Summertime is around the corner, and while we’re all paying close attention to our air conditioners (and hopefully scheduling maintenance), very few people have even considered their dehumidifiers. These systems are essential for a lot of different things, whether they’re playing a support role for your air conditioner, or helping to keep your basement dry and mold-free.
We’d like to dedicate some time this week to those handy dehumidifiers in Cedar Rapids, IA. These powerful guardians are the bane of moisture damage in your home and uncomfortable humidity. They’re so good, in fact, that many homeowners opt for a dehumidifier instead of an air conditioner when they’ve got small or basement property. They’re just that effective!
So, let’s figure out if you can use a dehumidifier, and discuss why these systems are so good at what they do. Just remember that you’ll need a professional on hand to install a whole-house dehumidifier!
Dehumidifiers Protect Damp Areas
Have you ever seen small puddles on the concrete floor of your basement? This isn’t unusual. Basements are constructed out of sturdy materials that are porous. Concrete, cinderblock, and stone are porous which means they allow water to pass through them. Many homeowners think this is an awful concept, but it’s actually a unique advantage.
Since a basement material is porous, water will pass through it rather than rest up against it, on it, or inside of it. This means that your basement practically dries itself out once the sun comes out and the heat begins drying everything around your home. Though, your basement is likely going to be the last place that gets dry since it’s so far removed from the sun and underground.
A dehumidifier can help eliminate those puddles and moist areas of your basement more easily. Even though your basement is designed to dry out after a certain time, a dehumidifier speeds up this process so that mold doesn’t have the chance to grow. We’d highly recommend a dehumidifier for every basement that sounds like this.
Support for Your Air Conditioner
A dehumidifier can play a support role for your air conditioner! Think about it, your AC works very hard to cool down the air in your home, but it also works as a dehumidifier. Moisture is taken out of the air through condensation while it’s cooled, so your air conditioner is essentially being a dehumidifier and air conditioner all at once. This is a lot of strain on a single system and can lead to problems like poor energy efficiency and an early system retirement.
Coupling your air conditioner with a dehumidifier means you get one system for each job. The AC can focus on cooling while the dehumidifier focuses on removing moisture from the air. Both can run efficiently and save you money on your utility bills or repair costs.
Inhibit Mold Growth and Improve Comfort
Don’t forget that anywhere a dehumidifier exists in your home, mold is going to have a hard time growing. This can be great for rooms that have experienced water damage or condensation on the windows. A dehumidifier is a powerful tool when used correctly, and it can be utilized to fight mold in the rooms of your home.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.