If humidity levels are rising in your home, you are probably worried about the damages and health risks that accompany this type of indoor condition. High humidity causes a number of problems that can be prevented with the right approaches. Through prevention and the right equipment, you can avoid the cost and inconvenience that high humidity brings. Two pieces of equipment that effectively remove humidity from a home are an air conditioner and a portable dehumidifier. In this article, we discuss a dehumidifier vs. an air conditioner and which one may work best for your situation.
One of the best tools against humidity is a dehumidifier. It removes moisture from indoor air to maintain a good balance of comfort indoors. The two most popular types of dehumidifiers are the portable dehumidifier and the air conditioner. Many people do not realize that an air conditioner is capable of removing humidity from a home. An AC cools an area by removing moisture in the air, thus, it reduces humidity levels. Therefore, you feel much cooler when humidity is removed from a home. What concerns you is which equipment to use.
Although both the dehumidifier and the AC offers advantages, one functions differently from the other. To determine which equipment works best for your needs, you will have to compare how effective a dehumidifier is versus an air conditioner. By understanding their benefits, you will be able to determine the solution that will work best for your home. Aside from fixing the problem of high humidity, the right equipment will help you achieve general comfort and excellent indoor quality.
Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences that portable dehumidifiers and air conditioners share and how either one can help you keep cool and avoid discomfort indoors.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says that humidity is one of the leading causes of poor quality indoor air. High humidity creates conditions that encourage the growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. Inhalation of these microorganisms can increase the risk of respiratory problems. People who suffer from asthma, respiratory infections, and breathing difficulty are the most affected. In general, people who have respiratory issues often breathe better in low-humidity conditions.
High humidity creates inconvenient conditions that affect the health of household members and the safety of your home. Not only does a high humidity increase the risk of health issues but it can also reduce your comfort level. If your home has excessive levels of moisture in the air, you are likely to feel warmer than you should. High humidity can also affect wood and paint, causing floors and furniture to warp and paint to peel off. Increased moisture in the air can also cause unsightly stains on the ceilings and walls along with unpleasant odor. If your home experiences damage, you will have to spend more on repairs and replacements.
A dehumidifier is an appliance that eliminates excess air moisture indoors. It works by drawing in warm, humid air and pushing it over cold coils that will remove the moisture. It will then push dry air out, hence improving the condition and temperature of indoor air. The excess moisture removed will then be collected into a drain pan. The drain pan can then be emptied once it is full. A portable dehumidifier is a lightweight device that can be placed in any room or area. A whole-house dehumidifier, on the other hand, is integrated into the HVAC system.
The air conditioner cools the air by drawing in warm air and replacing it with cool air. An air conditioner also removes humidity, even without the presence of a dehumidifier. In summer, air tends to be hot and damp. This is because hot air can hold more moisture than cool air. When an air conditioner is turned on, hot indoor air is passed over the AC evaporator coils. This removes moisture and turns warm air into cool air.
A portable dehumidifier is a relatively small, easy-to-carry unit that can be placed in one room and moved to another room. It works by reducing humidity in a single room. A whole-house dehumidifier, however, works with the HVAC system and is capable of eliminating excess air moisture throughout the entire home.
If you are wondering which appliance offers more advantages, consider that the air conditioner cools dry air more quickly than it does moist air. If the humidity levels inside the home are extremely high, it could cause the AC to work harder, which could lead to higher cooling costs. This could also lead to frequent breakdowns. However, if your AC works in tandem with a whole-house dehumidifier, the AC can cool your home without using too much energy and still get the humidity at a lower level. This combination can help you enjoy a cool and comfortable home.
Both the dehumidifier and the air conditioner carry advantages and limitations when it comes to managing humidity levels. Let’s take a look at the differences.
So which is the best choice? For the function and the cost, along with increased indoor air quality, consider an air conditioner or a whole-house dehumidifier. A whole-house dehumidifier works automatically and seamlessly with your HVAC system. It is very efficient in removing excess moisture from every room in the house. If you want to minimize the problems caused by humidity, the best appliance for your money is an air conditioner with a whole-house dehumidifier.
Tower Energy is the leading provider of heating and cooling services in Hartford County and Central Connecticut. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained and experienced in a wide range of services such as installations, replacements, repairs, and tune-ups. Our experience in the industry, along with the service quality that all our technicians are trained to offer our customers can guarantee that your HVAC needs are met and even exceeded.
We offer the most competitive service rates in the area. We work closely with our clients to discuss the issues and truly understand their needs and requirements. That way, we can approach their concerns from an informed perspective. We understand how important comfort, safety, and cost are to you and we go the extra mile to ensure that we offer only the best solutions at a reasonable cost. Plus, all our jobs are guaranteed for your satisfaction. If you are ready to discuss cooling and comfort solutions that are perfect for your home, call the customer service at Tower Energy today to schedule an in-home estimate free of cost.
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