Relative humidity can have a significant impact on the performance of your HVAC system. Modern systems have a built-in dehumidification system that monitors and regulates humidity. However, your unit can still be affected by the amount of moisture present in the air. Your home is your safe place, your comfort castle, and your relaxation resort. Every homeowner deserves an HVAC system that will operate at full capacity; that’s why repairs are made easy with Service Patriots. Let’s dive into it!
Humidity & HVAC Performance
Modern HVAC systems monitor humidity and regulate its presence in your household. Humidity is blamed for making things hotter and clammier when in reality, it’s an integral part of creating a comfortable atmosphere in your home in both the summer and winter months.
Summer Months
For an HVAC unit to operate efficiently, it must meet the requirements of your living area. Your air conditioner removes and expels heat while also removing moisture from inside the home. During the summer months, AC units work overtime in the heat and humidity to provide a cooler living area. If the cooling capacity is insufficient due to age or size, this could result in malfunctions requiring HVAC repairs.
Winter Months
The heating component of your HVAC unit should work adequately during the winter months. Cold air is symbiotic with low humidity, so most people have dry nasal passages in the winter that can sometimes lead to nosebleeds. For a unit to provide sufficient heat in cooler months, it must also monitor humidity levels and maintain adequate humidity. Modern HVAC systems have this feature in their upgraded hardware, but older systems may cause discomfort within your home.
HVAC Cooling & HVAC Heating
We all know that it’s the responsibility of your HVAC system to provide adequate heating and cooling. An HVAC unit distributes and disperses humidity depending on the time of year and according to the weather. There are two ways that HVAC systems distribute heat and cool air.
1) Sensible Heating And Cooling
Sensible cooling and heating refer to the raising or lowering of the actual temperature of a space. Furthermore, sensible cooling and heating are most efficient when humidity levels are very low, thus making for a dryer climate. Sensible cooling and heating is most beneficial when no dehumidification is necessary.
2) Latent Heating And Cooling
Latent heating and cooling is most effective when humidity levels are at their peak. This form of cold air distribution gets rid of the moisture in the air through dehumidification. It’s best to adjust thermostats below the “feels like” temperature during humid months.
Humidity Control
Your HVAC system manages to control humidity levels through the AC compressor. The compressor is the heart of your AC system and works by circulating the refrigerant necessary for heat exchange through the coils of the indoor and outdoor unit. The compressor stops compressing the refrigerant from liquid to an air-cooling gas and shuts down once it reaches the desired temperature.
During the months where humidity has reached its highest peak, the blower fan should stop along with the compressor. This pause allows for condensation from the evaporated refrigerant to drip down into the condensate drain pan and drain away from the drain line. With the blower can and compressor off, no moisture from the unit can re-evaporate and enter your home.
Where Can I Learn More?
If you have general questions regarding your HVAC system or require repair, reach out to the experts at Service Patriots! Our vetted technicians have been servicing Southern Washington and Northern Oregon for over two decades, and our reviews speak for themselves. Contact Service Patriots today for a consultation!
