Use a whole-house dehumidifier for humid climates

Install a ducted whole-house dehumidifier tied into your HVAC system to maintain indoor humidity at 45-55% year-round. Portable units cannot keep up in consistently humid climates like the Gulf Coast and Southeast.

Why It Works

Air conditioning removes some moisture, but modern high-efficiency AC systems cycle less frequently, leaving humidity elevated between cycles. A dedicated dehumidifier runs independently of temperature demand, maintaining consistent humidity control even during mild, muggy weather when AC barely runs.

Tips

• Santa Fe Ultra120 ($1,800-$2,200) and AprilAire E100 ($1,600-$2,000) are rated for whole-house use at 100-120 pints/day
• Professional installation runs $500-$1,000 for ductwork integration
• Set target to 50% relative humidity — mold needs 60%+ to grow actively
• A hygrometer ($10-$20) in each level of the home helps monitor conditions
• Whole-house units cost $150-$300/year in electricity but prevent thousands in mold remediation
• Drain line to a floor drain or condensate pump eliminates emptying buckets