Can humidity impact your AC in a negative way
The Midwest is no stranger to high humidity. During the summer months, the muggy weight of the air becomes all too common, stretching well into early fall, and making it difficult to find a comfortable spot to be outdoors. But when the humidity is too high, retreating inside for comfort may be just as tricky. While it might seem odd, high humidity can actually create issues with a home’s A/C unit, which can end up making the indoors less comfortable than they should be.
Heat and Moisture in the Air
Air conditioners are designed to remove heat, and, to a degree, moisture, from the surrounding air within a home. However, because removing moisture is not the primary function of the system, as humidity levels rise in excess, the system is unable to cope as well and ends up working much harder than usual to remove the excess moisture from the air. Some common signs that a home A/C system is becoming overwhelmed by outdoor humidity include:
Moist, clammy air inside, which may feel like it’s sticking to the skin.
Foggy windows, with condensation forming on the inside of the glass.
Musty odors permeating throughout the home.
Wick Away the Moisture
To beat the increasing humidity, it’s important to first confirm that a home has the right system for the job. While it might seem that bigger is better, this is generally not the case for A/C units. An air conditioner that is oversized for a home can actually end up making things much worse, as it will run inefficiently overall, being too powerful to provide the precise amount of cooling to a home. This causes the system to run erratically, and not properly disperse humid air trapped inside. Ensuring that a system is properly sized for the space being cooled is paramount to having efficient cooling, and not causing undue wear and tear from the constant starts and short-stops an oversized system will run into.
Additionally, the right equipment is equally important. When facing mounting humidity, it may be for the best to invest in a home dehumidifier. Whether installed directly into the home’s HVAC system or operating a stand-alone unit, because a dehumidifier is explicitly designed to combat humidity, it will be able to take a bulk of the pressure off of the A/C unit, allowing them to work in tandem to create the most comfortable space possible.
Trying to find the right solution for your home can be tricky. If you’re unsure of the best way to counter rising humidity outdoors, or if you’re looking into installing a permanent dehumidifier or humidifier for your home, and need assistance or have additional questions, reach out to the experts at Duane Blanton Family Home Services. With over 30 years of knowledge and experience, the licensed professionals at Duane Blanton will be able to provide the answers and solutions you’re looking for to keep your home as comfortable as possible. Reach out to Duane Blanton today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online with their online scheduling portal.
