Having the dehumidifier has made a huge improvement in comfort.
One of the biggest challenges of my local weather is the humidity. While the heat is an issue just about year round, the high moisture levels make it much worse. That sticky feeling is very unpleasant. Central air conditioners are designed to pull heat out of the air. They can’t handle excessive humidity. Lowering the thermostat drops the indoor temperature but doesn’t target moisture. Condensate running down windows, mold and mildew growth and musty smells are all consequences of high humidity. It can aggravate symptoms of allergies and asthma and cause headaches, congestion, fatigue and sleepiness. I went out and bought a portable dehumidifier, thinking that this would help the situation. The dehumidifier ran constantly and the reservoir was always full of water. I needed to empty it several times a day. If I forgot, the stagnant water created a source of contamination and became a detriment to indoor air quality. I then consulted with a local HVAC contractor and learned about whole-house dehumidifiers. This type of accessory installs right into the air conditioner and pulls moisture out of the air as it passes through the system. I’m able to customize humidity levels to preference. It only needs annual maintenance and operates quietly and efficiently. Having the dehumidifier has made a huge improvement in comfort. I’ve been able to raise the thermostat setting by several degrees, reduce the workload of the air conditioner and trim my electricity bills and yet the house feels cooler. I’m less worried about damage to home furnishings and health risks caused by an overly moist environment. I expect the cooling system to have fewer repair needs and last longer.