Do I Need a Dehumidifier? A PA Home Checklist
A dehumidifier is a part of your heating and air conditioning equipment that extracts excess moisture from the air inside your home. This sets the humidity to comfortable levels around 60%, in the summer, and 25-40% during the winter. R.F. Ohl can install a dehumidifier in Lehighton PA and all surrounding areas.
The average air conditioning machine normally acts as a dehumidifier. Therefore, you may be wondering why you would need to install a dedicated dehumidifier inside your home or business premise. Dehumidifiers in Lehighton PA and the general Northeastern part of Pennsylvania are common. The reason is that an air conditioner is only able to remove a certain amount of moisture from the air. If humidity levels are much higher than normal, the AC system will not be able to remove the excess moisture.
Average Relative Humidity In Pennsylvania
Different parts of the state record different relative humidity levels year after year. In Lehighton, the Average Morning Relative Humidity in June is 79%, in July it is 82% and in August it is 86%. The high humidity levels combined with high temperatures make the air feel a lot warmer than the actual temperature. Compared to the EPA-recommended humidity level of 60%, it’s clear that humidity levels in the Lehighton are much higher than the recommended which is why local residents should consider installing a dehumidifier to keep the moisture content of air they breathe indoors at the recommended level.
Signs Of High Humidity
The best way to monitor the level of humidity in your home or business premise is by installing a digital hygrometer. Most AC units come with control systems that display the current temperature and humidity. There are also some wall clocks that are capable of measuring the level of humidity in the room. However, you do not need to look at these humidity indicators to know your home has high humidity.
When you walk into the house, you will notice a musty odor, which is quite uncomfortable. When you go to sit down, you will notice your skin is clammy or sticky. Some homeowners might think that they are having air conditioner issues but, in truth, this is happening because high humidity prevents sweat on your skin from evaporating. Another sign is a foggy window or water droplets forming on the windows as a result of condensation.
The Effects Of High Humidity On Your AC System
Dehumidification only takes place when air is cooled and losses its moisture-carrying capacity. The result is condensation forming around the evaporator coils, which is exactly how dehumidifiers work. When there is excess humidity, the air conditioner will be forced to work harder to lower indoor temperatures since humid air has a higher heat-carrying capacity than dry air.
Mold may also start growing around your AC unit and release mold spores, which may contaminate the air. Your home will also harbor dust mites, which are known to thrive in hot and humid areas. The combination of dust and mold will significantly lower your indoor air quality and put your family and guests at risk of developing allergies and respiratory problems.
Homeowners should consider hiring a reputable HVAC company like R.F. Ohl to install an efficient dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels in their premises to help make their homes more comfortable.
One of the functions of central air conditioning systems is to remove the humidity from your home. This will keep your house comfortable even when it is hot and sticky outside. The best way to reduce humidity from your home is to make sure that your air conditioner is working in conjunction with a dehumidifier.
Lehighton, PA gets its fair share of humid days during the summer and in order to feel comfortable in your home, it requires a dehumidifier. When you need an A/C maintenance, contact R.F. Ohl. We service all of Northeastern Pennsylvania which includes Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe and Schuylkill Counties.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.