In our recent blogs, we’ve highlighted the advantages of
furnace humidifiers and how they can improve your home’s atmosphere during dry winter days. But there’s another HVAC add-on that can greatly contribute to a homeowner’s
indoor air quality—the whole home dehumidifier. A whole home dehumidifier can be just as essential, if not more so, for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. It is crucial in balancing
humidity levels, ensuring your home isn’t too damp or too dry. Learn why incorporating a whole home dehumidifier into your
HVAC system might be a smart move for your home, especially if you want to enhance comfort and safeguard your family’s health.
What is a Whole Home Dehumidifier?
A whole home dehumidifier, also known as a furnace dehumidifier or a whole home dehumidification system, is a device that integrates with your home’s HVAC system to extract excess moisture from the air. By doing so, it helps maintain a balanced humidity level, which is key for enhancing indoor air quality and comfort.
How Does It Work?
The dehumidifier furnace unit is typically installed within the
ductwork of your home’s HVAC system. It functions by drawing in air from your living spaces, extracting the moisture, and then recirculating the drier air back throughout your home. This process aids in sustaining an optimal humidity level, generally recommended to be between 30-50%, depending on personal preference and environmental factors. It is especially important if you use your basement as a living space or have expensive wood and leather furniture stored there. High humidity levels can easily
damage these materials and cause mould growth in the ductwork.
Why Is Whole House Dehumidifier Important?
Proper humidity control is vital for several reasons. First, it prevents
mould growth by removing excess moisture that mould spores thrive in. Second, it reduces allergens like dust mites that flourish in humid environments. Third, it protects the structural integrity and appearance of your home’s furnishings by preventing moisture damage. Additionally, a furnace with dehumidifier can enhance the comfort of your indoor air, making it feel cooler and
more pleasant. Lastly, by aiding in humidity control, it allows your air conditioning system to work more efficiently, potentially reducing energy costs and extending the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
Why Is It Often Called a Furnace Dehumidifier?
The term “furnace dehumidifier” can be a bit misleading because the dehumidifier doesn’t actually work on the furnace itself. Instead, it’s integrated into the overall
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, which includes the furnace. The dehumidifier is typically connected to the
ductwork near the furnace, so it can treat the air as it’s circulated by the furnace’s blower. This setup allows the dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air throughout the entire house, which is why it’s often referred to as a whole house dehumidifier. So, a “dehumidifier for furnace” isn’t a correct concept. A whole home dehumidifier is, however, a part of the HVAC system and does help to improve the air quality and comfort of your home.
Humidifier Dehumidifier Combo
For homeowners striving to achieve the perfect indoor air quality control, the humidifier dehumidifier combo is a great solution. This innovative system harmonises the functions of both a humidifier and a dehumidifier, ensuring that your home’s air maintains an ideal balance – not too dry and not too moist.
Dual Functionality for Optimal Comfort
The beauty of a humidifier dehumidifier combo lies in its ability to adapt to varying indoor humidity levels. During dry seasons, the humidifier component adds necessary moisture to the air, preventing issues like dry skin, irritated sinuses, and
static electricity. Conversely, the whole home dehumidifier takes charge in more humid conditions, removing excess moisture to prevent mould growth, musty odours, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling. This dual functionality ensures that your home remains a sanctuary of comfort regardless of the season.
Who Needs a Humidifier/Dehumidifier Combo?
This versatile system is ideal for anyone looking to optimize their indoor air quality and comfort. It’s particularly beneficial for:
- Homes predisposed to higher humidity in basements but dryer air elsewhere in the house
- Homes in regions with fluctuating humidity levels throughout the year.
- Individuals with specific health conditions that require precise humidity control.
- Families looking to create a healthier living environment and reduce the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
- Homeowners seeking to protect their investments, such as hardwood floors, furniture, and electronics, from humidity-related damage.
Whole Home Dehumidification System: Pros and Cons
When contemplating the addition of a whole home dehumidifier to your HVAC system, it’s crucial to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks. This analysis will help you decide if a whole home dehumidifier, particularly popular in regions like Canada, is a suitable investment for your household.
