Summers in Oklahoma are scorching, but they also come with a level of humidity that makes the heat feel even more intense. For homeowners in the Lawton area, dealing with the humidity means more than just turning up the air conditioning—it often requires the use of a dehumidifier.
But what’s the better option for your home: a portable dehumidifier or a more permanent whole-home dehumidifier? Both have their pros and cons, so it’s important to understand what each one offers before making a decision.
Let’s dive into the details and see which dehumidifier is best for homes in Lawton, Fort Sill, Duncan, and the surrounding areas.
Portable Dehumidifiers: Pros and Cons
Portable dehumidifiers, or single-room dehumidifiers, are compact and designed to dehumidify one room at a time. These units are available at places ranging from dollar stores to big box home improvement retailers, and are an affordable option for homeowners who need a quick fix. But are they the best solution for your home?
Pros of Portable Dehumidifiers
- Affordable and Easy to Use
Portable dehumidifiers are relatively inexpensive. They don’t require professional installation, so you can start using them as soon as you purchase them.
- Flexible Placement
Since they’re portable, you can move a room dehumidifier from one area to another depending on where you need it most. Whether it's the living room, bedroom, or basement, you can place them wherever the humidity is a problem.
- No Installation Required
Unlike whole-home dehumidifiers, portable models don’t require any professional installation. Simply plug it in, set the desired humidity level, and you’re good to go.
Cons of Portable Dehumidifiers
- Dehumidify One Room at a Time
A major limitation of portable dehumidifiers is that they can only remove humidity from the room where they are located. If your whole home suffers from high humidity, you'll need multiple units to manage the moisture throughout the house, which can be both expensive and impractical.
- Noise
Many portable dehumidifiers can be noisy, especially if you’re running them in a bedroom at night. This noise can be distracting, making it harder to sleep.
- Frequent Maintenance
Portable dehumidifiers require regular maintenance, including emptying the water reservoir. Depending on the humidity level in your home, this may need to be done multiple times a day.
- Heat Output
Some portable units give off heat as they work, which can slightly increase the temperature in the room. This could be counterproductive if you’re already using the dehumidifier to avoid cranking up the AC.
- Aesthetic and Space Constraints
Portable dehumidifiers are not exactly stylish. You’ll likely need to place them in plain sight, and their bulky appearance can take up valuable space in a room.
- Energy Efficiency
Compared to whole-home dehumidifiers, many portable models are less energy-efficient. Running multiple portable dehumidifiers can add up on your electric bill, especially if they’re not the most efficient models.
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Pros and Cons
If you're looking for a more permanent, comprehensive solution for humidity control, a whole-home dehumidifier might be the right choice for your property. These systems are integrated into your existing HVAC system and can manage humidity levels for your entire home, not just a single room.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of whole-home dehumidifiers:
Pros of Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
- Comprehensive Humidity Control
A whole-home dehumidifier works through your home’s existing ductwork, removing moisture from the air in every room. This is a much more effective solution if you’re dealing with high humidity levels throughout your entire home, as opposed to just one room or area.
- Better Energy Efficiency
Whole-home dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient than portable models. They can maintain optimal humidity levels in your home with less energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills in the long run.
- Automatic Operation
These units are installed and calibrated to run automatically, meaning you won’t have to remember to turn them on and off. Once installed, they work quietly behind the scenes to maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home.
- Out of Sight
Unlike portable dehumidifiers, whole-home dehumidifiers are installed out of sight in your HVAC system, so they won’t take up floor space or detract from the aesthetics of your home.
- Low Maintenance
While whole-home dehumidifiers require professional installation, they are easier to maintain. You typically only need to schedule annual maintenance to ensure the system is running smoothly, making it a convenient long-term solution.
Cons of Whole-Home Dehumidifiers
- Higher Initial Cost
Whole-home dehumidifiers are more expensive than portable models.
- Professional Installation Required
Unlike portable units, which you can set up yourself, whole-home dehumidifiers require professional installation.
Which One Is Right for Your Home?
When deciding between a portable or whole-home dehumidifier for your Lawton-area home, the source and severity of your humidity issues are key factors. If the moisture problem is temporary or limited to a small area, like during seasonal changes or rainy weather, a portable dehumidifier may be a quick, budget-friendly solution.
However, if humidity is a year-round issue throughout your home, or if you’re particularly sensitive to poor indoor air quality, a whole-home dehumidifier offers a more long-term, efficient solution. Designed to work seamlessly with your existing HVAC system, it helps maintain consistent air quality across the entire home, reducing maintenance and providing a more comfortable living environment with less effort on your part.
Let Pippin Brothers Help with Your Home's Humidity Issues
If you’re still not sure which option is best for your home, or if you’d like an assessment of your home’s humidity levels, Pippin Brothers Home Services is here to help.
Since 1978, we’ve been serving Lawton, OK, and the surrounding areas with trusted HVAC, plumbing, and IAQ solutions. We can help you choose the best dehumidifier for your needs and ensure proper installation.