Whole-house Dehumidification: When Is It Really Necessary?
Absolutely! A whole-house dehumidifier for whole-home dehumidification is worth it, especially for homes struggling with excessive moisture.
That said, most homeowners rely on their HVAC systems to combat high humidity. And while this may sometimes work, especially when the humidity is low, it’s not always the case. Using your HVAC system during high humidity reduces its lifespan because you’re overworking it.
Homeowners who understand this often have portable dehumidifiers, which are much better. Some households even possess multiple portable units perched in various rooms or strategically stationed in the basement.
But here's the intriguing twist: Do homeowners truly need these battalions of standalone units, or is there a more comprehensive and efficient solution that warrants consideration? Of course, there is…
In this article, we’ll take a look at how a dehumidifier works, when you need one, and how to solve your whole-house dehumidification problem with the AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X dehumidifier.
How Whole-House Dehumidification(Dehumidifiers) Work
As the name suggests, whole-house or whole-home dehumidification is a comprehensive approach to controlling and reducing excessive moisture levels across an entire house. It involves using a centralized dehumidification system designed to manage humidity levels throughout various rooms and spaces within a house.
Unlike portable dehumidifiers that target specific areas, whole-home dehumidifiers are integrated into the home's HVAC system or function as standalone units, working uniformly to extract excess moisture from the air. It starts by drawing in humid air from the return ducts. Then, the refrigerant absorbs the air's humidity inside the dehumidifier’s evaporator coil. This causes the moist air to condense on the coil, and the extracted moisture is then directed away from the unit and into a drain. The AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X, for example, can remove over 10 gallons of water per day.
Afterward, the air moves over the condenser coil, returning to its original room temperature. A fan then expels the treated air out of the unit.
When is A Whole-home Dehumidifier Necessary?
A whole-home dehumidifier is not necessary for every house. However, it can come in handy if your home struggles with excess moisture. Here are some signs that might suggest you have excess moisture in your house.
1. Window and Door Condensation
When your windows and doors have water droplets on the inside, it suggests too much moisture in the air. This happens when humid air meets cold glass, causing condensation. While window condensation is common in winter due to temperature differences, it's unusual in summer and might signal a humidity problem.
2. Musty Odor
Items like carpets, books, and clothing absorb moisture, creating an environment for mildew growth. Mildew emits a musty smell that lingers, even on clothes after leaving the house.
3. Mold Growth
Dark-green or black stains on walls, windows, or ceilings indicate mold growth, usually in damp areas like bathrooms. Mold not only damages surfaces but also triggers allergies and respiratory issues.
4. Water Stains
Moisture can condense on walls and ceilings, leading to dark spots, peeling paint, or damaged drywall, especially in cold weather. These signs might point to roof or pipe leaks or high humidity.
5. Creaky Structures
While some wood creaking is normal, excessive creaking in door frames, cabinets, windows, or floors suggests high moisture absorption and expansion of wood due to humidity.
6. Other Reasons
While the above signs might suggest your house has excess moisture and you need a whole-home dehumidifier, here are other reasons why it is better than portable units:
●Maintenance is simpler and easierIt lasts longer
●It makes virtually no audible noise
●It lasts longer, and it has automatic power-off protection function, so you don’t have to worry when you go out.
●It operates more efficiently than most portable units, Perform greater dehumidification capacity
Benefits of Using a Whole-house Dehumidifier
You can get several benefits by installing a whole-home dehumidifier:
1. Enhanced Comfort
A major perk of having a dehumidifier is ensuring a cozy atmosphere. Humid air tends to feel warm, sticky, and burdensome. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier ensures drier air in every corner, fostering a more comfortable indoor environment. Additionally, it aids the air conditioner in more efficient cooling.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Dehumidifiers act as filters, eliminating allergens and contaminants from your home's air. This cleaner air is especially beneficial for individuals dealing with allergies or respiratory issues, making it easier to breathe.
3. Combatting Mold and Allergens
Damp settings are breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other allergens. By reducing moisture levels, a dehumidifier curtails the growth and proliferation of mold spores and other allergens, fostering a healthier living environment.
4. Prolonging HVAC System Lifespan
As we mentioned earlier, your HVAC is overstretched when cooling very humid air. By sharing the workload, a dehumidifier eases the strain on your HVAC system. While the air conditioner cools, filters, and dehumidifies the air, the dehumidifier processes and cleans the air before it reaches the air conditioner, reducing its workload.
How Can AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X Whole-Home Dehumidifier Help?
While a whole-house dehumidifier may not be essential for every household, it’s an exceptional remedy for homes grappling with excessive moisture. Besides, it lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and you don't have to drain it now and then.
The AlorAir Sentinel SLGR 1400X, with its intelligent power-off memory protection, offers a reliable and energy-efficient solution, resolving concerns about the upfront investment and operating costs of a whole-house dehumidifier. Its energy efficiency will save you money in the long run, instead of having multiple portable units that are noisy and consume more energy.
The unit’s capability to cover a large area(up to 3,800 square feet) and handle various temperature and humidity ranges caters to different home sealing categories. This versatility addresses the challenge of determining the right dehumidifier size for homes, ensuring optimal performance in loosely, moderately, or tightly sealed residences.
Feel free to call us for more information and invest in a dehumidifier with super dehumidification capabilities for your home dehumidification work. Let your family breathe healthier and live more comfortably.