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BOOK ONLINEHumid weather can encourage all kinds of problems inside your home. If you’re living in a high-humidity zone, you’re familiar with the mold and mildew problems that plague residential properties. Folks living in dry climates are also susceptible to humidity issues. Rainfall and cloudy weather can raise the humidity to extremely uncomfortable levels.
How does a homeowner combat this problem and keep family members healthy indoors? Your air conditioning system may offer an answer. However, professional services are essential to keeping an AC working properly. At Simmons Heating & Cooling in Chesapeake, VA, we can offer you the customized solutions you need to maintain quality indoor air.
Dangers of Humidity
Most of us don’t think twice about humidity, but if you have allergies or asthma it becomes something to avoid. As humidity levels climb, breathing becomes more difficult. The combination of high temperatures and rising humidity can cause fatigue and prevent your body from cooling off naturally. While a steam bath has its place in a personal health routine, living in one is a dangerous proposition.
If you find you’re sweaty and can’t quite cool off while inside your home, it’s time to get a dehumidifier. As humidity begins to increase, your body can think it’s much hotter than the thermostat indicates. Physical problems that can occur include fainting, muscle cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
How Does My AC Remove Humidity?
You need to understand that an air conditioner isn’t built to remove humidity. Humidity removal is actually a side product of the refrigerated air process and an added benefit. Homeowners really get more than an air conditioner when they update their systems to a high-performance energy-efficient model.
Here’s how the humidity gets removed. The air blowing through your rooms has been cooled by a coil with refrigerant flowing in it. A fan blows the hot air across the coil which is made of copper or another metal. Because the coil is cold, it absorbs the heat. Any water vapor in the hot air hits the coil and condenses into water. As it drips away from the coil, the water is captured in a condensate pan that sits below the coil.
Why Is My Home Still Humid?
Your air conditioner isn’t going to remove all the humidity. A dehumidifier is needed to tackle humidity problems. This type of equipment is made specifically to pull water vapor out of the air. The right product can make your whole house comfortable very quickly. However, homes with water-based equipment, such as large aquariums, indoor pools or water features, may be introducing more water vapor into the home. These areas may require their own dehumidifier to truly dry out the indoor air.
If you would like more information on a dehumidifier for your home, let us know. Simmons Heating & Cooling has a knowledgeable team of home comfort specialists available to work with property owners in and around Chesapeake.
Types of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers come in a variety of styles. Some are portable and can be moved from room to room. Some are made for specific locations, such as attics, crawl spaces or basements. Whole-home dehumidifiers are built to plug right into your duct system and capture the water vapor. You can find dehumidifiers that can be programmed to respond to your personal settings. Place it over an existing drain, and set the program to turn on at a preferred humidity level. It will operate without your attention.
Some homes may require more than one dehumidifier. It really depends on your personal preferences. Pressing health issues can also demand a portable unit for a single room or suite of rooms. Know your needs and your preferred maximum humidity level, and choosing a unit should be easy to do.
Benefits of Maintenance
It’s always a good idea to schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioner. As your service company, Simmons Heating & Cooling can add your whole-home dehumidifier to your next inspection and tune-up. Our technician will make sure the system is operating correctly and isn’t corroded, leaking or disconnected from the ductwork. Having an expert take a look can provide peace of mind.
Schedule a Tune-Up Today
Simmons Heating & Cooling is a leader in heating and cooling services for Chesapeake. Our company, which has more than 50 years of industry experience, is licensed and insured for your protection. We’re also A+ rated and accredited by the BBB.
Our services include complete heating and cooling installations, repairs and maintenance. Technicians are also available to assist you with residential generators, water heaters, ductwork and geothermal systems. Call us today to learn more about how we can improve your indoor air experience.
