Reduces Humidity When The Air Conditioner is Running?

Can using the air conditioner reduce humidity?

Mold development, musty odors, structural concerns, and an unpleasant muggy sensation are just a few of the issues that can arise from excessive humidity. So, controlling humidity is very important if you want to improve the quality of the air inside your home and make it more comfortable.

The ideal relative humidity range is 30 to 50 percent. The most difficult season of the year to stay within this range is typically summer. Thankfully, turning on the air conditioner can be beneficial.

After all, air conditioning reduces humidity in addition to cooling your home. Here are specifics on how it operates and suggestions for controlling indoor humidity.

How to Reduce Humidity with Air Conditioning

Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner removes heat and humidity from your home instead of bringing in cool, dry air. Refrigerant, which efficiently absorbs heat and moisture from indoor air, is needed for the procedure. This is how it goes:

• Through the ducting, indoor air passes over the evaporator coil, which is filled with cold refrigerant.
• The refrigerant gathers heat, and the air's moisture condenses on the coil.
• The system leaks condensation, which builds up in the condensate pan under the evaporator coil.
• Your home is filled with cool, dry air.

How to Reduce Humidity

In dry climates, turning on the air conditioner may be sufficient to lower the relative humidity below 50%. But if excessive humidity is still a problem in your house, give these suggestions another shot.

Ventilate effectively

When you take a shower, cook, or wash clothes, turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. Spot ventilation reduces humidity at the source to keep these spaces at a lower temperature. When the weather is more agreeable, you can also open a window to allow in the fresh air.

Remove any lingering water

Water on kitchen countertops, laundry room floors, and shower tiles increases indoor humidity and might encourage the growth of mold spores. To prevent these issues, rapidly wipe up any standing water.

Utilize a dehumidifier

Consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier to make your entire home more comfortable if you loathe summertime high humidity levels. This device works in tandem with your air conditioner. Even when the weather is moderate, a whole-house model can run without the air conditioner to remove humidity. With this approach, you can save money while avoiding the "cold yet clammy" sensation.

Put the AC fan on automatically

It takes time for the condensation to build up and drip down the evaporator coil. The wetness will return to your home if the air conditioner fan is running nonstop. It is, therefore, preferable to set the fan to "auto," so that it only turns on in conjunction with the AC compressor. This setting on your thermostat should be simple to locate.

Consistently replace the air filter

In addition to capturing dust and debris, a clogged air filter can grow mold and mildew if it gets moist. Every time the AC runs, this lets moisture and mold spores into your house. Change the air filter once a month or as often as the manufacturer says to reduce humidity and improve the air quality.

Modify the fan speed.

It can be challenging to adjust the fan speed. On very hot days, a lot of airflow helps the AC keep up with cooling demand, but it may also result in shorter cycles that inhibit efficient dehumidification. By working with an HVAC technician, you can choose the ideal fan speed for your comfort needs.

Evaporator coil cleaning

A dirty coil struggles to dehumidify and cool properly. Get in touch with our HVAC experts to have your cooling system inspected and the evaporator coil cleaned if your system is having difficulties maintaining the desired temperature. This should result in better cooling and dehumidifying capacities.

Look at the refrigerant charge

The performance of your air conditioner can be hampered by low refrigerant levels. Major problems like a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure may occur if left unattended. Schedule an AC tune-up because only a licensed HVAC professional can fix leaks in the refrigerant lines and add more as needed.

Upgrade your air conditioning system

It may be time to look for a new air conditioner if your home consistently experiences comfort issues and your current unit is getting older. A thermal expansion valve (TXV) and a variable blower motor are two sophisticated features to look for in a new AC unit. The exact quantity of refrigerant needed is delivered by a TXV according to the air temperature, and the fan speed is adjusted to match demand by a variable blower motor. Both these characteristics improve cooling and dehumidifying effectiveness.

HVAC Repair Guide Experts can help you maintain indoor humidity HVAC Repair Guide

Experts can assist you if you believe it's time to replace your air conditioner or install a whole-house dehumidifier. For your long-term enjoyment, our HVAC services are designed to improve home comfort and energy efficiency. Please give us a call right away to ask questions or to schedule a visit from one of our licensed heating and cooling professionals.