A chief purpose of air conditioning is the removal of excess humidity, as most homes should maintain moisture levels between forty and sixty percent. If you notice uncomfortable humidity levels in your home, contact a professional service company to perform a comprehensive evaluation of your HVAC system.
Is Humidity Affecting Your Home Comfort?
It’s imperative to identify potential malfunctions or humidity control issues before the warmer months to get any necessary repairs or maintenance of an HVAC system. Consider the following potential problems and resolutions below to evaluate your home humidity levels.
Evaluate Your Air Conditioner Size
A common misconception when discussing air conditioner sizes is that the unit’s physical size is indicative of its true capacity. It often seems counterintuitive, but a more extensive cooling system can be less effective than a more efficient smaller unit.
An oversized AC performs poorly at controlling temperature and humidity because they rely on larger compressors that need to cycle on and off more frequently. When these units cycle off, they haven’t had the chance to thoroughly remove humidity from your home.
If your home AC unit was chosen and installed by a home builder and not a licensed HVAC company, it might be too large for your home.
Single Speed Versus Variable Speed AC Systems
An air conditioner with only one speed is less effective at removing humidity than variable speed air conditioners. These systems don’t run consistently enough to remove moisture and only maintain temperature effectively. This can be especially problematic in humid climates with lower temperatures because the system does not need to cycle on to cool the air, so humidity isn’t removed correctly.
Variable systems provide better cooling and humidity removal and reduce energy consumption, leading to lower monthly energy bills.
Poor Ventilation and Negative Air Space
When a ventilation system isn’t designed correctly, it can lead to negative air pressure. At a basic level, this means too much air is being vented from your space.
When an AC system tries to keep up with negative air pressure, it can strain the unit and lead to malfunctions—and the need for repairs or replacement. When the humidity outdoors reaches higher levels, your HVAC system needs to work harder to keep your space balanced and comfortable.
Thermostat Settings
Some homeowners leave their thermostat set to ‘on,’ which can overwork the compressor and blower, creating high moisture conditions in the ductwork. Your HVAC system needs to drain the moisture it has removed from your home, and when it doesn’t get a break, it can recirculate this water back into the system.
The best way to improve humid conditions is to choose a moderate temperature and set your thermostat to ‘auto’ to keep your home comfortable and reduce moisture. Continuous use of your AC system will increase energy bills and reduce efficiency—search “professional HVAC maintenance company near me” for an inspection. A technician can determine whether your system needs humidity maintenance or it can undergo repairs to get you through another summer.
Install a Dehumidifier to Reduce AC Damage
The best way to eradicate high humidity when cooling your home is by installing a dehumidifier on your HVAC system. Dehumidification pulls excess moisture from the air before passing through the ductwork in your home. Dehumidifiers can be paired with air conditioning systems, which allows you to adjust the temperature and humidity level at once.
Air conditioning systems can do their jobs more effectively when your home’s humidity levels are balanced. Not only will you enjoy feeling cool and comfortable indoors, but you’ll benefit from reduced energy bills as well. In the absence of excessive humidity, your AC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home. Indoor humidity issues such as foggy windows, mildew and mold growth, musty odors, and clammy air should also be significantly reduced by installing a dehumidifier.
Air Conditioner Age and Maintenance
Modern air conditioning units typically have a lifespan of about twenty years. However, that can be extended with regular maintenance and upkeep. As your air conditioner ages, you may notice it is not reducing high humidity levels, which can create uncomfortable conditions in your home.
These issues can be caused by mechanical wear and tear on your unit, exposure to harsh elements, or inadequate HVAC maintenance.
Do You Have an Indoor Humidity Problem?
It’s not enjoyable for anyone to be indoors when the humidity is too high. Service Patriots has provided superior HVAC system maintenance and installation services for Southern Washington and Northern Oregon for more than 20 years. Our experienced team of dedicated HVAC professionals understands our region’s unique demands. Contact us now for a complete inspection and evaluation of your HVAC system.
