Air conditioners and humidity control are important to a healthy and enjoyable climate in your home. Air conditioners mainly reduce the air temperature in summer and also help reduce humidity. With high humidity, your air conditioner may not remove enough moisture to makes things comfortable in your home. This can leave you feeling too warm in summer (humid and sticky) or too cool in winter (moist and clammy). Too much moisture can also result in growth of mildew, bacteria and mold.
Humidity is the percentage of moisture that can be held in the air at a certain temperature. The average year-round humidity in the Mobile area is over 60 percent, and up to 90 percent in summer. If the moisture in your air is not from a leak and your air conditioner cannot remove enough moisture to maintain comfort, you may need to consider adding a dehumidifier to your home.
Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air by taking in air from the house and cooling it quickly causing moisture to condense, and then pushing the dehumidified air back into the home. Water removed from the air is either collected in the unit or drained away by tubing. You may want to consider adding a dehumidifier to your air conditioning system. Good air conditioners and dehumidifiers can work together to make your home comfortable and for more efficient operation and cost savings in the long run.
Two types of dehumidifiers are whole-house and portable units. The difference between the two is capacity. A whole-house dehumidifier has a larger capacity and can remove moisture from your entire home in less time. Portable dehumidifiers have a smaller capacity to remove moisture and are more suitable for small areas or single rooms. Consumer Reports’ dehumidifier buyer’s guide can help you decide which type would better serve your needs. If you decide to purchase a dehumidifier, you may also be eligible for a tax credit.
Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. is a third-generation family owned business serving the Mobile community since 1964. Contact us for more expert advice and information about our services and ways to get more for your energy dollar.
