Dehumidifiers: Pool Areas And Whole House Options

A whole-house dehumidifier can be an effective solution for maintaining comfortable humidity levels in your home, but it's important to understand the limitations and considerations before investing in one. These systems are designed to remove excess moisture from the air throughout your home, providing comprehensive humidity control. They are especially useful in warm and humid climates or houses located near water bodies. However, they are typically more expensive, require professional installation, and depend on the HVAC system to operate.

One key advantage of whole-house dehumidifiers is their ability to treat the entire home, ensuring consistent humidity levels. Unlike portable dehumidifiers, they don't need to be switched on manually and offer low maintenance as they only require an annual check and filter change. They are also more energy-efficient than running multiple portable units.

However, whole-house dehumidifiers usually come with a higher upfront cost and require professional installation, adding to the overall expense. Moreover, they are dependent on the HVAC system to function, so if your HVAC system is not running, the dehumidifier won't be able to remove moisture.

Before installing a whole-house dehumidifier, it's essential to consider factors such as the size of your home, the severity of your humidity issues, and the features you need, such as washable filters or automatic drainage systems. It's also important to note that whole-house dehumidifiers might not be the best option for apartments or smaller homes due to their size and the amount of space they require.

Pros and cons of whole-house dehumidifiers

A whole-house dehumidifier is a centralized system designed to remove excess moisture from the air throughout your home. It can be added onto the ductwork of an HVAC system or stand alone as a single unit in the basement.

Pros

• Comprehensive Coverage: Whole-house dehumidifiers treat the entire home, ensuring consistent humidity levels throughout.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed, whole-house dehumidifiers require minimal maintenance compared to multiple portable units.
• Energy Efficiency: Centralized systems are often more energy-efficient than running several portable units simultaneously.
• Quiet Operation: Whole-house dehumidifiers operate quietly and won't disrupt daily activities.
• Removes More Humidity: Whole-house dehumidifiers are more effective in removing moisture from the air.
• No Clutter: Whole-house dehumidifiers are installed alongside your home's central air conditioning system, so you don't have to worry about where they'll fit or how they'll look.

Cons

• Higher Initial Cost: Whole-house dehumidifiers typically have a higher upfront cost compared to portable units.
• Requires Professional Installation: Installation may require professional help, adding to the overall cost.
• Limited Flexibility: Since it's a fixed system, you cannot easily move it to different areas of the house if needed.

How does a whole-house dehumidifier work?

A whole-house dehumidifier is an appliance about the size of a toaster oven that is installed as an add-on to your HVAC system. It works by drawing air through the return ductwork and pulling it into the unit. The dehumidifier then cools the air, causing the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets. The dry air is then passed over warm coils to bring it back to the desired room temperature. The condensed water can either be collected in a pan or drained directly down a basement floor drain.

Whole-house dehumidifiers are designed to work in conjunction with your home's heating and cooling system. They can be installed in new or existing homes and offer a more comprehensive solution to moisture control compared to portable units, which only control the humidity in one room.

The benefits of using a whole-house dehumidifier include improved cooling efficiency, better indoor air quality, and reduced energy consumption. By removing excess moisture from the air, dehumidifiers make it easier for your air conditioner to cool your home, resulting in lower cooling costs. Additionally, drier air feels cooler, so you may be able to set your thermostat a few degrees higher and save even more on cooling costs.

Whole-house dehumidifiers also improve indoor air quality by reducing the growth of dangerous molds and mildew, as well as dust mites and other allergens that thrive in humid environments. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with allergies and asthma.

In terms of maintenance, whole-house dehumidifiers require minimal upkeep. Typically, an annual check-up by a qualified professional is sufficient, which includes cleaning or replacing the filter and inspecting the coil.

How to choose the right whole-house dehumidifier

A whole-house dehumidifier can be a great way to control the humidity in your pool area and prevent issues such as mould and structural damage. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right whole-house dehumidifier for your space:

Size of the Dehumidifier

The size of the dehumidifier you need will depend on the square footage of the pool area. Dehumidifiers are sized or categorized by their total moisture removal capacity, which is measured in pints of moisture removed per day. As a general guide, for a 500-square-foot space, select a small dehumidifier that can hold 10 pints of water, and add 4 pints of capacity for every additional 500 square feet.

Dampness of the Space

Consider how damp the pool area is. If it is only slightly damp, you can stick to the rated capacity for your square footage. However, if the area is extremely wet, you will need a larger capacity unit. A hygrometer can help you monitor the humidity level and determine the relative humidity in the room.

Climate

If your home is located in a humid climate, you may need to add 10 pints to the recommended capacity of the dehumidifier.

Number of People

The number of people living in the home can also impact the humidity levels, as people consume water, sweat, and breathe out humid air. If you have a large family or expect a lot of guests, consider a larger dehumidifier to handle the increased humidity.

Doors and Windows

The number and size of doors and windows can affect humidity levels, as heat transfers easily through them. If the pool area has multiple doors and windows, you may need to add 5 pints to the recommended capacity.

