As we move into the summer, Florida residents are well-acquainted with the humid months that seem to drag on endlessly. This is when everyone complains about the humidity and starts seeking measures to protect their homes from moisture.
A dehumidifier is an effective solution for combating these issues and protecting your home from mildew and mold growth. But how does it work, and do you really need one for your home? Let’s find out in this post.
What is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an appliance designed to reduce and maintain the level of humidity in the air, typically for health or comfort reasons, or to eliminate musty odors and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
It works by drawing in moist air, removing the moisture through condensation, and releasing dry air back into the room. Dehumidifiers are useful in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and are particularly helpful in humid areas like Florida during the summer.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Dehumidifiers work by pulling excess moisture from the air to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment. While there are different types of dehumidifiers, most follow a similar basic process:
- Air Intake: A built-in fan draws humid air into the unit.
- Moisture Removal: Refrigerative dehumidifiers cool the air using coils, causing moisture to condense into water droplets. Desiccant dehumidifiers utilize materials such as silica gel to absorb moisture from the air.
- Dry Air Release: The now drier air is reheated (in refrigerative models) and released back into the room.
- Water Collection: The extracted moisture is collected in a tank or directed out through a drain hose.
This simple but effective process helps prevent mold, mildew, and musty odors while improving indoor air quality.
Quick Tip: Purchase your whole-home dehumidifiers from a NACDA-certified HVAC expert in Florida. Get the best dehumidifiers that easily integrate with your HVAC system and keep humidity levels between 45% and 55% all year round.
Why Do Florida Homes Need Dehumidifiers?
Florida has a very tropical climate that brings high humidity levels nearly year-round, especially during the summer and rainy seasons. While this weather is great for lush greenery, it can create serious issues inside homes if not properly managed.
That’s where dehumidifiers come in. These devices help maintain indoor comfort, protect your home, and support your health.
Here are several reasons why dehumidifiers are essential in Florida homes:
High Year-Round Humidity
Florida frequently experiences outdoor humidity levels ranging from 60% to 90%. Without proper indoor humidity control, this moisture can seep inside, making your home feel sticky, hot, and uncomfortable, even when the air conditioner is running. Dehumidifiers help maintain indoor humidity within the ideal range of 30–50%, thereby improving comfort and air quality.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
Persistent moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These fungi not only damage walls, ceilings, and furniture, but they can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues. A dehumidifier reduces moisture levels, preventing mold spores from thriving.
Protecting Furniture and Electronics
Excess humidity can damage wooden furniture, cause paint to peel, harm electronics, and promote rust on metal surfaces. Running a dehumidifier helps preserve your home’s structural integrity and protects your belongings from moisture-related damage.
Reducing Allergens and Pests
Humid environments attract dust mites, cockroaches, and other pests that thrive in high moisture levels. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels, making your home less inviting to allergens and pests, and improving overall air quality, which is especially important for those with asthma or allergies.
Improving HVAC Efficiency
When indoor humidity is too high, your air conditioner must work harder to cool the air and remove moisture, which can increase energy bills and strain the system. A dehumidifier works in conjunction with your HVAC system to maintain optimal indoor conditions, potentially reducing energy use and extending your AC’s lifespan. Ensure your ductwork is clean and free of debris that may affect airflow and energy efficiency. If your ductwork hasn’t been assessed in a long time, employ the services of a NACDA-certified air-duct/HVAC specialist in Florida to keep your ducts working efficiently throughout the summer.
Signs You Need a Dehumidifier
If you notice any of the following occurrences in your home, there is a huge chance you need to get a dehumidifier immediately.
- Musty odors in specific rooms may indicate the presence of mold or mildew
- Allergy symptoms
- Visible mold
- Condensation on walls or windows
- Warping/swelling on wood furniture or walls
Wrapping Up
A dehumidifier offers a practical solution to Florida’s rising humidity by reducing excess moisture, preventing mold and mildew, protecting your belongings, and boosting your HVAC system’s efficiency. To improve your indoor air quality while preventing mold and mildew, consider investing in a high-quality dehumidifier, ideally through a NACDA-certified HVAC expert like Ties360.
Book a consultation for your home today.