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As warmer weather begins many Northeast Ohio homeowners are experiencing problems with excess humidity. True many homes do not experience excess humidity as a problem but it can be trouble for many.

It is not uncommon for our weather weather to have excessive levels of humidity in our homes but are not cool enough to run the air conditioner and have the humidity removed. Associated problems can range from discomfort to mold, mildew and property damage.
What can be done? There are of course many courses of action – a common solution is some type of Dehumidifier. A typical dehumidifier is installed with an electric cord and control. You turn the unit on and it removes humidity. The basic mechanism is usually a coil that contains cold refrigerant (like Freon) similar to what is in a refrigerator. A fan blows air across the coil where moisture condenses on the coil and is removed to a tray or drain. Because there is also a warm coil there is not cooling happening – just moisture removal and there is some heat gained in the process. And of course there is electricity consumed at a cost.
Inexpensive dehumidifiers like those purchased at the big box stores are very popular. Dehumidifier capacities are rated in how much water they remove in pints per 24 hour day. Unfortunately these dehumidifiers are not terribly energy efficient. They are often sold for from $200 to $500.
For some a better solution is a higher quality dehumidifier. A better dehumidifier will be longer lasting and much more energy efficient. These units are typically of higher capacity and built to last. They also perform better at the lower temperatures often found in basements where air temperatures are often 65 degrees of even lower. The inexpensive big box type are designed best at warmer temperatures above 70 degrees.

Today’s best dehumidifiers also can save on air conditioning costs during the cooling season. When it is hot enough to use your air conditioner having a quality dehumidifier will maintain your comfort at higher set points, saving you electricity.

Call us at Apple Heating & Cooling to learn what is new and available now in today’s higher efficiency dehumidifier technology. appleheating.com