I live in the Deep South too. I use a dehumidifier that has a pump so that it empties itself. It's wonderful! You do have to have an exit for the water. I have a sink in the room, so mine goes down the drain. Before I got the humidifier, I got a humidity gauge at WM and was astonished at the humidity in the room. I, also, have an air conditioner/heater unit in there that I use when I am sewing or quilting. When I am using those, I turn off the humidifier.