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Family-Owned & Operated Since 2001

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Premier Heating and Air Blog

Maintaining a Whole-House Dehumidifier: Tips for Optimal Performance and Service Life

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We are big proponents of using whole-house dehumidifiers in Riverdale, GA and throughout South Metro Atlanta. Georgia experiences high humidity during much of the summer, and this humidity not only makes it much harder to stay cool, it can lead to damage to homes due to mold growth, the presence of bad odors, and even health issues because of black mold spores. Arranging with us to install a whole-house dehumidifier will make a huge difference in your house, and not just for comfort.

If you’ve already got a whole-house dehumidifier, you can’t expect it to just keep working year after year without problems, especially considering how much moisture it must remove from your indoor air. You need to take care of some regular maintenance steps and schedule professional maintenance as well. 

Here are our tips for getting a long life and best performance from your whole-house dehumidifier. 

Replace/Clean the Air Filter

The dehumidifier has its own air filter to stop dust and other debris from getting into it. Just like the blower filter on your HVAC cabinet, this filter will eventually clog up and need to be replaced or else it will reduce the system’s efficiency. The filter will usually need to be replaced every month during the summer (or cleaned if it uses a permanent filter). 

Check and Clean the Condensate Drain Line

A whole-house dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which collects as condensate. This condensate has to drain properly or else it will remain in the dehumidifier and damage it as well as get back into the air. Regularly inspect the condensate drain line for any blockages or buildup. If you notice clogs, use a pipe cleaner to clear it out. Additionally, ensure that the drain line is securely connected and isn’t leaking.

Clean the Water Collection Reservoir

Many whole-house dehumidifiers have a water collection reservoir that needs to be emptied regularly. (Some will remove the water outside.) If this isn’t routinely emptied, stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Empty the reservoir on a regular schedule, which you’ll find in the manufacturer’s manual. Wipe it clean with detergent or a vinegar solution before putting it back in place.

Maintain the Ideal Relative Humidity Level

Setting and maintaining the ideal relative humidity (RH) level is essential for your comfort and the longevity of the dehumidifier. Most experts recommend keeping the indoor RH between 30% and 50%, and we think 45% is usually the best. 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

This is the most crucial step. The steps above are important, but only professionals can really get into your dehumidifier and do the inspections, cleanings, and adjustments that will keep it in great shape. Technicians can identify and address any potential problems before they get worse, saving you from costly repairs down the line. We recommend you schedule professional maintenance with us once a year. To make it easier, you can include it as part of either your annual air conditioning maintenance or heating maintenance appointment. 

No matter what service you need for your whole-house dehumidifier—maintenance, repair, full replacement—you can depend on our team. We offer guaranteed same-day service.

Experience the Premier Difference! Premier Heating & Air has been family-owned and operated since 2001.

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