The hot summer days can be brutal in St. Louis, with the humidity levels reaching new heights. If your family is experiencing a hot and humid environment inside the home even with the air conditioner turned on, it may be time to invest in either a whole house dehumidifier or a portable one.
So what exactly is it? A dehumidifier is a household appliance used to reduce the humidity level indoors. Many people have one on their homes for health, safety, and comfort reasons.
If you are thinking about purchasing a dehumidifier for your home, the first thing you need to decide is what type of dehumidifier to get. There are two main types: portable and whole house dehumidifiers.
Portable Dehumidifier: Pros and Cons
As the name implies, a portable dehumidifier is portable and can be moved from one room to another. You can move it on the living room during the day or move it to your bedroom at night. This freestanding equipment is easier to install and less expensive to buy compared to a whole house dehumidifier.
However, compared to a whole house dehumidifier, it has a limited capacity and is able to control the humidity only in one portion of the house. The water reservoir of a portable dehumidifier also needs to be emptied out quite often—sometimes daily—to prevent it from leaking water.
Whole House Dehumidifier: Pros and Cons
A whole house dehumidifier controls the humidity of the whole house. Since it covers a larger area, it is more complicated to setup and installation, and will require the help of an HVAC company. The upfront cost is definitely a lot more expensive than that of a portable one.
However, the initial expensive cost is offset by its ability to control the humidity all throughout the home. It does not require maintenance because it is already connected to a water drain, so there is no need to empty it out. It is also operates quietly, compared to a portable one that can be noisy at times.
Find the Right Dehumidifier for You
When choosing between the two types, it all comes down to your needs, your location, the humidity level inside your home, and the comfort level you want to achieve. If you have a small space, buying a portable dehumidifier is your best bet.
However, if you require a larger area or multiple rooms to be less humid, you will be better off springing for the bigger dehumidifier. Additionally, since summer months here in St. Louis can be especially humid, many St. Louis homeowners find that buying a whole house dehumidifier is often the best option.
Whole House Dehumidifier Professional Installation
If you are thinking of buying and installing a whole house dehumidifier for your home, contact an HVAC professional first to advise you on what type to buy and to help you install the appliance properly in your home.
In the greater St. Louis area, Galmiche & Sons can help you get a whole house dehumidifier that best fits your needs and budget. Just call our heating and air conditioning company at 314-993-1110 for further assistance.
