Demystifying the Dehumidifier | Indoor Humidity Control

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity!” High indoor humidity can make a home uncomfortable and can damage electrical equipment, furniture, and musical instruments. While air conditioners remove some moisture, that may not be enough on sticky Midwest summer days.

Indoor humidity assessment

If you have experienced any of the following, you may have an excessive humidity issue:

• A lingering musty odor in living areas, the basement, or crawl space
• Water stains or condensation on the inside of windows
• Cupped wood paneling or warping wood floors
• Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint
• Rooms that feel cold and clammy — or muggy

According to the EPA, indoor relative humidity should generally stay below 60%, ideally between about 30% and 50%.

The basics of dehumidification

Indoor comfort is more than adjusting the thermostat. Lowering the temperature just to fight humidity can raise energy bills. Smart thermostats and HVAC control systems can help target specific humidity levels when paired with the right equipment.

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air compared with the greatest amount the air can hold at that temperature.

Dehumidification typically works through:

• Refrigeration cycle — moisture condenses as air passes over a refrigerated coil (often a by-product of cooling).
• Absorption / adsorption — moisture is taken up by a drying material and removed.

What dehumidification can do for your home

• Lower relative humidity to a comfortable level
• Reduce the cold, clammy feeling that comes from over-cooling
• Help create conditions where dust mites struggle (below about 50% RH)
• Help protect hardwood flooring from warping

Talk with a licensed HVAC professional about the right approach for your home’s layout and moisture load.

Need help with humidity, cooling, or a system checkup in Downers Grove and the western suburbs? Call WeaveAire at (630) 442-9250 or request service online.