The summers in Birmingham are long, warm and humid! We expect hot and cold temperatures in the mid nineties and officially run the a/c for at least six months, however unfortunately, the cooling system isn’t adequate to supply ideal comfort, however the excessive amount of moisture in the air makes the home feel warm and muggy, but it can be tempting to lower the temperature control setting.
I’ve learned that this just forces the a/c to run more often separate from solving the problem.
weekly costs go up because the system is using more energy. There is a greater risk of malfunction, and the a/c won’t last as long, but despite over-cooling the air, the moisture remains, causing concerns with indoor air quality. The humid environment provides the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, bacteria and viruses. It encourages dust mites, cockroaches and other pests! Aggravated symptoms of asthma and allergies can be blamed on the humidity. Difficulty sleeping at evening, feeling sluggish during the day, headaches, congestion, sneezing and coughing are all consequences of too much moisture. Wood furnishings often swell and warp, then for my home in Birmingham, a whole-home dehumidifier is just about as essential as central air conditioning. The unit is installed into the existing return ductwork and pulls moisture out of the air as it passes through. The dehumidified air is supplied to the multiple rooms of the home, providing a healthier and more comfortable living space, because the a/c doesn’t need to labor as hard, there is considerable savings on weekly utility bills. While the whole-home dehumidifier uses energy to operate, the expense is minimal.