A dehumidifier is an appliance that lowers the humidity level in your home. With the hottest days of summer and thunderstorms upon us, we will have higher humidity levels. This means moist air in our homes for bacteria and viruses to grow. Now, is a good time to learn the dehumidifier basics and invest in one for your home.

There are two main types of dehumidifiers: portable and whole house. When deciding which type to purchase, consider your needs, the humidity level in your home, your comfort level, and the size of the space you to be less humid.

Portable Dehumidifier:

A portable dehumidifier can be moved from room to room in your house. These are purchased at a home improvement store. The upfront cost is less than a whole house dehumidifier. You place it in the desired room and plug it in. However, it will require you to empty the water reservoir frequently to prevent leaking water. They also have a limited capacity and only able to control humidity in one area of your house. If you have several rooms in your house that need humidity control, you will need to purchase multiple units.

Whole House Dehumidifier:

A whole house dehumidifier is connected to your HVAC system and controls humidity throughout your house. The installation is more complicated than a portable dehumidifier and, often, requires a HVAC technician. The initial cost is higher than a portable one, but in the long term, has lower operating costs. There is no need to empty a water reservoir since it is connected to a water drain. Also, it operates quieter than a portable dehumidifier.

If you are considering the purchase of a whole house dehumidifier, contact HAYNES Heating & Cooling. One of our trained professionals is ready to assist you in choosing the right whole house dehumidifier for your home and budget.