Moving from the northern part of the country to the south was a huge transition.
My husband and I were surprised that very few homes are equipped with basements.
The house we purchased has a water heater installed in a closet and a water pump situated in the front yard. We needed to remove the back porch because the wood was infested with termite. The soil is basically sand and we have palm trees and caucasus growing in the garden. Our house is not equipped with any type of heat system, and we rely on the central air conditioner just about year round. In our former home, lack of humidity was an issue. During the winter, the air would become excessively dry and lead to static shock, frizzy hair, chapped lips and bloody noses. Down south, we have the opposite problem. The excess moisture makes the air feel hot and sticky. Lowering the thermostat setting cools the air but doesn’t remove the humidity. There are still concerns with mold and mildew growth, musty odors, condensate running down the windows and the possibility of wood swelling and warping. Dust mites, cockroaches and algae thrive in moist environments. Overly high humidity can be blamed for irritating symptoms of asthma, allergies and respiratory infection. To improve comfort and air quality, we needed to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier. The device works to pull moisture out of the air as it passes through the air conditioner. We’re able to set higher thermostat settings and reduce the demands on the cooling system. The dehumidifier runs 24/7, operates silently and requires only yearly upkeep.