You might want to reconsider if you are running a dehumidifier and heater together. This isn't necessarily a problem, but there are some things to consider. If you're looking to save energy costs, you'll want to ensure that you aren't wasting money on unnecessary equipment. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
HVAC Seasons Explained
The United States has four distinct climatic zones: winter, summer, autumn, and fall. Each zone has a corresponding kind of weather. However, not every state experiences these seasons distinctly. Some states only have one season, while others may have two or three. In addition, some states transition between seasons quickly, while others take longer.
For example, summer temperature is higher in southern countries than in northern ones. Southern countries like Florida enjoy hot summer days, whereas northern countries like New Hampshire suffer from harsh winters. Intense sunlight and severe colds vary from country to country. For example, Florida enjoys intense sunshine throughout the year, whereas New Hampshire suffers from freezing weather.
Do dehumidifiers and heaters go together?
Dehumidification systems are designed to reduce the amount of water vapor in the air. They do this by pulling moisture out of the air and condensing it into liquid form. This process requires energy, however, and dehumidifiers use electricity to accomplish this task. If you want to save money on your electric bill, look for a system that uses less power.
Heating systems heat the air inside your home, which causes the water molecules to evaporate. As a result, the relative humidity goes down. The problem is that heating the air also increases the temperature outside, which makes the air dryer. To counteract this effect, you must install a heater that runs continuously during the day.
If you're looking for a way to make your house feel more relaxed during the summer, consider installing a ventilation fan. These fans pull cool air from outside and blow it into the house. An adequately installed ventilator fan can help keep your home comfortable even when the weather gets hot.
Why you should head and dehumidify at the same time
- There's the fact that both heaters and dehumidifiers use electricity.
- Both heaters and dehumidifiers require maintenance.
- Both heaters and humidifiers produce noise.
- Both heaters and humidity control systems increase energy consumption.
- Both heaters and air conditioning units are expensive.
- Both heaters and moisture control systems (2) add to clutter in the home.
- Both heaters and dampness controllers take up space.
Heating Significantly Reduces Humidity
The heating system in most homes does not absorb moisture from the air. This makes sense because it is designed to keep the house warm, not cool. But what happens when the heating system runs continuously? A study by the University of California Berkeley researchers found that even though the air is warmed up, no moisture is left in the air.
As air temperature rises, water vapor in the atmosphere also rises. At higher temperatures, the air can absorb more water vapor. When the air cools down again, the molecules release the extra water they've absorbed. The study found that the air gets drier over time.
This explains why the air feels drier during winter months. Running a dehumidifier alongside a heater can make things worse. Not only do you end up with less humid air, but you also run the risk of drying out the air further.
Humidity makes heating work better.
Humidity affects how much heat we lose through our skin. When the air around us is dry, the surface temperature of our bodies drops faster than if the air is wet. This is because water molecules are less effective at transferring energy away from our bodies.
So, if you want to keep warm, you should increase the humidity level in your home. But don't use a dehumidifier to do this. Instead, maintain a high humidity level naturally by installing a whole-house dehumidifier.
The Exceptions
While it might seem like common sense that the temperature outside influences how much moisture there is inside your home, it turns out that some places experience opposite weather patterns. Some states see extreme humidity during winter, while others see extreme cold.
FAQ's
Will a dehumidifier heat a room in winter?
No. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air (1), which means that it won't be able to heat the air. It may, however, remove water from the walls or other surfaces in the room.
How do you dehumidify a room with a heater?
You need to install an exhaust fan to draw the moist air out of the room. Ensure the fan is connected to the ducts, so the air flows directly out of the room.
Does a dehumidifier keep your house warmer?
A dehumidifier doesn't have any effect on the temperature of the air. However, it does help reduce the amount of moisture in the air. A dehumidifier could make your home feel colder if you live in a very humid area.
Do dehumidifiers reduce heating costs?
Dehumidifying your home reduces moisture, lowering your cooling bills. If you're using a central air conditioning unit, then a dehumidifier will decrease the size of the condenser coil. This will allow for more efficient operation.
Key Takeaway
Using a heater and a dehumidifier is the best way to keep your house warm and dry during winter. This combination provides the best balance of heat and humidity.
