Unwanted humidity can create many problems, such as mold spores, musty rooms, structural issues, and an uncomfortable muggy feeling. That’s why it’s necessary to manage humidity if you hope to improve indoor air quality and home comfort.
The perfect relative humidity level is about 30 to 50 percent. Summer is generally the hardest time of year to stay within this range. Thankfully, running the air conditioner can help.
After all, air conditioning doesn’t only cool your home—it also reduces humidity. Here’s a look at how this works, coupled with recommendations to control indoor humidity levels.
How Air Conditioning Lowers Humidity
Contrary to what you might think, your air conditioner doesn’t increase cool, dry air in your home—it eliminates heat and humidity. The process requires refrigerant, which soaks up heat and moisture effectively from the indoor air. Here’s how it works:
- Indoor air rushes through the ductwork and all over the evaporator coil that contains cold refrigerant.
- The refrigerant soaks up heat, and the moisture in the air condenses on the coil.
- The condensation falls into the condensate pan below the evaporator coil and drains out of the system.
- Cooler, dehumidified air flows back into your home.
Ways to Decrease Humidity
Turning on the air conditioner may be adequate to push the relative humidity below 50 percent in dry climates. But if high humidity continues to be a problem in your home, try again with these tips.
Ventilate Correctly
Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room when you shower, cook and wash clothes. This form of ventilation Lowers humidity at the source to keep these rooms cool. You can also open a window when it’s milder outside to draw in fresh air.
Clean Up Standing Water
Wet shower tiles, kitchen counters and laundry room floors increase indoor humidity and may stimulate mold spores. Dry any standing water promptly to protect against these problems.
Use a Dehumidifier
If you dislike extreme humidity in the summer, think about installing a whole-house dehumidifier that runs in tandem with your air conditioner to make your entire home more comfortable. A whole-house system can even run separately from the AC to remove humidity on mild days without Turning on the air conditioner. This approach saves you money and prevents that “cool but clammy” feeling.
Adjust the AC Fan to Auto
The condensation that forms on the evaporator coil needs time to build up and trickle away. If you use the air conditioning fan continually, the moisture will blow back into your home. That’s why it’s more efficient to Adjust the fan to “auto” so it is only on when the AC compressor switches on. You should be able to change this setting easily on your thermostat.
Replace the Air Filter Regularly
A clogged filter traps dust and debris and may harbor mold spores if it gets wet. This sends moisture and mold spores into your home each time the AC starts. Replace the air filter once a month or as suggested by the manufacturer to Decrease indoor humidity and improve air quality.
Fine Tune the Fan Speed
Optimizing the fan speed can be tricky. Strong airflow helps the AC meet your cooling demand on particularly hot days, but this could result in shorter cycles that prevent effective dehumidification. Coordinate with an HVAC technician to help you choose the right fan speed for your comfort preferences.
Check the Cleanliness of the Evaporator Coil
A filthy coil can’t cool and dehumidify effectively. If your air conditioner is having trouble sustaining the desired temperature, call our HVAC specialists to inspect your cooling system and check the cleanliness of the evaporator coil. Cooling and dehumidifying efficiency should improve as a result.
Check the Refrigerant Charge
Low refrigerant can impair your air conditioner’s ability to do its job. Left ignored, severe issues including a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure can happen. Only a certified HVAC technician can resolve refrigerant leaks and replenish the system as required, lending you another reason to arrange an AC tune-up.
Exchange Your Air Conditioner
If your home has continuous comfort trouble and your air conditioner is wearing down, it could be time for a replacement. Select a new AC system with innovative features, such as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and variable blower motor. A TXV offers the exact amount of refrigerant determined by the air temperature, and a variable blower motor increases or decreases the fan speed to suit demand. Both features enhance cooling and dehumidifying effectiveness.
Balance Indoor Humidity with Service Experts
If you believe it’s time to get a whole-house dehumidifier or replace your air conditioning, v can help. Our HVAC services are structured to improve home comfort and energy efficiency for your long-term satisfaction. To raise questions or arrange a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians, please give us a call today.
