You may have heard that heat pumps do a great job of reducing humidity in a space, but how exactly does this work? We go over the sophisticated technology below to help you understand heat pump humidity control, why it’s so efficient, and how you can get better comfort in your own space.
How Heat Pumps Remove Excess Moisture from the Air
Heat pumps remove excess moisture from the air by funneling warm, humid indoor air over cooled evaporator coils. This causes water vapor to separate from the air and condense into a liquid that is drained outside. Other features that help manage humidity include:
Inverter-Driven Compressors
Inverter heat pumps use unique, variable-speed technology that adjusts the compressor and fan speed to match the exact comfort needs of a space. So if a room needs only 3,000 BTUs of cooling, a 12,000 BTU heat pump will adjust its output to 25% or so to provide precisely the right amount.
Because these units run continuously instead of turning off and on to manage temps, this keeps the indoor coil cold for longer periods. In turn, this maximizes water evaporation.
Dry Mode Settings
Dry mode is a specific setting on a heat pump that removes moisture from the air without engaging cooling mechanisms. It acts like a standalone dehumidifier by slowing the indoor fan just enough that water still evaporates from the air without making it colder.
It’s ideal to use on muggy or humid days when the temperature is mild enough to have the windows open. Not only that, but it’s also great to use in basements to remove heavy dampness and musty odors.
Read: Ductless for Basements & How to Convert Storage to Living Space
Gentle Heating
During the winter, heating can easily dry out your skin, especially if it comes from a furnace, boiler, or fossil-fuel-burning appliance like a wood stove. Scorching heat blasts from these systems completely zap the moisture from your air, which results in uncomfortable things like chapped lips or static electricity.
On the other hand, heat pumps gently transfer heat from the outside in. This creates a more subtle heating effect and keeps your space comfortable without overdrying the air.
Why Good Humidity Control Is Important
It Protects Your Furnishings and Property
High indoor humidity and constant swings can cause moisture to seep into hardwood floors, cabinets, and furniture. This causes wood to swell and shrink, which results in warping. Dry air can also pull moisture out of wood, resulting in cracks or loose joints.
Furthermore, good humidity control prevents moisture from creating micro-condensation within electronics, carpeting, and paint. This protects against mold growth and peeling paint and keeps small metal parts from rusting.
It Improves Your Air Quality
Did you know that dust mites absorb moisture from the air to survive? Keeping indoor humidity levels below 50 percent keeps dust mite populations to a minimum, according to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Plus, it may help to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID that thrive in too-humid or too-dry air.
Certain fungi also cannot proliferate when humidity is below 60 percent. The study suggests that healthy indoor humidity levels hover around 40 to 60 percent. Furthermore, high humidity hastens the chemical off-gassing of materials used in buildings, furniture, and other products. Adequate humidity control is a crucial component of a safe and comfortable home.
It Saves More Energy
Dry air feels cooler than moist air, which is why high humidity in the summer makes outdoor temperatures feel much hotter than they actually are. With home humidity, drier air allows you to keep your thermostat at a lower setting.
For example, at 80 percent humidity, you may need to set your AC to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. But at 45 percent humidity, you might be just as comfortable with your AC at 76 degrees. This significantly cuts down on energy waste, which saves you more money in the long run and is better for the planet.
Read: Is Your Air Conditioner Wasting Energy?
It Reduces Strain on Your HVAC System
Excess humidity can make an HVAC system run longer as it tries to reach your preferred indoor temperature. That additional runtime increases wear on components and may lead to higher maintenance needs over time. Keeping moisture levels under control helps the system satisfy the thermostat more efficiently and reduces condensation around critical components that could cause corrosion or drain blockages.
Need Better Humidity Control? Call New England Heat Pump Co. Today
At New England Heat Pump Co., our team of licensed and certified HVAC installers can help you deal with uncomfortable humidity problems in your space.
When families and businesses need an energy-efficient and effective way to control excess or too-little humidity, they trust us to come up with the solution, and we’ll do the same for you. Contact us today for a free assessment by calling (781) 443-9911.
