About two years ago, I moved from way up north to way down south.
- It was a huge change in scenery, weather and lifestyle.
I was accustomed to four distinct seasons, very long winters and lots of snow. My house up north was equipped with a furnace that ran for approximately eight straight months. There was no reason to invest into central air conditioning. I managed the short summers with box fans, open windows and a window air conditioner in the bedroom. Being trapped in the house due to the weather was frustrating. I was happy to move away from the cold and snow. I was thrilled to trade my snow shovel, heavy boots and ice scraper for sandals, shorts and sunblock. I purchased a house that was outfitted with central cooling and no option for heating. The heat in my new area is so severe that I’m once again forced to remain inside for the majority of the year. I also realized very quickly that air conditioning wasn’t enough to create perfect comfort. The excess humidity made the house feel overheated and sticky. Lowering the thermostat didn’t solve the problem. I had condensation running down the windows and concerns with mold and mildew growth. It was difficult to sleep at night. After consulting with an HVAC contractor, I invested into a whole-house dehumidifier. It pulls moisture out of the air as it passes through the air conditioner. The IAQ accessory operates almost silently, runs 24/7 and requires only annual maintenance. Because of the dehumidifier, I’ve been able to raise the thermostat setting and spend less on my monthly electric bills.