An air conditioner is an absolute necessity in the hot and humid Texas summer. Turn on the weather channel these days (or just walk outside) and you’ll see that temperatures are soaring. When the heat waves hit, your home is like a cool cave that protects you from the clammy conditions.
When the heat and humidity gets really bad though, sometimes even the A/C isn’t strong enough to do the job on its own. During such times, a dehumidifier may come in handy.
Acceptable Indoor Humidity Levels
Humidity is vaporized water that is in the air. A range of 40 to 60 percent humidity is what makes the average person most comfortable. When the range reaches over 60 percent, not only can one become uncomfortable, but the water vapor can do significant damage to your home. A little humidity is acceptable, but too much can be detrimental.
It is relatively easy to spot several indications of excess moisture in your home. These symptoms of humidity damage can be removed and prevented through the use of a whole house dehumidifier.
- Mold – Black mold is very dangerous and hazardous to your health. Excess moisture creates the ideal conditions for black mold to grow. Trapped moisture is very common in storage areas such as garages and basements.
- Condensation – When there is too much moisture in a room, condensation can form on windows or any interior type of glass. It may resemble a vapor or fog as well.
- Musty smells – These types of odors typically occur in basements and storage areas. This is usually a sign that there is mold present. A dehumidifier can help temporarily remedy the situation, but getting to the root of the problem is important.
- Feeling sick – Mold can cause serious health issues from lethargy to extreme illness. A dehumidifier is necessary if this is discovered to prevent further mold growth. You will also need to find someone who can eradicate the existing spores.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is quite possible that your home needs a dehumidifying system.
Visit The Heat Beat Knowledge Center to read more about identifying concerns and solutions to your home’s humidity levels.
If you’re in the Houston area or nearby, call (713) 732-6426 for expert service on all of your indoor air quality needs. One of our experienced service technicians will help assess if you need of a dehumidifying system or simply a tune-up to your existing A/C unit.