Would a Dehumidifier Benefit Your Home in Middle Tennessee? Petitt Heating & Cooling Can Help With That
When it comes to improving the air in your home, we’re experts. We aim to cool things down in the summer, heat things up in the winter, and do everything we can to reduce pollutants in the air you’re breathing all year round – and part of that is ensuring your humidity levels stay in check.
When it comes to keeping air cleaner and fresher throughout Sumner County, our indoor air quality services always deliver. If you live in or near Belle Meade, East Nashville, Cross Plains, Germantown, or anywhere else nearby, please reach out. Our experts are here to help.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
In Sumner County and its surrounding areas, humidity levels tend to rise in the spring and summer months, as temps rise and air conditioning units get turned on.
Dehumidifiers work to combat this excess moisture in the air, so that it doesn’t cause damage to your home or have negative impacts on the air you’re breathing. They essentially draw in the air in your home, allow it to condense, hold on to the moisture, then release the dried out air back into your space.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Your dehumidifier fan draws in your humid air.
The air is drawn toward cooling coils that contain a refrigerant.
The coils lower the temperature of the air, which causes any moisture to condense into drops of water.
The drops of water move down into a collection pan or tank.
The dehumidified air passes over a heating element that raises the temp back up to where it needs to be, in accordance with your thermostat.
Signs Your Home Is Too Humid
How can you tell whether or not humidity is playing too big of a role in your home? Keep an eye out for the following signs.
- Damp smells or musty odors
- Condensation on windows, pipes, and other surfaces.
- Mold or mildew growth
- Warping, swelling, or rotted woodwork
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Water stains or discoloration on your ceiling
- Home surfaces look or feel moist
- Increase in allergies or respiratory issues
- Higher-than-normal energy bills
The sooner we can come in and set you up with a dehumidifier and other indoor air quality solutions, the better. Save yourself from home damage, expensive repair jobs, higher bills, and illness by reaching out today.
High Humidity & Indoor Air Quality
So, what does a high humidity level have to do with indoor air quality? For one, it encourages mold growth, which then leads to harmful spores entering your air and triggering a number of symptoms (think runny nose, itching, coughing, headaches, trouble breathing, etc.).
In addition, there are many bacteria and viruses that thrive in areas with high humidity. Which means the likelihood of those in your household getting seriously ill will increase quite a bit.
Can a Dehumidifier Clean My Air?
No – dehumidifiers aren’t meant to clean or purify your home’s air. That said, dehumidifiers can play a big role in improving indoor air quality!
Because dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air, they can help in keeping illnesses and respiratory struggles in check, and having one installed will reduce the likelihood of mold forming too. So, while they don’t remove harmful particles from your indoor air, they definitely play a part in helping it stay cleaner and safer for your household.
Like with any indoor air quality services, it’s best to find the right combination for your home. For instance, pairing one of these with our air filtration products may be the perfect solution for your family’s unique needs. Talk with us today to go over your options and to figure out which products and services would be best.
Can Dehumidifiers Prevent Mold?
We briefly noted this above, but it’s worth repeating – yes, dehumidifiers can play a big role in preventing the formation of mold and mildew, both of which can be extremely harmful to your health and indoor air quality levels.
Essentially, by reducing the moisture in your air, dehumidifiers discourage that idyllic damp environment where mold tends to thrive.
Will a Dehumidifier Keep Me From Getting Sick?
They can certainly help. Dehumidifiers are known to help reduce allergy symptoms, prevent coughs or runny noses, and ensure mold doesn’t form – which can trigger some serious health problems. They’re even known to help keep asthma and other respiratory issues from worsening.
To really make an impact on air quality, though, we recommend pairing your dehumidifier with our other indoor air quality services, like incorporating UV lights, which are known for stopping the growth and spread of germs and bacteria. Ask us about your options – we’d love to help you out.
Can Dehumidifiers Help Prevent Bad Smells in My Home?
In a sense, yes. While they won’t remove bad smells like an air filtration system might, they definitely can play a big role in preventing them from forming in the first place. Excess moisture in the air can be a big cause for bad smells and foul odors, and since a dehumidifier’s main job is to remove moisture, well… having one installed can definitely make a difference!
If you’re looking to eliminate smells due to other odors involved with a busy household, though, you’ll definitely want to look into an air filtration system – we can help with that.
Can My Dehumidifier Dry Damp Wood or Carpet?
Dehumidifiers can definitely help dry out your home if you’ve experienced some type of leak or water damage. That said, they shouldn’t be working alone. We still encourage the use of fans, open windows, and other drying methods.
Remember, dehumidifiers can certainly help speed up the drying process, so you can potentially avoid further damage – as well as help prevent mold and mildew growth after the fact.
Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Working?
Does your dehumidifier not seem to be performing as efficiently? Here are some potential reasons why:
- Power problems. Make sure everything is properly connected and that no fuses have tripped. This is an easy fix and well worth checking before diving into further troubleshooting or calling in an expert.
