Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
High indoor humidity is a common issue in many Harrisburg homes, especially during the hotter months. This is particularly true for older homes. Humid air can make your home feel hotter and reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. One of the best solutions is to install a whole-home dehumidifier.
How Whole-Home Dehumidifiers Work
A whole-home dehumidifier removes moisture from the air throughout your house. It’s connected to your central HVAC system, removing moisture from the air in the return duct before the air passes through the air handler. Alternatively, the dehumidifier can be installed in the main supply duct, though the return duct installation is often preferred for efficiency. A humidistat controls the dehumidifier, ensuring it only runs when necessary, maintaining your desired humidity levels without over-drying the air.
On humid days, the dehumidifier usually runs alongside your HVAC system, kicking on when the air conditioning starts. You can also run the dehumidifier independently by setting your HVAC fan to run continuously. Many smart thermostats measure both temperature and humidity, automating the system even when your AC isn’t needed.
Important Factors When Sizing a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
The size of your home, specifically the conditioned areas, is a key factor in determining the right size dehumidifier. You’ll also need to consider how well your home is sealed, as homes with poor air sealing require larger units to handle higher moisture levels. Homes with good air sealing and proper ventilation generally need smaller dehumidifiers. The local climate is also an important factor, as more humid climates will require a dehumidifier capable of removing more moisture.
Understanding Home Classification Ratings
Homes are generally categorized as loosely sealed, moderately sealed, or tightly sealed based on their air sealing quality. Older homes are often loosely sealed, while newer or well-renovated homes may be moderately sealed. Homes built to energy-efficiency standards like ENERGY STAR or LEED are usually considered tightly sealed. A certified HVAC technician can help determine your home’s classification and recommend the right dehumidifier size.
How Whole-Home Dehumidifiers Are Sized
Whole-home dehumidifiers are sized by the number of pints of moisture they can remove per day. Most manufacturers use AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) ratings, which are tested in conditions of 80 degrees Fahrenheit with 60% relative humidity. This rating gives a baseline for performance in standard conditions, though real-world performance may vary based on your home’s temperature and humidity levels.
A dehumidifier that removes 70 to 80 pints of moisture per day is typically sufficient for homes under 1,800 square feet or tightly sealed homes under 2,600 square feet. Larger units, capable of removing 150 to 200 pints per day, are ideal for homes up to 5,000 square feet.
With over 25 years of experience, Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air can help with all your indoor air quality needs, including dehumidification and humidification. We provide repair, installation, and maintenance services for HVAC systems, as well as drain cleaning and water treatment. Our technicians will assess your home to determine the exact size dehumidifier or humidifier you need. For more information or to schedule a service in the Harrisburg area, contact us today.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!