A dehumidifier pulls excess moisture out of the air to maintain a healthy indoor humidity level, typically between 30% and 50%. This makes the air feel drier, cooler, and cleaner.
But it does more than just boost comfort. A dehumidifier can:
- Prevent mold and mildew growth by eliminating damp conditions.
- Protect your home’s structure by reducing warping, rust, and rot.
- Reduce allergens and dust mites, which thrive in moist environments.
- Make your AC more efficient by easing its workload.
- Keep pests away—moisture attracts cockroaches, silverfish, and other unwanted guests.
- Dry clothes indoors faster when using a laundry setting.
- Help after a flood or leak by speeding up drying and preventing long-term water damage.
Even if your home has never flooded, a dehumidifier can benefit areas that are naturally humid, like basements, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. These spaces are especially common problem zones in older homes in the northwest Chicagoland area.
At Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp., we’ve spent over 56 years helping families solve comfort and air quality challenges just like this. In this guide, we will explain how dehumidifiers work, whether they’re worth the investment, and more.
How Do Dehumidifiers Work?
Most home dehumidifiers work like a mini air conditioner. Here’s the process:
- A fan pulls moist air into the unit.
- The air passes over cold evaporator coils, where moisture condenses into water.
- The water is collected in a tank or drained via a hose.
- The dry air is slightly warmed and released back into the room.
This cycle continues until the desired humidity level is reached. Usually, this level is controlled by a built-in humidistat.
Can a Dehumidifier Cool a Room?
Technically, a dehumidifier doesn’t lower the air temperature. But by removing moisture, it makes the space feel cooler and more comfortable. Why? Humidity interferes with your body’s ability to cool itself by sweating. Drier air allows sweat to evaporate more easily, making you feel cooler even at higher temperatures. That means you can sometimes set your AC a few degrees higher and still feel just as comfortable.
In muggy Chicagoland summers, this small adjustment can translate into lower utility bills and more consistent indoor comfort.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do for Your Health?
Humidity plays a major role in indoor air quality and your well-being. A dehumidifier helps support your health by:
- Reducing mold spores, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
- Lowering dust mite populations, another common allergen.
- Discouraging bacterial growth in moist environments.
- Helping you sleep better, thanks to drier, more breathable air.
- Limiting pest activity, especially in basements and bathrooms.
If you or your children suffer from allergies, chronic sinus issues, or frequent respiratory symptoms, a dehumidifier can offer noticeable relief.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier
Not all dehumidifiers are created equal. The best model for your home depends on size, moisture levels, and usage goals. You must also consider local weather when selecting a dehumidifier.
Types of Dehumidifiers
There are three main types of dehumidifiers you’ll see on the market, each with specific advantages based on climate, space, and use case.
Refrigerant (Compressor)
These dehumidifiers pull in warm, humid air and pass it over cold evaporator coils, causing moisture to condense into water. They’re powerful and energy-efficient in warm, humid environments.
For example, they are perfect during Chicagoland’s summer months in areas like living rooms, basements, or laundry rooms.
Desiccant
These dehumidifiers use a rotating wheel coated with a moisture-absorbing material (like silica gel) to extract humidity from the air. Because they don’t rely on refrigeration, they perform exceptionally well in cool environments.
For example, they are ideal for unheated basements, crawlspaces, or year-round operation in colder climates.
Whole-Home (Built-In)
Installed directly into your HVAC system, whole-home dehumidifiers monitor and manage moisture levels throughout the entire house. They run quietly and automatically and can handle large moisture loads.
Whole-home dehumidifiers are perfect for homeowners looking for consistent year-round humidity control without the hassle of emptying tanks or managing multiple units.
Choosing the right type of dehumidifier for your climate and space ensures better performance and longer equipment life.
Features to Look For
Not all dehumidifiers come with the same bells and whistles. Look for these features to improve ease of use, efficiency, and performance over time:
- Auto-drain or pump system: Minimizes the need to empty the tank manually.
