Living in the south means dealing with long months of excessive heat and humidity.
The temperature constantly climbs into the nineties and even the triple digits.
The humidity makes the air feel heavy and sticky. An a/c is a necessity and we rely on it for approximately nine months of the year. While current cooling systems have greatly improved at controlling humidity, the conditions are far too serious in my local area. There is so much moisture in the air that the condensate runs down the windows. The damp conditions breed mold, mildew, bacteria and other pathogens. It compromises indoor air quality and can lead to health problems such as headaches, congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and respiratory infection. It makes sleeping difficult and can be blamed for feeling lethargic during the day. Because overly moist air feels warmer, it inspires lower temperature control settings and forces the a/c to run more often, labor harder and use more energy. In my opinion, a dehumidifier is as important as the a/c. The unit was not all that high-priced and the replacement caused no disruption or mess. It is installed right into the cooling system, where it pulls moisture out of the air as it passes through. The dehumidifier runs 24/7, makes entirely little noise and uses hardly any energy. It requires only annual repair. By maintaining ideal humidity levels, my family enjoys a more comfortable and hygienic home. I spend less on electric bills every month. Reducing demands on the a/c decreases the option of repairs. I am hopeful the cooling system will last longer.