How Whole-House Dehumidifiers Work and Their Benefits

Humidity is water vapor that’s in the air, and even though you can’t see it, it’s everywhere. When humidity is high, the water vapor condenses on surfaces in your home, such as walls, furniture, and carpets.

While the Puget Sound area has a mild climate with relatively dry summers, humidity is still a concern, especially during the rainy months. Moisture affects your home and health in many ways. A damp environment may cause mold and mildew growth, worsen respiratory conditions, or even negatively affect your home’s structural integrity.

While portable dehumidifying devices may be suitable for small spaces, you can also opt for a dehumidifier for the entire house. At Kliemann Brothers Heating, Air Conditioning, & Electrical, we install high-quality, powerful whole-home dehumidifiers that’ll keep your air comfortable by reducing indoor moisture content.

Explore what a dehumidifier does, how whole-house dehumidifiers work, whole-house dehumidifier benefits, and whether it’s worth investing in a dehumidifier for your HVAC system in Northwest Washington.

What Is a Whole-House Dehumidifier?

When your house is too humid, moisture levels increase. What does a dehumidifier do to help?

Whole-house dehumidifiers are integrated into your existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. They’re about the size of a toaster and are often installed near the air handler, or in the attic or basement, out of view. When humid air flows through the return vent into the dehumidifier, it pulls the moisture out, collects the water, and drains it away. The drier, conditioned air is then recirculated into the house through the supply vents.

How Whole-House Dehumidifiers Work

A whole-house dehumidifier is installed inside your HVAC system’s air return duct, so when warm, humid air is pulled out of the rooms in your house to go back into the air conditioner or heater, it passes by the dehumidifier’s evaporator coil. The refrigerant inside the coil causes the water in the air to cool down and condense into droplets, which drip down into a reservoir or drain line. Once enough water accumulates, it flows outside.

It’s a complex system that’s designed for ease of use. All you have to do is set your humidistat (a device that measures the humidity in the air) to turn your energy-efficient dehumidifier on or off when the air reaches a certain water saturation point, and it’ll automatically maintain your desired humidity levels.

Signs Your Home May Need a Dehumidifier

Some of the most common signs you need a dehumidifier include:

• Heavy or damp-feeling air that leaves you feeling sticky and uncomfortable.
• Water droplets on the walls inside the house.
• Fog or condensation on the windows.
• Mold and mildew growth on walls, flooring, under the carpet, in the basement, etc.
• Peeling wallpaper or blistering paint on the walls.
• Swelling or warping wood floors, window frames, doorways, and furniture.
• Pests like spiders or roaches are more active and more likely to breed in humid environments.
• Increased allergy or asthma symptoms that are exacerbated by trapped allergens and mold spores in the air, as well as irritation in your respiratory system.

One easy way to measure the humidity inside your house is to use a hygrometer. You can also call Kliemann Bros, and we’ll check your indoor air quality for you. Our team provides expertise in HVAC humidity management, and we’ll give you a quick, professional assessment and recommendations for remediation.

Benefits of Whole-House Dehumidifiers

Whole-house dehumidifiers offer precise home and basement humidity control. As locals to the area, Kliemann Bros technicians understand the unique needs of homeowners throughout Puget Sound and will work with you to create the most comfortable in-home environment possible.

By installing a whole-home dehumidifier, you’ll see the following benefits.

Better In-Home Comfort

Humid air feels clammy, sticky, or muggy. It also feels warmer than it is, adding to your discomfort. A dehumidifier takes away the heat-trapping moisture, creating a more comfortable cooling effect.

Healthier Living Environment

Installing a whole-home dehumidifier reduces the likelihood of mold or mildew growth, dust mites, and pest infestations. Dehumidifying the air also lowers allergic and respiratory health problems — and as a bonus, your house smells fresher.

Home Damage Protection

Humidity leads to condensation that warps wood and, over time, causes rot and structural problems. Removing the moisture from the air protects your home and your belongings from humidity damage, making a whole-home dehumidifier an excellent investment in your home’s future.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Your air conditioning system is designed to pull heat and moisture from the air, but when the humidity is exceptionally high, it may struggle to meet your cooling demands. Adding a dehumidifying device to the system reduces strain on the AC, balances humidity levels, and lowers your energy bills through improved energy efficiency.

How Dehumidifiers Support Indoor Air Quality

Good indoor air quality prevents problems like allergens, pet dander, smoke, airborne chemicals, and other particulates from entering your airways when you breathe. When your home’s air is clean, you feel healthier, sleep better, and enjoy a more comfortable life.

At Kliemann Bros, our expert indoor air quality solutions help keep you comfortable and breathe more easily. Whole-house dehumidifiers remove the tiniest water droplets from the air. Water acts like a magnet to airborne particulates, trapping dust, allergens, and other pollutants, making dehumidification a smart move toward improving overall air quality.

Contact Kliemann Bros for HVAC and Air Quality Services

At Kliemann Brothers, we proudly serve the Puget Sound area, including King, Kitsap, Pierce, Snohomish, Island, and Thurston Counties. If you need whole-home humidity control, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an indoor air quality consultation or a whole-home humidity assessment.