How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

Understanding the Dehumidification Process and Its Impact on Comfort

Maintaining optimal indoor air quality and comfort in your home involves more than just heating and cooling; managing humidity levels is equally important – especially during the hot, muggy summer season many areas of the country experience. 

Excess humidity can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and an uncomfortable living environment. To combat these issues, many homeowners turn to dehumidifiers. HVAC.com explains how these systems work to keep your home free of moisture problems.

Types of Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are designed to remove excess moisture from the air to lower humidity levels indoors. Some homes use portable dehumidifiers, which are small, standalone units that can be moved from room to room. These dehumidifiers only cover a small area, so you’d need multiple units to properly dehumidify the entire home.

Whole-home dehumidifiers, meanwhile, are integrated into your home’s HVAC system. This setup allows them to control humidity levels throughout the entire house. Whole-home dehumidifiers have a higher capacity than portable units and are typically installed with a dedicated drain line, so you don’t have to manually empty them.

How Do Dehumidifiers Work?

Whole-home dehumidifiers are installed as part of your HVAC system. They are typically connected to the return air duct, which allows them to treat the air that circulates throughout your HVAC system and home.

The dehumidifier draws in warm, moist air from your home through the return air duct. Inside the dehumidifier, the air passes over refrigerated cooling coils. As the air cools, its capacity to hold moisture decreases, causing the moisture to condense on the coils. The condensed moisture is collected and directed to a drainage system, commonly leading outside the home or to a nearby floor drain.

Once air has been dehumidified, it is distributed back through the HVAC system’s supply ducts to your home’s living areas. Humidity levels within the 30% to 50% range are generally comfortable for most people, and a whole-home dehumidifier helps you keep indoor moisture levels in this balanced range.

Why Do Homes Need Dehumidifiers?

Air conditioners provide some level of dehumidification through the cooling process, but when humidity levels are high, they may not be powerful enough to handle excessive moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers provide the moisture removal needed to help your air conditioner operate more efficiently while eliminating high humidity in the home.

In addition to making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature and potentially lowering your cooling costs, installing a whole home dehumidifier also delivers a number of valuable benefits, including:

Combating Mold and Mildew

High humidity levels create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can grow on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. Mold not only damages your home but also poses significant health risks. It can cause respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Dehumidifiers help keep humidity levels in check, preventing mold and mildew growth as well as the unpleasant, musty odors they can cause.

Improving Air Quality

Mold and mildew aren’t the only air quality issues you have to worry about when humidity levels are high indoors. Excess moisture in the air can lead to an increase in dust mites and other allergens. These microscopic pests thrive in humid environments and can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers help minimize the presence of these allergens and improve overall indoor air quality.

Enhancing Comfort

High humidity can also make your home feel warmer than it actually is, creating discomfort especially during the summer months. With excess humidity in the air, you may need to run your air conditioner at a lower temperature, which consumes more energy. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture, making the air feel cooler and more comfortable.

Protecting Your Home

Humidity can cause significant damage to your home’s structure and belongings. Excess moisture can warp wood, peel paint, and damage wallpaper. It can also lead to condensation on windows, which can cause water damage and mold growth. Dehumidifiers help protect your home by maintaining optimal humidity levels and preventing these issues.