August 14, 2012

No doubt when people think of summers in the Virginia area, they think of the sticky humidity almost immediately. Long-time residents get used to it, for sure, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you should allow the humidity level in your home to remain at a high level for long.

High relative humidity can cause a lot of problems for the health of you and your loved ones, as well as your wallet, including:

  • Trouble sleeping at night because of stuffy, uncomfortable air
  • Slippery or sticky floors
  • Noticeable mold or mildew growth, especially around your air-conditioning (A/C) vents
  • Musty smells or other odors in your air
  • Condensation in your water pipes
  • Insulation that becomes wet, which can interfere with its ability to insulate your home and pipes properly
  • Moisture damage to your walls, ceiling, and other objects in your home
  • An exacerbation of allergy symptoms

If you want to avoid these issues, consider whole-house dehumidification. It works to resolve high relative humidity in your home, and benefits you and your loved ones by:

  • Reducing strain and wear on your A/C: Your air conditioner works by cycling air into your home, and then returning it to the A/C unit to repeat the process. Dehumidification systems pull the air from your home before it returns to the air conditioner, and then remove excess moisture from that air before returning it to your air conditioner. Less humidity enters the system, which decreases the wear and tear on your system.
  • Saving you money: When humidity is at the correct levels, you will be comfortable at higher temperatures, meaning you can run your air conditioner much less. Dehumidification systems also can operate on days that you don't need the A/C running, so you stay comfortable without using as much energy.
  • Keeping you healthy: Dust mites, mold and allergens are able to flourish when moisture levels are not balanced. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, keeping your humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent is vital for keeping these pollutants under control.
  • Being fully customizable: Every home, no matter the size, can benefit from dehumidification. Sizes range from 65 pints for small apartments to 135 pints for houses that are 4,000 square feet or larger.

To make sure that you get the right whole-house dehumidification for your home, contact Russell's Heating & Cooling. With more than 40 years of service in Hampton Roads and the surrounding areas, we have the expertise to help you fight high relative humidity. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about dehumidification and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Russell’s Heating & Cooling services the Chesapeake, Virginia and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!      Image via Shutterstock.com

Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

Specials

What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA