You may be tired of the hot, muggy, sultry and moist air you have to endure in your region. Living in humid geographical regions is not always fun. But there is a solution to your humidity problem.
You need to add a whole house dehumidifier to your HVAC system. Whole home dehumidifier works by pulling excess moisture out of the air to help improve indoor air quality. These units make sure your humidity levels are brought down to size.
Whole House Dehumidifier Installation 101: How to Install a Whole House Dehumidifier
Installing a whole house dehumidifier is not that too difficult. This is one set of instructions for one type of dehumidifier. Since there are a variety of whole house dehumidifier models, installation may vary to some degree.
- Secure 4 metal hanging rods to wood supports. Then place the pan into position
- Place your new whole house dehumidifier in the metal pan
- Go to your hallway and cut a square hole. Then install the return air grill
- Next, return to your dehumidifier and attach the flexible return air duct to the right opening on your dehumidifier
- Use plastic straps to secure the duct to your roof’s wood framework
- Once you have reached the return air grill, cut the duct to length and attach it
- Now cut a new fitting opening for the air supply system into your air conditioner
- Connect the flexible air supply duct to the fitting. Then attach the opposite end to your air conditioning duct system
- Next, you run a condensation line from your dehumidifier to the outdoors
- Install the dehumidifier’s filter
- Finally, mount the humidistat on the wall next to your thermostat and you are done.
Another Installation Method
Having options is good. Here are instructions alternative instructions to attach your dehumidifier to an existing furnace:
- Shut off the power
- Move the dehumidifier to its final resting spot
- Attach the ¾” condensation line and run it to an outside drain. You may need an anti-siphon connection to make it work right
- Use 10” duct hose and attach the dehumidifier’s exhaust line to the return air duct on your furnace
- Attach the dehumidifier’s return air duct to the return air duct on your furnace. This should be near the return air grill
Special note: avoid using the air from your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and non-air-conditioned basement
Where do I Put the Dehumidifier?
The answer to this question depends on the type of unit you have purchased and if you are going to use your furnace or air conditioning duct systems. Here are some general tips for placing your dehumidifier:
- It needs to be placed inside the house
- Place it as close to the return air duct of the furnace or air conditioner
- Don’t block the filter access panel
- Its location should provide easy access to the electrical panel
- The temperature surrounding the dehumidifier’s location should stay between 40 to 125 degrees F. Any colder or hotter means you need to add more insulation
- Take precautions when installing above a living area or where the damage by water leaks can be costly. Install a second drain pan if necessary
- You may need vibration absorbers if you are attaching the dehumidifier to building structure support beams
Some Installation Tips
When adding dehumidifier to HVAC, it does pay to get a few helpful tips. You never know when you forget something or make a simple mistake in whole home dehumidifier installation.
- For vertical installations, only the bottom needs to be supported. Attach it to the air supply frame that has an air return opening
- For horizontal installations, you must make sure the air supply is on the right side only. Then attach the whole unit to the building structure and keep access to the different panels simple and easy
- For suspended installation, make sure the hardware is strong enough and can support the dehumidifier as well as the vibrations. Make sure you have room to remove and replace access panel doors.
- For ductwork, air supply up to 25 feet you should use 10” diameter hose; for return air up to 25 feet, you should no less than 12” diameter duct hose; longer than 25 feet air supply duct should be no less than 12” and return air should d be no” less than 14”.
FAQs
Why is my air conditioner not able to get rid of the humidity?
What can I do to solve this issue?
Before I install the dehumidifier, are there any tricks I should know about?
How easy is it to install a dehumidifier?
Some Final Words
Some whole house dehumidifiers can be a bit pricey, but they may save you a lot of money in the long run, rather than buying portable dehumidifiers. These units will dehumidify the whole house so everyone in your family can benefit.
That is your goal. You want everyone to feel good and not suffer from any health issues because the humidity levels are just too high in your region and for your air conditioner to handle. Make life a little easier and dehumidify the air in your home.