- Broken down parts. The fan or blower might not be working or you could be having problems with the compressor. These are things your HVAC tech can get to the bottom of, then recommend any necessary repairs or new parts, as needed.
- Clogged filters. Your dehumidifier should have filters in place to catch pollutants that can hinder performance. If these are clogged up and need to be replaced, your system won’t function as efficiently until a new one is in.
- Improper installation. It’s unfortunately true that sometimes these systems aren’t installed properly – or sized correctly – from the get-go. Make sure you rely on a team of licensed and educated HVAC technicians for the job.
In the end, getting a qualified tech in to look things over and recommend the next best steps is the right way to go. The team here at Petitt has found solutions for homeowners throughout Goodlettsville, Green Hills, Hendersonville, Springfield, White House, and more, and we’d be happy to help you out too.
Why Is My Dehumidifier Freezing Up?
With water comes the ability to freeze, and a dehumidifier that’s icing up obviously isn’t going to do your household much good. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- The room it’s in is too cold (this is most common in basements).
- Dirty air filters are restricting proper airflow, which can cause elements to get too cold.
- Its refrigerant levels are too low.
- The thermostat, sensor, or defrost control board isn’t working correctly.
- Your coils are dirty, preventing water from draining off of them.
- There is something obstructing the dehumidifier, discouraging proper airflow.
Like with any dehumidifier issues, having a tech look things over is the recommended approach. Attempting repairs or troubleshooting on your own can invite damages and other issues, which can cause more expense and stress on your end in the long run.
Can a Dehumidifier Help Preserve Artwork & Other Valuables?
Yep – a wide range of decor and other items can be damaged by excess exposure to moisture, and a dehumidifier can play a vital role in protecting these investments. Some things that might occur if too much moisture is present are:
- rusted metal pieces
- rotting, swelling, and warping of woodwork
- paper/art warping or rippling
- paper/documents becoming brittle
- mold forming on objects
The big thing to note with this is that, should moisture-related damages or mold growth occur, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse – meaning a dehumidifier could end up saving you not only money, but stress and a lot of disappointment too.
Whether you’re a homeowner with important valuables or a business owner that needs to keep precious artifacts protected, a dehumidifier is a must. Ask us how we can help.
Can a Dehumidifier Help Reduce Energy Costs?
Dehumidifiers help other components of your HVAC system – like your air conditioning unit – work more efficiently. If your humidity levels are through the roof, your A/C will work longer and harder trying to combat that, putting more wear and tear on the system as a whole and causing your energy bills to increase.
Dehumidifiers help keep everything balanced, so that none of your systems are working harder or longer than they should be.
And while we’re on the subject of money savings, remember that dehumidifiers can prevent water damage and mold growth too – both of which can be costly and time-consuming to address.
Where Should My HVAC Dehumidifier Be Located?
The best location for your dehumidifier will depend on several things, including the size of your home, the distance to the HVAC system, the humidity levels in your space, and more…
Here are some things to consider:
- Is it accessible? You’ll want it to be easy for techs to access should the unit need to be repaired, maintained, or cleaned. This will also make the installation process easier too.
- Is it centrally located? A central location means an equal distribution of dried out air throughout your space, which is important for comfort levels and won’t cause your system to overwork itself trying to reach far-off rooms.
- Is it positioned away from walls or other obstructions? Ventilation is important for dehumidifiers to run efficiently. This will also ensure it doesn’t overheat.
- Is it close to the air conditioner? You want your dehumidifier to work alongside the A/C unit to ensure your air is as clean, dry, and breathable as possible. The closer these systems are to each other, the better.
- Did you consult an expert? In the end, working with a pro to ensure all of your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems are installed correctly and working appropriately for your needs is essential.
Need care in Sumner County? We’re here for you – call now.
Can a Dehumidifier Be Used in a Commercial Building?
Definitely! In fact, depending on the type of business – think spaces with spas, indoor pools, locker rooms, etc. – it can be especially beneficial. But, no matter the company, dehumidifiers play a big role in keeping spaces safer and more comfortable to be in. All in all, they’re a well worthwhile investment for any business that both customers and employees are sure to appreciate.
Keep in mind that these systems can reduce mold growth and moisture-related damages too. And if your business hosts important artwork, decor, or paperwork, one of these systems is absolutely something to be looking into. Protect your assets by working with our crew for it all.
Explore Your Home Dehumidifier Options With Us
Ready to get set up with the right dehumidifier for your HVAC system? We’re here to help. Our experts are certified, highly trained, and know what options would best suit your needs, budget, and space. We can also help with financing, and we have maintenance plans too, ensuring any new system you have installed runs efficiently and safely for the long haul.
Call 615-654-0814 or request an appointment with us online to get started. We’re happy to serve home and business owners all throughout the Sumner County area.
If the air in your home is too dry, that’s not good! As one of our indoor air quality solutions, we often recommend humidifiers to bring things into a healthier balance. Find out if that’s what you need.