Do you sometimes feel as though you are living in the middle of a swamp? Does your hair frizz to the point of looking like a hornet’s nest of entangled curls? More than the number on your thermostat, the combination of heat and humidity can determine your comfort … or in the case of high humidity … your discomfort in the summer. Air quality can suffer in many ways. High humidity is that clammy feeling on your skin that remains even when the temperature of the room is appreciably lower. Left unchecked, high humidity leads to moisture buildup that can create problems within the home, including stale air and musty odors, warped wood, peeling paint and mold. Daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning and showering can add as much as 25 pounds of moisture to your home.

In addition, your home can become a breeding ground for insects. Dust mites thrive and mold and mildew grow, which can trigger asthma and allergies Another sign that a whole-house dehumidifier may be needed is when your air conditioner is struggling to create sufficient cool air. Dehumidifiers range in size from portable, one-room units to whole-home solutions that tie into the home’s HVAC system. A portable dehumidifier may do the trick, but installing a whole house dehumidifier integrates directly with home heating system so that all the indoor air is dehumidified. The moisture that is removed from the air empties into a drain pipe to a sump pump, utility sink or to the outdoors. Select a dehumidifier that can hold ten pints of water for a 500 sq.ft space. Add four pints of capacity for every additional 500 sq.ft. If you wish to dehumidify a 1,000-square-foot basement, you’d need a unit with a 14-pint capacity. Be certain your dehumidifier is Energy Star-certified. These units use about 15% less energy than conventional units. That means a savings of about $175 over the life of the dehumidifier and avoids roughly 2,800 pounds’ worth of greenhouse gas emissions. Dehumidifiers improve indoor air quality by providing a continuous flow of fresh, dry air in the home. This results in an energy-efficient solution and keeps mold growth at bay all season long. A whole-home dehumidifier from Aprilaire automatically extracts the right amount of humidity from the home. The Aprilaire Wi-Fi Thermostat provides simple, automatic control of excess moisture which allows for better monitoring and control of humidity. The system is quiet and requires just a simple annual filter cleaning to keep it well-maintained. If you are fortunate enough to have a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump system, then you have a dehumidifying mode option which will reduce moisture and add comfort. Call Wilson Brothers today at 978-433-5373 to learn more about Aprilaire whole-home humidifiers and Mitsubishi Heat Pump Systems. Visit our website to find out how dehumidification means comfortable and healthy indoor air.

Dehumidifiers decrease moisture and increase comfort in the home with or without an air conditioner