In Atlanta, It’s Both the Heat and the Humidity
Comfort Zone • March 24, 2020

March 24, 2020

Do You Need a Whole-House Dehumidifier in Atlanta?

You wouldn’t dream of getting through an Atlanta summer without air conditioning. However, it takes more than beating the heat to keep your home comfortable. High indoor humidity can sabotage your comfort even when your AC is cooling to the desired temperature.

While your AC does remove some moisture from the air, it may not be enough given Atlanta’s humid climate.

The problem with high indoor humidity

According to the EPA, the ideal humidity level for a home in Atlanta during the summer is between 40 and 50 percent. At higher levels, the excess moisture can cause several problems.

  • Poor
    Comfort.     High humidity makes your home feel damp and smell musty. It also
    impedes your ability to perspire, which is your body’s way of cooling off.
  • Overuse
    of AC.     When excessive humidity compromises indoor comfort, many people
    crank up the AC. This does little to correct the moisture problem while
    unnecessarily raising electric bills.
  • Aggravation
    of Health Conditions.     Mold, mildew , bacteria, and dust mites thrive in
    moist conditions, which poses health risks for anyone with allergies, asthma,
    and other respiratory illnesses.
  • Damage to
    Property.     Prolonged excessive humidity can lead to mold and mildew growing
    on walls and ceilings, as well as bedding and furniture.

Signs of high humidity in your home

It is possible to measure the humidity level in your home. Some smart thermostats have this capability. You can also purchase a device called a hygrometer at most hardware stores. However, the signs of a humidity problem are often noticeable without needing to know a precise measurement.  

  • You notice wet spots on walls or ceilings that
    are not due to a leak.
  • Windows in rooms other than the bathroom and
    kitchen fog up.
  • Condensate – or little drops of water – forms on
    pipes.
  • You have a mold or mildew problem in rooms that
    do not have plumbing.
  • You keep lowering the thermostat in the summer
    (or raising it in the winter) in an effort to make your home more comfortable.

The benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier

A whole-house dehumidifier draws the humid air from every room in your home through the ductwork. After removing the moisture, it sends the dry air back to be circulated through the entire house. The benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier, when properly sized and installed, include:

  • Better Humidity Control. Compared with room dehumidifiers, a
    whole-house dehumidifier, as its name implies, reduces moisture throughout the
    entire home, not just in certain rooms.
  • Better Energy Efficiency. It uses less electricity than an air
    conditioner, making it both the more effective and more energy-efficient
    solution.
  • 4-Season Humidity Control. High indoor humidity can be a
    year-round problem for  many homes in Atlanta,
    even in t h e winter. While a whole-house dehumidifier integrates with your
    existing heating and cooling system, it can be used anytime, regardless of
    whether you’re running your AC or heater.

Questions about dehumidifier selection and installation? Summer is not far off, so now’s a great time to consider a whole-house dehumidifier. The HVAC pros at Comfort Zone Heating Cooling Plumbing are ready to help you achieve the ideal humidity – and comfort – level in your home. Reach us by phone, online chat, or email.

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