do you need a whole-house dehumidifier?do you need a whole-house dehumidifier?


About Me

do you need a whole-house dehumidifier?

Do you have an excessive amount of moisture in your home? Have you had the foundation checked for issues just to find that the moisture is coming from the air and not the structure? If your home is filled with moisture, it is time for you to look into having a whole-house dehumidifier installed. This system pulls the air from the duct work and filters the moisture out of it. It then pushes the dry air into your home and prevents more moisture from becoming an issue. This blog will explain the whole-house dehumidifier system to help you decide if it will do well in your home.

Hot And Cold At Home: Is It You, Your House, Or Does The HVAC System Need An Overhaul?

If the heating system in your home is in need of repair or the air conditioning falters on the hottest of days, you may be in need of an HVAC overhaul. Of course, the house itself should be held accountable for possible deficiencies, along with making sure the people complaining about the temperature variations aren't having internal thermostat issues. Depending on the age of the heating and cooling systems and many other factors, it's very likely in your best interests to evaluate the situation closely and take the steps needed to improve your environment.

Expect A Home Evaluation Before An HVAC Contractor Takes Action

Prior to doing anything to your heating and cooling systems, a good HVAC contractor will evaluate your home for efficiency and loss. They'll gauge the size of the system you need relative to the dimensions of the living space. If your heating system is leaving you cold and/or your cooling system is leaving you warm, a contractor will take into consideration the insulation of the home, possible draft issues, and even how sunlight could work for or against temperature control. Inefficiencies could also be the result of breaks in the duct system, so expect that to be inspected, too.

Be Proactive About Your Home's Energy Efficiency Profile

Before a contractor sets foot in your home, there are quite a few things you can do on your own, if you're physically able, to upgrade your home's energy efficiency. There are basic structural and other issues that affect the comfort level of your home, from top to bottom and room to room:

  • The roof should be airtight.
  • Insulation needs should be evaluated in the attic, outside walls, foundation walls, and even in the flooring.
  • Windows and doors that are caulked, sealed, and insulated will add to a home's efficiency.
  • Using natural sunlight in the colder weather can help heat up rooms, so expand your ability to capitalize on Mother Nature's warmth.
  • In warmer weather, you need to be able to block the sun's power, such as with UV-blocking curtains or blinds.
  • Improving your indoor air quality should also be a priority, especially if you're always breathing outdoor pollutants; try adding 15 to 18 houseplants to clean the air, too, as recommended by NASA.
  • Energy Star appliances might help you meet your goals, so ask your contractor about them.

If all of this seems overwhelming, consider how much more comfortable and affordable an energy-efficient home is, along with finding out how much of the work and materials may be tax-deductible for you.

Coordinate Your Efforts With Your HVAC Contractor

Make a list of all the repairs and readying you do so your contractor knows what's what in the home. It will help to identify areas you think are deficient, as well as to point out the improvements you've made. Your HVAC contractor needs to know as much about the house as possible, not just how well or poorly the heating and cooling systems function. For example, your heating problems could simply be a matter of accumulated dust in the thermostat; dirt impedes the thermostat's calibration, which can lead to malfunctions in temperature control and heat distribution. Tell the technician everything, from the quirkiness of a specific air-conditioning unit to the bizarre noises coming from your basement. Logically, there's an explanation for all of it, and most likely, a professional can repair the problems.

Invite Your HVAC Contractor Back For Regular Inspections

Because thermal regulation is such a crucial aspect of your family's comfort and your budget, it's good to have regular inspections conducted. Especially after a particularly hot summer or cold winter, when the system can be evaluated under extreme conditions, the HVAC contractor can stay on top of the issues that might run you a lot more money down the line or keep you and other occupants feeling uncomfortable in the meantime. Regular HVAC inspections can include cleaning out air ducts and ventilation systems, too, keeping the air you all breathe cleaner and fresher. Don't forget to mention the savings you're seeing on your energy bills when you next meet with the contractor or to bring to their attention any inexplicable increase you notice, as they'll quickly work to get to the bottom of it.

The HVAC systems of your home are too important to neglect, even if improving them requires time, effort, and money. Besides stabilizing your energy bills, creating a more efficient system means greater comfort and perhaps even improved health of everyone living there. Contact a company like West County Heating and Cooling to learn more.