Dehumidifiers with HVAC

[jack1953]

I'm going to try this again, but keep it very simple.

The research I've done tells me that the humidity range, in the summer should be between 35-45% with 40% preferred.

My HVAC keeps it between 52-58%.

If I bought a top brand appropriate sized dehumidifier, placed geographically proper, would it help get the humidity closer to the high end of the preferred 45%?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Greenman]

Are you uncomfortable with 52-58% humidity? If so then a dehumidifier is the way to go. But if your doing it because someone says 45% is better I wouldn't bother. I couldn't tell you what the humidity is in my house, I've never checked it and I don't care as long as I'm comfortable.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Keep in mind a stand alone dehumidifier will produce heat as well. If you have central A/C that should be taking care of humidity while also cooling the house down. Once the house gets down to like 20C the humidity should not really matter much. If it's like 25+ in the house and humidity is not budging, then maybe the unit is not working correctly.

 

[boomerang]

I'm going to try this again, but keep it very simple.

The research I've done tells me that the humidity range, in the summer should be between 35-45% with 40% preferred.

My HVAC keeps it between 52-58%.

If I bought a top brand appropriate sized dehumidifier, placed geographically proper, would it help get the humidity closer to the high end of the preferred 45%?

Thanks in advance.

The answer is yes.

You didn't like the responses in your other post so I am giving you the one you want.

 

[mindless1]

As RS mentioned, a dehumidifier produces heat. It's essentially an air conditioner but one that exhausts back into the same area instead of evacuating the heat like an AC does.

You are better off turning your AC down a few degrees until it makes up for the discomfort of higher humidity, if there is any and if not then leave it alone, and with it set lower, will also remove more humidity. Make sure your AC coils are clean and the drain pan under it is not clogged, so any condensation drains away instead of blown back into the system.

Beyond that it would seem likely your home needs sealed better against humidity getting in. If you're doing things like opening windows at night, don't.

 

[Ketchup]

A properly working HVAC system should be keeping your humitity at a lower level during the summer months. A dehumidifier should help, at least during the summer months, but you may just be working around the problem.

Since we don't know anything about your home, or your HVAC system (at least from this thread), I don't see how any of us can tell you the best way to go here.

 

[desiccant rotor]

Have you solve the problems? Anyone thinks the desiccant rotor dehumidifier? Is it good solution for big place?

 

[Aikouka]

The research I've done tells me that the humidity range, in the summer should be between 35-45% with 40% preferred.

Where are you seeing these numbers? From what I've looked up in the past, 40% is pretty much right at the bottom of the acceptable range. At that point, you're getting incredibly close to having your house being too dry, and you're going to start getting bloody noses and such.

My HVAC keeps it between 52-58%.

I don't really see a problem here. 58% is close to the high end, but 52% is fine.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Another thing too, don't have the fan run longer than intended for the A/C when it shuts off. I thought I was smart and coded my system so it keeps running until the Delta T equalizes after the compressor turns off. But I noticed the humidity jump like 10% immediately after that cycle. The coils/pan are wet so you end up just making that moisture go in the air.