Does a Dehumidifier Cool a Room?
It’s not the heat, but the humidity that’s unbearable.
But what can we do to deal with it? Do we have to suffer in silence while we try to deal with the oppressive humidity?
Check out our guide and learn everything you need to know about dehumidifiers and humidity.
Will a Dehumidifier Cool a Room?
No, a dehumidifier will not cool a room. Dehumidifiers do not produce cold air like an AC system. However, they do remove moisture from the air, and this can make a room feel cooler and more comfortable.
Why Does Humidity Make Us Feel Hot?
Humidity does not raise the temperature, it just makes us feel hotter. This is because humidity stops humans from cooling themselves down.
The way we bring down our body temperature is through sweating. When the sweat evaporates from our skin, it cools down our body’s temperature.
However, if there is already moisture in the air, like humidity, then the sweat has nowhere to go, and cannot evaporate and cool us down.
So, just like a sauna, we are left warm and sweating. This is why people tend to sweat more in humid climates.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
Dehumidifiers remove humidity and moisture from the air.
Many AC systems have built-in dehumidifiers that remove moisture from the air. However, unlike your AC system, standalone dehumidifiers do not blow out cold air, their only job is to reduce the amount of humidity in the air. Because dehumidifiers are designed with a single purpose, they are much more effective at removing moisture out of the air than an AC system.
Dehumidifiers not only take care of humidity, but they also prevent mold and extend the lifespan of your furniture, ceiling fans, and home decor that can warp due to humidity.
How Do I Choose The Right Dehumidifier?
For many homes, dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air that causes the stifling heat. If you’re looking for some extra cooling power for your house, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier.
You can find the right dehumidifier based on the square footage of the room you’re trying to dehumidify. A 500 square foot room requires a dehumidifier that can remove 1.6 – 1. gallons of water a day.
You’ll also want to choose a dehumidifier designed to work well in your region’s temperatures. Low temperature dehumidifiers work better in temperatures of 65 degrees or lower, whereas most standard dehumidifiers work better in temperatures 70 degrees or higher.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Dehumidifiers work by using both warm and cool coils to remove humidity. A small, automatic fan pulls in the moist air from your home and blows it over the two coils simultaneously, causing a reaction that condenses the water from the air. The water then either flows out through a drain pipe or collects in an attached bucket.
Where Should I Place a Dehumidifier?
You don’t need a dehumidifier in every room of your house to feel comfortable. In most cases, your AC system’s built-in dehumidifier will do a pretty good job of this.
However, any room in your home that is prone to extra moisture may need a little help, such as:
- Kitchens
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
Benefits of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers offer significant benefits to homeowners, such as:
1. Increases comfort
Dehumidifiers do not produce cold air like an AC system. However, they do remove moisture from the air. This can make your home feel several degrees cooler and more comfortable.
2. Improves air quality
One of the best benefits of adding a dehumidifier to your home is that it prevents mold, mildew, and other dangerous environmental hazards. This helps allergy suffers and also reduces asthma triggers.
3. Protects your valuables
Excessive moisture can damage and warp the valuables in your home, including:
- Cabinetry
- Ceiling fans
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Linens
- Wood floors
Nothing is safe from lingering moisture in your home. Fortunately, dehumidifiers can remove excess water even in hard-to-reach places.
4. Improves quality of sleep
Humidity can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
Mattress bedding material can trap and hold moisture. Also, while you sleep your body’s metabolism still functions, resulting in your body sweating, releasing more moisture.
As a result of the high humidity, your heart rate increases while you sleep causing a poorer quality, shallower night’s rest.
5. Lowers energy bills
Dehumidifiers can help reduce cooling costs.
Dehumidifiers leave the air cool and dry, so when your AC runs, it’s much easier to cool the already dry air. This means your AC system has to work much less hard to cool the air and runs less. As a result, homeowners save money on your electricity bills.