Humidity is a great way to make the heat in your home feel even warmer. But there is such a thing as too much humidity–something we certainly know about here in Florida! Living in states farther north may mean investing in a humidifier to add moisture to the air. But here in the south, our humidity levels stay high even through the winter.
Ideal humidity levels are somewhere between 30% and 50%. Any higher isn’t good for your home or your heating system. If you’re concerned about high humidity levels this winter, you may want to consider a furnace dehumidifier installation.
Why Do I Need a Dehumidifier?
If the humidity levels in your home rise above 50%, you risk mold and mildew growth. And once mold or mildew establish somewhere in your home, the spores spread easily. A dehumidifier helps to remove excess moisture from the air so that your home has a healthy level of humidity: not too much and not too little.
Understanding Your AC and Heater
You may think that part of your AC or heater’s job is to help maintain humidity levels. Isn’t the entire system about air quality? Well, yes and no. There is only so much that your air conditioner or heater can do for the humidity in the air. There’s a set of cooling coils in your AC that allows additional moisture to condense and drip into a pan that later drains outside of your home.
Even though the system removes some moisture from the air, it can’t help you maintain specific humidity levels. If there is a lot of humidity, your system can only remove so much of it during a heating or cooling cycle. Put simply, your air conditioner needs a little boost and a dehumidifier is just the solution.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
How do you know if the humidity levels in your home are too high or too low? Signs of high humidity include:
- Condensation stains on your walls or ceilings
- Condensation on your windows
- Small black spots around bathtubs, showers, and other water sources
- Musty or damp smells
Dehumidifier Benefits
High humidity fuels mold and mildew growth, and then the spores end up in the air you breathe. This can cause allergy symptoms and even severe illness. Controlling moisture levels in your home is a great way to prevent mold and mildew from ever establishing a foothold in your home. Proper humidity levels also prevent viruses and bacteria.
Super moist air allows bacteria, germs, and viruses to thrive, leaving you at a greater risk of breathing them in and getting sick. Lower (but not too low!) humidity levels reduce your chances of getting sick. But the benefits aren’t just related to your health. You can also save energy with a dehumidifier.
Moist air is heavy, and it can take a toll on your air conditioning or heating system. A dehumidifier lightens the load so that your air conditioner works more efficiently. And when you use less energy, you save money on your monthly energy bill.
For reliable AC service and so much more, trust Climate Masters! Serving St. Johns County since 1988 with quality, hometown service. Contact us today.
