Do I Need a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?

Relative humidity refers to the density of water vapor in a specific space that is relative to the temperature in that area. You should maintain a level of relative humidity in your home that is between 35% and 50%. This may leave you wondering, should I invest in a dehumidifier or humidifier for my Riverside, CA home?

Selecting Whole-House Models

You’re probably familiar with the portable dehumidifiers and humidifiers that you can move from one room to another in your home. While these units provide versatility and portability, they don’t address all the air in your home at once. We recommend that you invest in a whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier instead. This equipment is installed right onto your HVAC equipment. Moisture will either be removed or added to the air that is passing through your system as it runs, providing a much more well-rounded approach.

What Is a Humidifier?

A humidifier will add moisture into your air. This is an essential piece of equipment if you tend to have relative humidity that falls below 35% frequently. A whole-house humidifier will pull moisture from your plumbing system and produce steam or moist air. This moisture will be distributed during the heating or cooling cycle. Not only does this make your indoor air more clean and comfortable, but it can also help you control your indoor temperature easier and soothe irritated sinuses or skin.

What Is a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier works differently from a humidifier in that it removes moisture from the air circulating through your HVAC system. As air passes over the coils in the dehumidifier, water is condensed and removed from the air that continues into your ductwork. There is a drainage system that will get installed as well, moving the collected moisture away from your equipment and home.

A whole-house dehumidifier is a great way to protect the quality of your indoor air. Air that is overly humid can trap higher concentrations of particulate matter. This can increase your allergy symptoms. Humid air can also feel warmer than it is, causing you to run your air conditioning equipment more frequently than is necessary.

A dehumidifier is also essential for preventing mold growth. Air that is very humid can promote the growth of mold, which can then circulate through your HVAC system and cause serious health problems.

Upgrading Your Thermostat

If you don’t already have a smart thermostat installed in your home, you may want to consider having our team install one. Many smart thermostats come with a built-in hygrometer that allows you to monitor the amount of moisture in your air. You can even do so remotely with the help of your smart device.

If you invest in a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier, you can use a smart thermostat to adjust this equipment quickly and easily no matter where you are. You can also program settings into your smart thermostat so changes are made automatically without you having to do anything manually.

Routine Maintenance

Both your whole-house dehumidifier and whole-house humidifier should undergo inspection and receive maintenance at least once per year. This can be done as part of your HVAC maintenance plan. It’s important that we make sure your drain line is clear. Otherwise, this can result in mineral deposits and sediment building up, eventually leading to leaks and pooling water. You want to avoid water damage at all costs, as this can all cause mold growth.

We will also inspect interior components, ensuring they are clean and working efficiently. Filters may be part of your equipment, which should be replaced periodically. When everything is working properly, you can easily maintain a healthy level of indoor air quality. This can also promote a more comfortable home that allows you to minimize the amount of time that you run your HVAC equipment. This reduces repair needs and adds to the longevity of your heating and cooling equipment.

Contact Us Today

If you would like assistance with determining what the relative humidity in your home is, Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Riverside can help. We can also help determine if there are indoor air quality issues in your residence that should receive attention. Our team can install both whole-home dehumidifiers and humidifiers, helping you better control the amount of moisture in your indoor air.

Contact Sheldon's Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for assistance today.