- Built-in humidistat: Lets you set a target humidity level and have the unit cycle on/off as needed.
- Laundry mode: Speeds up indoor clothes drying—great for winter.
- Frost control: Prevents coil freezing in colder rooms like basements.
- Energy-efficient certifications: Lower your electricity bills without sacrificing performance.
These features can make daily operation more convenient and ensure better long-term value from your investment.
Dehumidifiers After Flooding or Water Damage
Water damage cleanup isn’t just about removing standing water. Excess moisture can linger in walls, floors, and furniture long after the visible mess is gone. At Allied, we’ve helped many Chicagoland homeowners recover from basement flooding after heavy rain. Dehumidifiers are one of the first tools we recommend. Here are the answers to several questions we frequently receive about dehumidifiers after flooding or water damage.
Will a dehumidifier help after a flood or leak?
Yes, a dehumidifier will help after a flood or leak. It removes moisture from the air and surrounding surfaces, which prevents mold and rot.
How long should I run a dehumidifier after a flood?
After a flood, run your dehumidifier continuously until indoor humidity drops below 50%. This can take several days. Exactly how long this takes depends on the severity of the flood and your home’s ventilation.
My home hasn’t flooded. Do I still need a dehumidifier?
Possibly. Moisture from showers, laundry, or seasonal humidity can still cause mold, mildew, and structural issues over time.
Are Dehumidifiers Worth It?
In short, yes. Dehumidifiers are worth it. This is particularly true in the Midwest, where both summer humidity and storm-related flooding are common. Here’s why homeowners in our service area often tell us their dehumidifier is one of the best upgrades they’ve made.
Pros:
If you’re weighing whether a dehumidifier is worth the investment, consider these common advantages:
- Improves comfort and indoor air quality
- Reduces mold risk
- Lowers allergy triggers
- Protects your home’s structure
- Increases HVAC efficiency
These benefits contribute to a healthier, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable home, especially in older properties or homes with finished basements.
Considerations:
That said, no home appliance is maintenance-free. Here are a few practical things to consider before purchasing:
- Adds to your electric bill (though modestly for most units)
- Needs occasional maintenance
- May produce some noise (check decibel ratings)
Understanding both the upsides and the manageable drawbacks can help you choose a unit with confidence.
How Long Do Dehumidifiers Last?
Most portable dehumidifiers last between 5 and 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Whole-home units (especially when installed and serviced professionally) can last even longer. Look for a unit with a minimum 1–5 year warranty, and be sure to follow routine care steps like cleaning filters and checking drainage systems.
Tips to Maintain Your Dehumidifier
Like any home comfort system, your dehumidifier performs best with routine care. Staying on top of basic maintenance can help extend the life of your unit and ensure optimal efficiency year-round.
Here are a few simple upkeep tips to follow:
- Empty the tank regularly (or check that the hose is draining properly)
- Clean the air filter once a month
- Check for frost buildup if operating in a cooler space
- Wipe down the coils and vents periodically to prevent dust or mold buildup
If you’re using a whole-home dehumidifier installed by Allied, we can include seasonal inspections as part of your HVAC maintenance plan.
Why Choose Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp.?
When it comes to protecting your home and health, experience and local trust matter.
At Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp., we’ve been helping families across the northwest suburbs of Chicago for over 56 years. We offer:
- 24-hour emergency service
- Award-winning service – 16-time Carrier President’s Award recipients
- Expert advice and professional installation
- Top-rated whole-home and portable dehumidifier systems
We know the climate, the construction styles, and the moisture issues common to our area. This will help us identify the right solution for your home.
Click here to learn more about Allied’s dehumidifier installation services.
Get Expert Help with Your Humidity Issues
Still have questions? Let the indoor air quality experts at Allied Air Conditioning & Heating Corp. help. Whether you need a quick fix for a damp basement or want whole-home moisture control, we’re here for you.
Call today or schedule a consultation online to get started.