Laundry and Bathroom Facilities

Laundry rooms and bathrooms can also impact humidity levels, especially when using the washing machine or shower. If your pool area includes these facilities, invest in a dehumidifier that can handle the increased moisture.

Energy Efficiency

Look for Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers, as these use about 15% less energy than conventional units, resulting in savings on your energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Additional Features

Today's market offers dehumidifiers with various upgrades, such as built-in hygrometers, auto shut-off, continuous drainage options, digital humidity readouts, user-friendly controls, and WiFi connectivity. Consider which features are most important to you and your specific needs.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right whole-house dehumidifier for your pool area, ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment for you and your guests.

Installation of a whole-house dehumidifier

Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can be a great way to control humidity in your home, especially if you have an indoor pool. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install a whole-house dehumidifier:

Step 1: Prepare the Space

Firstly, you will need to find a suitable location for your whole-house dehumidifier. This is typically in an attic or basement, close to your air-conditioning unit. Ensure you have enough space for the unit and any necessary ductwork.

Step 2: Install the Dehumidifier

Place the dehumidifier in its designated space. If it is in the attic, you may need to attach steel hanging bars and a metal pan to support the unit.

Step 3: Connect the Return Air Duct

Cut a square hole in the ceiling and install a new return-air grille. Attach a flexible return-air duct to the dehumidifier and secure it to the roof framing with plastic straps. Cut the duct to the appropriate length and connect it to the return-air grille.

Step 4: Connect to the Air Conditioning System

Cut a new supply-air duct fitting into the air-conditioning unit and connect a flexible supply-air duct. Attach the opposite end of the duct to the existing air-conditioning duct system. This will allow the dehumidified air to circulate throughout your home.

Step 5: Install a Condensate Line

Run a PVC condensate line from the dehumidifier to the outdoors or a basement drain. This will allow the water extracted from the air to be discharged.

Step 6: Install the Filter and Humidistat

Install the dehumidifier's filter, which will need to be replaced regularly (typically every two to three months). Mount a humidistat beside your existing thermostat and set it to your desired humidity level.

Additional Considerations:

• Dedicated Return to Supply Method: This method involves installing a new return duct and discharging dry air into your supply plenum. It offers benefits such as lower static pressure, independent operation, dew point stability, and improved efficiency.
• Dedicated Return to Existing Return Method: If connecting to the supply plenum is not feasible, you can discharge dry air into the HVAC system return. However, this may require the use of the air handler fan to distribute dehumidified air.
• Fresh Air Ventilation: Your dehumidifier can also function as a mechanical ventilation system, bringing in fresh air from outdoors while removing moisture.
• Energy Efficiency: While a whole-house dehumidifier may increase your energy costs, it can also allow you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature, potentially offsetting the increase in utility bills.

By following these steps and considering the additional options, you can effectively install a whole-house dehumidifier to control humidity in your pool area and throughout your home.

Maintenance of a whole-house dehumidifier

Maintaining a whole-house dehumidifier is essential to keep it working effectively and efficiently. Here are some key maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance:

Filter Maintenance:

Inspect and clean or replace the filters regularly, ideally once a month during heavy use periods. Refer to the owner's manual for specific instructions.

Drainage System Check:

• Ensure the drain line is clear of clogs to prevent water backup and potential system damage.
• If your unit has a condensate pump, inspect and clean it if necessary.

Coil Cleaning:

Turn off and unplug the unit before cleaning the evaporator coils with a soft brush or cloth. You can also use a manufacturer-recommended coil cleaner for a more thorough cleaning.

Humidistat Calibration:

Test the humidistat by setting it to your desired humidity level and monitoring its performance. Calibrate if necessary, following the user manual or seeking professional help.

Ductwork Inspection:

Check the ductwork for any leaks or blockages that could reduce airflow efficiency. Seal any leaks with foil tape or sealant, or hire an HVAC professional for larger gaps or hard-to-reach areas.

Routine Cleaning:

• Clean the condensate bucket or reservoir regularly to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use warm water and a small amount of dish detergent, ensuring it dries completely before reusing.
• Clean the air intake and exhaust grilles at the start of each season or more frequently if needed, using a vacuum brush attachment.

Placement:

Ensure the dehumidifier is placed on a level surface, away from obstructions, and at least six inches from walls to ensure proper airflow.

Avoid Short-Cycling:

Wait at least 10 minutes between turning the dehumidifier on and off to allow pressure equalization and prevent potential damage to the compressor or circuit breaker.

Water Level Monitoring:

Check water levels in the condensate bucket daily, especially if using a reservoir instead of a hose drainage option. Empty full containers to prevent shut-off mode activation and mold growth.

Routine Professional Maintenance:

If you're uncomfortable performing maintenance yourself, schedule regular professional maintenance to ensure optimal performance, extend the lifespan of your unit, and prevent costly repairs.

Frequently asked questions