Transcript
How Snowbirds Can Protect Their Homes and Significantly Save on Energy Costs
Here is What You Should Know Snowbirds preparing to head north to avoid the South’s brutal summer heat will want to safeguard their winter residences before taking off. Near tropical summer climates make effective and energy efficient humidity control and mold and mildew prevention areas of concern for every snowbird that shuts up their home for the summer months. High indoor humidity can contribute to: • Mold growth • Increase in energy costs • Damage to the homes contents • Structural durability issues Summer in the South means oppressive heat and very high levels of humidity. Nearly everything in the home is vulnerable to the effects of high humidity, which causes: rusting appliances; mold and mildew growth; corrosion to electronic equipment and computers; deterioration to wood, cotton and leather; warping of woodwork; cupping of floors; musty odors; insect infestation; and flaking paint and peeling wallpaper. During unoccupied times, ventilation times can be reduced or eliminated because occupant comfort and health are not primary concerns. Indoor temperatures
can be maintained at higher level, which minimizes air conditioning runtime in the warm times of year, and reduces energy expenses. The higher the inside temperature, the less energy used to maintain the desired temperature BUT relative humidity is still a critical concern, and conditions need to be maintained at a level that prevents the growth of mold and mildew. Also, during unoccupied times, the home becomes a storage area for contents, furnishings and belongings. Dehumidification creates a safe environment for the contents of the home while maintaining the integrity of home and its’ contents. Most homeowners want to focus on maintaining an indoor environment that protects these assets at minimal cost.
It is recommended that normal inside humidity levels be kept between 30 and 55 percent. Snowbirds can control humidity levels in their homes and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew by blocking outside moisture and minimizing indoor moisture. The most effective and efficient solution to minimize indoor moisture is a whole house ventilating dehumidifier that is Energy Star® rated. By using an Ultra-Aire Whole House Ventilating Dehumidifier to control humidity levels throughout the home, snowbirds can drastically decrease their energy usage and effectively protect their homes. The seasonally occupied home benefits from improved indoor air quality and dedicated dehumidification. This provides an indoor environment that greatly reduces the potential of mold growth, damage to the homes contents, and stale odors while minimizing energy costs. Upon return, the homeowners can increase ventilation levels and set the air conditioning to a more comfortable setting. Whether a southern home is occupied seasonally or fulltime, humidity control is a key component to protecting the property and maintaining a healthy, comfortable indoor environment. Moisture control is a primary factor to providing safety and durability of the home and contents such as furnishing and artwork. With the most complete line of quality whole house ventilating dehumidifiers in the industry, Ultra-Aire has the right product to ensure proper humidity levels in every application. For more information on Ultra-Aire’s complete line of products, visit www.Ultra-Aire.com.
CASE STUDY: The Ultra-Aire 70H whole house ventilating dehumidifier
was installed in the spring of 2011 in a ranch-stye 1,800 square foot home in The Villages (Ocala, FL). During the summer of 2011 the homeowners set the air conditioner at 85 degrees and the Ultra-Aire at 55 percent relative humidity. As you can see by the graphs below, the Ultra-Aire maintained a relative humidity of 55 percent or less in the home throughout the summer and as a result, saved the homeowners 40 percent on their energy bills over the previous summer.
“In Florida, the outdoor relative humidity reaches very near 100% on most nights, regardless of daytime temperatures.” - Florida Solar Energy Figure 1: Conditions While Unoccupied
Property Protection The major benefit of operating the air conditioner during unoccupied times is to reduce humidity. In order to guarantee operation, the setpoint needs to be almost the same as during occupied times. This results in a space that is cooler than it needs to be and higher energy bills. An alternative is to add an UltraAire whole house dehumidifier. The dehumidifier reduces humidity much more efficiently than the air conditioner. Since cooling is not needed, the air conditioner can be set much higher or turned off altogether.
Outside Dewpoint, OF
Inside Temperature, OF
Inside RH%
“Each one degree Fahrenheit increase in your thermostat temperature setting decreases air conditioning costs by 10%.” - Florida Solar Energy Figure 2: Average Daily Energy Use While Unoccupied, in kWh
30 25 20
24.8
15
14.8
10 5 0
2010
2011
In Figure 1, a snowbird home controls humidity with an Ultra-Aire whole house dehumidifier. During the unoccupied times, the air conditioner is set at about 85° F., and indoor temperatures are allowed to increase. The dehumidifier controls relative humidity at 55% or less. Despite high outdoor moisture levels (indicated by the outside dewpoint), the home is maintained at a safe relative humidity level.
Energy Savings Use of an Ultra-Aire dehumidifier, rather than the air conditioner to control humidity, results in much lower energy consumption. In Figure 2, the air conditioner was used to control humidity during the summer of 2010, and an Ultra-Aire was used during the summer of 2011. As a result of using an Ultra-Aire to control the humidity, the homeowner reduced their energy bills by 40 percent during the unoccupied times. Using an Ultra-Aire Whole House Ventilating Dehumidifier in conjunction with a higher thermostat set point is the right solution for protecting a snowbirds’ property and saving energy when they are away from home.
Ultra-Aire™ – The Solution for Moisture Control and Ventilation Ultra-Aire Whole House Ventilating Dehumidifiers exceed Energy Star® qualifications and are the most energy efficient on the market. The units bring in the right amount of fresh, filtered air while maintaining proper humidity levels throughout the entire home year round. Installed by your HVAC professional to provide the ultimate in structural protection, comfort, and indoor air quality, Ultra-Aire units are designed to provide effective moisture control, fresh air ventilation and high efficiency air filtration. Single units are available for conditioning areas ranging up to 5,000 square feet. Multiple units are easily combined for larger areas or where zoning requires individual units to be tied to each A/C system.
ID ID#51102120 #510XXX
Water Removal* Current Draw
98H
Efficiency
Energy Factor
Sized For
Air Filter
Dimensions
Weight
70 pints per day
5.1 amps
5.0 pints per kWh
2.4 L per kWh
Up to 1,800 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
12”W 12”H 28”L
55 lbs
98 pints per day
5.9 amps
6.1 pints per kWh
2.95 L per kWh
Up to 2,300 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
14.5”W 19.5 H 32.375”L
81 lbs
110 pints per day
6.4 amps
6.2 pints per kWh
3.0 L per kWh
Up to 2,500 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
21”W 49”H 17”L
119 lbs
105 pints per day
4.9 amps
8.8 pints per kWh
4.2 L per kWh
Up to 2,500 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
20.25”W 21.75”H 41.5”L
140 lbs
155 pints per day
8.0 amps
7.3 pints per kWh
3.4 L per kWh
Up to 3,500 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
20.25”W 21.75”H 41.5”L
140 lbs
205 pints per day
13.2 amps
5.7 pints per kWh
2.7 L per kWh
Up to 5,000 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
20.25”W 21.75”H 41.5”L
140 lbs
184 pints per day
Dehumidfier: 1.4 amps
6.6 pints per kWh
3.1 L per kWh
Up to 4,000 Sq. Ft.
MERV-11
Condenser: 9.7 amps
The Ultra-Aire SD12 also provides 4,300 BTUs/Hour of Sensible Cooling XT PATENTS: D570,988; 8,069,681; 9,052,132
1-800-533-7533 | www.Ultra-Aire.com
Dehumidifier: Dehumidi20.25”W fier: 21.75”H 110 lbs 41.5”L Condenser: Condenser: 75 lbs 10”W 25.5”H 33”L
*at 80°F and 60% RH Rev 6/22/15
