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How to Tell If Your Home Dehumidifier Is Working in Wisconsin Rapids

Your home dehumidifier plays a crucial role in the comfort of your Wisconsin Rapids-area home. Not only does it directly affect your health and comfort, but it also plays a role in protecting your home. Left unchecked, excess humidity can contribute to moisture damage and allow mold and mildew to grow. Whether you already have a dehumidifier or think you may need one, contact ComfortAire Heating Cooling Fireplaces for troubleshooting or installation. Call 715-325-3969 in Wisconsin Rapids or 715-342-0911 in Stevens Point.

Your Home Dehumidifier Checklist

Check Your Humidity Levels

Many of today’s smart thermostats enable you to monitor your home’s humidity levels directly on the screen or through a mobile app. Ideally, indoor humidity should remain between 30 and 50 percent. If you don’t have a smart thermostat—or simply want to double-check the levels—you can also use a hygrometer to monitor humidity in your home. Humidity levels consistently above or below this range may indicate a problem and can affect both comfort and indoor air quality.

Monitor Your Personal Comfort

You’ll likely notice if your home humidity levels are too high. Your house may feel warmer than usual, and the air may seem heavy, damp, or sticky. You might also notice musty or moldy odors throughout the house. If you aren’t experiencing any of these signs, there’s a good chance your humidity levels are within a healthy range.

Look for Condensation or Water

There are several obvious signs of high humidity inside a home. These can include condensation or fogginess on the inside of windows. You may also notice moisture or water pooling in areas such as basements or crawl spaces. In some cases, excess humidity can even cause flooring, wood trim, or furniture to warp over time.

See If Your Unit Is Functioning Normally

Observe your dehumidifier to see if it appears to be operating normally. The unit should turn on and off periodically as needed to maintain humidity levels. Pay attention to any unusual noises, such as buzzing, rattling, or constant running. If the unit doesn’t appear to be running at all, it could indicate a problem that needs professional attention.

Inspect Your Air Filters

Whether your dehumidifier has its own air filter or shares one with the rest of your HVAC system, the filter should be cleaned or replaced regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Keeping filters clean helps the dehumidifier operate efficiently. When filters become clogged or dirty, the unit may not remove moisture as effectively and can develop airflow issues.

Keep Your Home Dry and Comfortable

If your home dehumidifier is working properly, it should improve comfort and reduce moisture. Not the case? Have it checked. ComfortAire will inspect your unit and suggest maintenance and repairs as needed. We also offer a range of indoor air quality solutions to complement your dehumidifier. Call for more information at 715-325-3969 in Wisconsin Rapids or 715-342-0911 in Stevens Point—or contact us online.

Air Quality FAQs

No. Air cleaners filter the air to remove contaminants such as dust and secondhand smoke. In comparison, air purifiers capture and kill airborne contaminants using negative ions or ultraviolet (UV) lights. Simply put, air cleaners filter the air, air purifiers sanitize it.

Ideally, your home’s humidity levels should fall between 30 and 50 percent. The easiest way to balance those levels is with a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier. These systems can help ease problems associated with improper indoor humidity such as dry and itchy skin, allergies and colds, and even static electricity.

Excessive dust could come from dirty ductwork. That’s why we recommend having your ducts professionally cleaned every five to seven years. Installing an air purifier can also help clear excessive dust.

Ductless or zoning systems are effective in keeping individual rooms or areas comfortable without wasting energy. They can be installed on almost any wall for quiet, even room temperatures. Contact us today to see if these systems are right for your home.