Florida is home to some of the most humid weather our countries sees on a continual basis. We’re a destination for so many people, to enjoy the warm weather and beaches, but little do outsiders know about the serious amount of humidity we have to deal with. At some points living in Sarasota feels like trying to breathe water!
Well, now that we mention it, high humidity does more than just make temperatures more uncomfortable. A dehumidifier in Bradenton, FL is necessary but not many people in our area know why. That’s what we’re here to discuss today.
Let’s talk about the science behind dehumidification, how our dehumidifiers work, and what changing the humidity of your home does to your wellbeing. If you were considering a dehumidifier before reading this post, we bet you’ll feel more confident about your purchase decision once you know the cold hard facts behind such technology.
Why Is It Uncomfortable?
Here’s some fun science—our bodies cool down by having sweat evaporate off of our skin. It’s an amazing process really. When we sweat, our bodies release moisture through our pores that evaporate when met with the dry air around us. This evaporation process actually dries us off and cools us down, which is a unique advantage in the animal kingdom!
However, when temperatures are high and humidity levels rise as well, it can be harder for the sweat on our bodies to evaporate. This means, not only will we feel sticky and uncomfortable, but the temperature inside our homes will feel hotter than it actually is. This undesirable combination is what makes humidity so brutal in our climate.
How Does Dehumidification Work?
Dehumidifiers work similarly to air conditioners with one central difference—they’re not concerned with the temperature set on your thermostat, only with the relative humidity of your home. This can be beneficial when you have an air conditioner and a dehumidifier working together to make your home perfectly comfortable.
Dehumidifiers use various different methods of drawing moisture out of the air, but their main concern is turning the water vapor that exists within your air into liquid water that is then pumped out of your home. By doing this, your home’s humidity level lowers and it becomes easier for the air to remain dry, cool, and comfortable.
The Importance of Dehumidification
Dehumidifiers do more than just keep your home comfortable. They’re responsible for a lot of things that otherwise might make your life miserable. For instance, mold growth can be a huge pain during some of the most humid days of the year. Mold thrives in damp, dark environments, which is exactly what your home is when it’s filled with humidity and is sheltered from the sun. Mold can be harmful for your health and a detriment to your property, so having a dehumidifier to combat the effects of mold is something we highly advise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dehumidification
How does a dehumidifier remove moisture from the air?
A dehumidifier removes moisture by drawing humid indoor air into the system and converting water vapor into liquid water. The collected moisture is then drained away, while drier air is returned to the home. This process lowers relative humidity and can make indoor spaces feel more comfortable.
Why does high humidity make a home feel hotter?
High humidity makes a home feel warmer because moisture in the air slows the evaporation of sweat from your skin. Evaporation is one of the body’s natural cooling processes, so when it happens more slowly, the same indoor temperature can feel hotter and more uncomfortable.
What is the difference between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier?
An air conditioner is primarily designed to control indoor temperature, while a dehumidifier is designed specifically to control moisture. Air conditioners do remove some humidity while cooling, but a whole-home dehumidifier can continue managing moisture based on indoor humidity levels rather than temperature alone.
Do I need a whole-home dehumidifier if I already have air conditioning?
You may benefit from a whole-home dehumidifier if your house still feels sticky or clammy even when the air conditioner is running. This can be especially relevant in humid climates such as Bradenton and Sarasota, where indoor moisture can remain high even when the temperature is comfortable. A professional evaluation can determine whether additional dehumidification is appropriate for your home.
When should I consider professional dehumidifier installation in Bradenton or Sarasota?
Consider professional dehumidifier installation if your home regularly feels humid, develops musty odors, shows condensation, or remains uncomfortable despite normal air conditioning. McDonald Home Services can evaluate your home’s humidity conditions and determine whether a whole-home dehumidifier would be a suitable solution.
Keep your health and home safe by investing in a dehumidifier today. Our team has the necessary qualifications and equipment to install a system that will dry your home off and keep it comfortable.
Call Jim McDonald & Sons Heating & Cooling Inc. today. Cooling Sarasota and Manatee Counties since 1970.
Bob Bermudez, MBA, is the President and Owner of McDonald Home Services (Jim McDonald & Sons Heating & Cooling), a family-run HVAC and plumbing company serving Bradenton, Sarasota, and Manatee County since 1970. Before buying the company, Bob spent his career on the manufacturing and distribution side of HVAC — a background that shapes how he advises homeowners on equipment.