Dehumidifier Installation Benefits For Chicago Homeowners
It has been a hot and humid summer in Chicago this year. With record temperatures and rainfall, moisture inside the home is a real issue. This is especially true in older homes. That being said, newer homes have issues with indoor humidity levels as well. High humidity levels in the home can lead to many problems that effect both the health of the people in the home and the structure itself. If you are concerned about the moisture inside your home, home dehumidifier installation should be a serious consideration.
Home and Health Concerns to Consider
Excess moisture in the home can damage the structure of the home. It causes warping of wood floors and furnishings. In addition, it causes mold and mildew issues in carpeting and upholstered furniture. When it comes the health of a home’s occupants, it doesn’t end with unpleasant odors. While the telltale sign of a moisture problem is a mildew or moldy smell, these odors are the tip of the iceberg. Excess moisture aggravates allergies and other breathing conditions. Also, moisture creates a breeding ground for insects and mold growth.
The Basement: Where Trouble Lurks
Most people have moisture problems in the basement of their homes. The area is below ground, filled with drains, sump pumps, cracks, etc.. All of these increase the water in your air. Chicago homeowners with minor issues usually have a portable unit placed in a corner. Unfortunately, it isn’t really solving the problem. In fact, many homeowners should consider a whole home system. What is the difference?
Dehumidifier Installation vs. Portable Dehumidifiers
Portable Dehumidifier: The most common solution for excessive humidity in a home is to purchase a portable dehumidifier. These units serve their purpose best when used in a specific room. That being said, most people put them in the basement. These units are not designed to handle large spaces and ultimately underperform. They do not fully solve a home’s humidity issues and they are very costly to operate. If you have a small room, such as a bathroom or bedroom with a moisture problem, a portable dehumidifier is perfect.
Whole House Dehumidifier: Installing a whole house dehumidifier is the proper solution for a home with moisture problems throughout the home. Even if you don’t have a leaky basement, installing a whole home system will offer many benefits. These systems are energy efficient, lower your summer cooling costs, and contribute to healthy air throughout the home. A Whole house dehumidifier is installed on the HVAC system of the home and work by treating all of the air flowing through the ducts. They also have a dedicated drain system. This means that there is no bucket to empty.
The Aprilaire Model 1830 Dehumidifier is an Example of a Whole Home Dehumdifier
This dehumidifier from Aprilaire is perfect for smaller homes such as condos, townhouses, or crawlspace applications.
• Provides effective dehumidification for 3800 sq. ft homes.
• 70 Pint Capacity
Costs Associated with Installing a Whole House Dehumidifier
Installing a whole home dehumidifier is more expensive that a portable unit. Having a dehumidifier installed ranges from $1,500 – $2300 depending on features. While that may sound like a lot of money, running a portable unit in your basement has a high electrical operating cost. Also, it is not doing its job properly. A whole home system has a higher front end cost, but offers savings over the long run. These savings include lower air conditioner operating costs, home repair costs, and healthier air.
When considering solutions for excess indoor moisture, don’t disregard dehumidifier installation as too pricey. It is a long term solution for a reoccurring problem. If you are interested in installing a dehumidifier in your home, contact the indoor air quality experts at Polar Heating and Air Conditioning today for a free estimate.
