Whole House Dehumidifier Systems in Maryland

Whole house dehumidifier systems are becoming increasingly popular in Maryland. With the humid climate of the state, whole-house dehumidifiers offer an effective and efficient way to eliminate excess humidity from your home. 

A whole house dehumidifier works by removing moisture from indoor air before it is circulated back into your living space. By doing this, you can reduce mold growth and improve air quality in your home or business.

What is a Whole House Dehumidifier?

A whole-house dehumidifier system is a specialized unit that removes humidity from the air inside your home. It works by drawing warm, moist air over cold coils, which causes condensation to form as the liquid water droplets cling to the cold surface. The droplets are then collected and drained away, while the dry air is then released back into your home.

How does a Whole House Dehumidifier work? 

A whole-house dehumidifier operates by removing excess moisture from the air in a living space through the central heating and cooling system. This is accomplished by utilizing the return duct, which leads into the indoor cooling components. 

The warm, humid air from the home is drawn into the device, where it passes over an evaporator coil which cools the air and reduces its humidity content. The moisture that is removed during this process is collected in a reservoir before being drained away or into a nearby drain line. 

Finally, the newly dehumidified air passes through the air conditioner to be cooled before it is circulated back into the home's living areas. In this way, whole house dehumidifiers help to maintain healthy humidity levels inside of a home while also helping to increase energy efficiency by improving cooling system performance.

Benefits of Using a Whole House Dehumidifier

The benefits of using a whole house dehumidifier system in Maryland include: 

• Improved comfort and air quality: Humidity affects how comfortable you feel in your home since it has an impact on temperature and also carries allergens like dust mites and pet dander that can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. 

• Reduced mold growth: By reducing humidity levels in the air, you can reduce the risk of mold forming in your home’s walls and other areas. Excessive moisture encourages mold to grow, which can be hazardous to your health. 

• Reduces condensation: Condensation is a common issue in many homes during the summer months, but with a whole house dehumidifier system, you can reduce this risk. The dry air will remove excess moisture from walls and windows, preventing them from becoming damp and moldy.

Small Dehumidifier vs Whole House System

For those looking to install a dehumidification system in their home or business, there are two main options: small dehumidifiers and whole house systems. 

Small portable units (such as plug-in styles) offer convenience since they can be moved around easily, however, these are not designed for heavy-duty use. A whole house dehumidification system, on the other hand, is designed for more constant and effective dehumidification since it is permanently installed in your home.

Portable dehumidifiers are designed to cover a small area. Most specify the recommended max sq foot it can cover.These are effective in small areas or a basement but the downside is that the water tray needs to be constantly emptied in order for it to continue working. 

A whole house dehumidifier is more costly than a portable one but will control the moisture throughout the entire house. They are however a more permanent fix and you will not have to constantly monitor and change a water bucket.

Are They Worth It for Maryland Residents? 

Many Maryland residents who struggle with humidity in their homes consider whole-house dehumidifiers. For those who need a permanent fix to control humidity they are definitely worth considering as an upgrade to their existing HVAC systems. Not only do they reduce mold growth and improve air quality but they also help keep condensation levels low, which can significantly increase the comfort of your home during summer months. The installation may be a bit more expensive than small portable units, however, you will get far better results with a whole house system. 

Pros and Cons:

There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use a whole house dehumidifier:

Pros:

1. Improved indoor air quality: High humidity levels can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can have negative health effects. A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels, improving indoor air quality.

2. Reduced allergens: High humidity levels can also contribute to the presence of allergens in the air. By reducing humidity, a dehumidifier can help reduce the number of allergens in the air.

3. Increased comfort: High humidity levels can make a home feel stuffy and uncomfortable. A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity levels, making a home feel more comfortable.

4. Protects your home: High humidity levels can lead to damage to your home, such as peeling paint and warping wood. A dehumidifier can help protect your home by reducing humidity levels.

Cons:

1. Cost: Dehumidifiers can be expensive to purchase and operate.

2. Maintenance: Dehumidifiers require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter and emptying the water tank.

3. Energy use: Dehumidifiers use electricity, which can increase your energy bills.

4. Noise: Some dehumidifiers can be loud when in operation.

Overall, a whole house dehumidifier can be a useful tool for improving indoor air quality and increasing comfort in a home, but it is important to consider the cost and maintenance requirements before deciding.

What to Expect from the Installation Process

Installing a whole-house dehumidifier doesn't need to be intimidating! To start, an HVAC/indoor air quality professional will look at your current set-up, noting any areas that can be improved. 

From there, they'll add an intake duct into your home, ensuring that the air coming in is as clean and dry as possible. Finally, they'll securely place the dehumidifier in a sensible spot and connect it to the already existing HVAC system if possible. 

By doing this, the new dry air is dispersed evenly throughout your home. With a mix of skillful installation and planning, your whole house dehumidifier will be up and running quickly - leaving you with a much more comfortable living space.

When installing a whole house dehumidifier system in Maryland, you can expect the following steps to occur: 

• A professional HVAC contractor or air quality specialist will examine your current HVAC systems and ductwork for any needed repairs or modifications. Insulation may need to be added around the intake and outlet ducts of the new unit

• A new intake duct will be installed in your home.

• The dehumidifier will be positioned in place, ideally connected to your existing HVAC system if possible, to carry the new dry air out into the home. 

• The new dehumidifier unit will be connected and tested for proper operation.

• Adjustments may be made to your existing thermostat settings to ensure the best performance. 

• The installation process should take no more than a few hours depending on the size of the unit.

Ultimately, a whole-house dehumidifier system in Maryland is an excellent investment for those looking to improve the comfort and air quality of their homes. By reducing humidity levels, you can reduce health risks from mold and dust mites, and make the environment safer for people with asthma or allergies.  

If you’re interested in installing a whole house dehumidifier system in Maryland, contact us today for more information. We look forward to helping you make your space more comfortable!