Pros of Whole Home Dehumidification
Consistent Humidity Control Throughout the Entire House
A whole home dehumidifier offers great consistency in humidity control, ensuring every room in your home maintains an optimal humidity level. This uniformity is something portable units cannot achieve.
Improved Air Quality and Comfort
A whole home dehumidifier enhances the overall air quality in your home by maintaining ideal humidity levels. This leads to a more comfortable living environment, free from the discomforts associated with overly humid air.
Prevention of Mould and Mildew Growth
Excess moisture is a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can pose health risks and damage your home. A whole home dehumidifier effectively reduces the risk of mould and mildew growth by keeping humidity levels in check.
Protection of Home Furnishings and Structure
Too much humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s structure and furnishings. Wood can warp, paint can peel, and metal can corrode. By controlling humidity, a whole home dehumidifier helps protect the integrity and appearance of your home in the
Greater Toronto Area.
Cons of Whole Home Dehumidification
Initial Installation Costs
The upfront cost of a whole home dehumidifier can be higher than that of portable units. However, it’s important to consider this as a
long-term investment in your home’s comfort and health.
Regular Maintenance Required
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure your whole house dehumidifier Canada operates efficiently. This might include cleaning or replacing filters and checking the system for any issues.
Contact Dynamic Heating and Cooling Today
The benefits of consistent humidity control and improved air quality are well worth it. If you sign up for an
HVAC maintenance contract, the annual inspection will include your house dehumidifier maintenance.
Contact us today, and we will find the best deal for you.
FAQs about Whole Home Dehumidifiers
How do I know if I need a humidifier or dehumidifier for my furnace?
Observe the humidity levels in your home to determine whether you need a humidifier or dehumidifier. If you experience static electricity, dry skin, or respiratory issues during winter, a humidifier may be needed to add moisture to the air. Conversely, if you notice condensation on windows, musty odours, or mould growth, a dehumidifier is likely required to remove excess moisture.
Can I install a whole home dehumidifier myself?
While it’s possible to install a whole home dehumidifier yourself, it’s generally recommended to have it done by a
professional HVAC technician. This ensures proper integration with your existing HVAC system and optimal dehumidifier performance.
What is the cost of a whole home dehumidifier?
The cost of a whole home dehumidifier can vary depending on the model and capacity. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for the unit itself, with installation costs ranging from $500 to $1,000. It’s best to get quotes from
reputable HVAC companies to get a more accurate estimate for your specific needs.
How often should I maintain my whole home dehumidifier?
It’s recommended to have your whole home dehumidifier inspected and maintained annually by a professional HVAC technician to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Can a whole home dehumidifier reduce energy costs?
Yes, by maintaining optimal humidity levels, your HVAC system can operate more efficiently, potentially leading to energy savings and lower utility bills.
Will a whole home dehumidifier work with any furnace?
Most whole home dehumidifiers can be integrated with existing HVAC systems. However, consulting with a professional is important to determine compatibility with your specific furnace model.
Is a whole home dehumidifier better than a portable unit?
A whole home dehumidification system offers more consistent humidity control throughout the entire home, whereas portable units are limited to specific areas. For comprehensive humidity management, a whole home dehumidifier is generally considered the better option.
How long does a whole home dehumidifier last?
With
proper maintenance, a whole home dehumidifier can last up to 10 years or more, making it a worthwhile investment for your home’s comfort and air quality.
Can humidity levels vary in different parts of my house?
Yes, humidity levels can vary in different parts of your house due to various factors such as the presence of moisture-generating activities, differences in ventilation, and the amount of natural light. For example,
bathrooms and kitchens often have higher
humidity levels due to activities like showering and cooking. Basements, especially if not well-ventilated, can also have higher humidity levels. Conversely, areas with more ventilation or air conditioning might have lower humidity levels. Using a whole home dehumidifier can help maintain more consistent humidity levels throughout your entire house.
