Moving to Birmingham, Alabama, from the northeastern part of the country was a big change.
- I was accustomed to approximately eight months of winter.
In the area where I grew up, every year brought sub zero temperatures, dangerous windchill and feet of snow. We often had snow accumulation on the ground at Halloween, Christmas and Easter. Snow shovels and ice scrapers were essential tools. I was tired of being trapped indoors for most of the year. I was excited for the blue skies and sunshine. I had no idea the challenges created by such high temperatures and humidity. Instead of relying on the furnace, it’s now necessary to run the air conditioner for anywhere from six to eight months. My electric bills are a big source of concern. I worry about hot and moist conditions encouraging dust mites, cockroaches and mold, mildew and bacterial growth. Excessive humidity can cause damage to hardwood floors, doors, moldings and antiques. There are issues with condensate running down the window panes and rotting the sills. Fortunately, I’ve found a reliable HVAC contractor in Birmingham. The company is licensed, insured and factory authorized. They handle new system installation, replacement, maintenance, repairs and 24/7 emergency assistance. I have enrolled in a maintenance plan with the HVAC company that provides service calls outside of regular business hours with no additional fees. I’ve consulted with the HVAC technician who handles my air conditioner’s tune-ups and gotten recommendations for a whole-home dehumidifier. I know that removing moisture and maintaining ideal humidity levels will help to make the house feel cooler at higher thermostat settings and save me money.