. However, if you answer “yes” to either of these questions, the upgrade could be worthwhile:

Is the Humidity Level Too High?

Excess humidity can be harmful to your health, attract pests, and even threaten your home’s structural integrity. Purchase an inexpensive hygrometer and measure the indoor relative humidity. If it’s higher than 50 percent, you could benefit from a dehumidifier.

Is Your Home Uncomfortable?

If your skin is clammy and your house feels stuffy and smells musty, these are signs that the humidity level is too high. It’s frustrating to constantly adjust the thermostat, hoping to balance the temperature and humidity with only marginal success.

Benefits of Whole-House Dehumidifiers

Are you wondering if whole-house dehumidifiers are worth it? Along with lowering the unwanted humidity in your home, there are tons of other cost-saving and comfort-enhancing benefits you can reap. Here’s what to expect if you decide to install a dehumidifier:

• Energy Savings: If your home has high humidity, your AC may start to work overtime, causing higher energy bills. A dehumidifier will remove the excess humidity, causing your air conditioner to work less hard, which can result in lower energy bills.
• Reduced Strain On the AC: The less you run your air conditioner, the longer the unit lasts. You can expect to save on maintenance, repairs, and replacement costs when a whole-house dehumidifier takes some of the load off the AC.
• Superior Comfort: A whole-house dehumidifier eliminates the sensation of having cool but clammy skin by removing excess moisture that the AC leaves behind.
• Convenient Operation: You might assume you can get all these benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier from a small portable unit. However, this requires you to move the machine from room to room and manually empty the condensate pan. A whole-house unit is linked to the ductwork to dehumidify your entire home. It’s also connected to a floor drain or pump, so you can simply set the humidistat and forget about it.

Whole-House Dehumidifiers Cost

Depending on the size and style of your desired unit, a whole-house dehumidifier can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000. This price can include the installation fee, as this job will need to be completed by a professional. It’s important to work closely with an HVAC technician so you can purchase the best unit for your needs and have a proper installation process.

Are you ready to make your home cooler and more comfortable? Contact us at GAC Services for whole-house dehumidifier installation in Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, Frederick County, Carroll County, or Howard County, Maryland. Our technicians will listen to your needs, inspect your home, and help you install the right system.