Buying a second home is a dream come true for many people. Having a place to escape to during the holidays or weekends can be an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with family and friends. However, maintaining a second home that is only used during certain times of the year can be very challenging. Whether it is a mountain getaway home in Vermont or a beach front condo in Florida, one aspect that is often overlooked is controlling the relative humidity (RH) levels in the home when unoccupied during the humid seasons.
Effectively and efficiently controlling high humidity can be tough. If not managed quickly, the effects can become dangerous and costly.
High indoor RH in the home is known to lead to:
+ Microbial growth and mold
+ Structural durability issues
+ Increased energy costs
+ Damage to the home and its contents
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping the RH below 60% during the spring, summer and fall. Fortunately, including a dedicated dehumidifier that runs independent of the HVAC system can help prevent problems from occurring.
Mold thrives in humid environments, and if left unchecked, can spread quickly, and cause significant damage to your personal belongings and property. It can also lead to health problems, such as allergies and respiratory issues.
Controlling humidity in your second home is also important if you plan to rent it out to guests. Guests expect a comfortable and healthy living environment, and high humidity levels can be a turnoff. If guests experience mold or uncomfortable living conditions, it could lead to negative reviews and decreased bookings.
Santa Fe dehumidifiers are an effective and energy efficient solution to maintaining safe RH levels in a second home when unoccupied, plus provide the added benefit of making the space comfortable when occupied. In fact – a recent case study shows how a Santa Fe Ultra whole house ventilating dehumidifier can save up to 40% in energy usage versus air conditioning.
Published on Mar 13 2023
Last Updated on Aug 30 2023