High humidity levels in your home and outdoors can negatively affect your HVAC unit’s cooling potential. According to HVAC experts, you should maintain a humidity level below 60% to have a comfortable living space. However, that might be quite difficult to maintain due to the constant weather changes throughout the year. When the humidity level in your house is too low or too high, achieving optimum indoor comfort is a challenge. It also impacts the effectiveness of your air conditioning unit. The good news is that modern HVAC units include dehumidifiers and humidifiers that control relative humidity levels.

This post will highlight the problems caused by fluctuating humidity levels, especially when running your AC unit. We will also look at ways to achieve perfect temperatures in your home, regardless of the season.

Air Conditioners and Humidity Levels

In theory, an air conditioning system helps to eliminate excess humidity via condensation and reduce your home’s temperature. However, if the system is not working efficiently, your AC unit will work harder to cool your living space. This excess stress will cause your air conditioner to use more energy, and wear and tear will occur faster as well.

Increased energy levels during the summer season is the first thing that tells many homeowners there is something wrong with their cooling system. But, unfortunately, performance might also decrease to the point where you can no longer get the desired temperatures. High humidity levels are the primary cause of these problems because it forces your system to work harder to keep up.

Air Conditioning Systems and Cooling Capacity

Many people often think that the more powerful and larger an AC unit is, the more effective it will cool their living spaces. However, that is not true. Efficiency is a better marker when it comes to AC systems. Having a bigger air conditioner will not necessarily offer the temperatures you desire. A smaller and more efficient system can do the trick if it is well-maintained.

If your air conditioning unit is bigger than needed, it will not remove excess moisture effectively. As a result, the humidity levels in your residence will remain high. That is because more powerful AC units do not have to run as much, which means they do not get the chance to remove a lot of moisture from your indoor air. Therefore, it is vital to purchase an AC unit that suits your living space.

When installing or replacing an HVAC unit, you need to properly calibrate the appliance to your home’s square footage and purchase accordingly. Having your house’s humidity levels examined by an expert can also ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently throughout the year.

Dehumidifiers

Today’s HVAC units come with dehumidifiers and humidifiers that keep humidity levels under control. If you have an older system, consider installing a dehumidifier on your unit to contend with humidity levels when cooling your house. A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air before forcing it through your property’s ductwork. You can pair it with your AC unit, allowing you to adjust your home’s humidity level and temperature at once.

When you keep your humidity levels in check during the summer months, your AC unit will do its job more effectively. You will also feel more refreshed and cooler under these conditions. Furthermore, you might even notice a drop in your electricity bills. That is because your air conditioner will not overwork, and it will still cool your living space properly. Installing a dehumidifier will also eliminate problems such as musty odors, foggy windows, and clammy, moist air in your house.

Lastly, schedule routine maintenance checks to ensure that any problems in the AC unit due to high humidity levels get addressed immediately. Lack of regular maintenance can result in major damage to the system, leading to costly repairs in the long run.

Partner With an AC Expert

In conclusion, high humidity can negatively affect your AC unit’s performance and increase the need for regular repairs. Therefore, you should not ignore the issue because it can lead to expensive AC repairs. If you notice that your home has foggy windows and is full of musty and moist air, reach out to the professionals at Galbreath Air. Depending on your situation, our team of experts can recommend HVAC repairs, adjustments, or replacements.

Our company is a full-service commercial and residential cooling and heating provider serving the residents of Richmond Hill, GA, and its surrounding areas. We also offer duct sealing, insulation, ductwork, and commercial HVAC. Contact us today to book an appointment.