Air conditioners play an important role in humidity control, as they remove moisture during the cooling process. If your AC isn’t working properly, the air in your home may feel stickier. This can create a variety of problems. It can also mean it’s time to consider AC replacement before the system breaks down. Replacing the system will improve cooling performance and energy efficiency plus allot time or planning, so you find the right type and size of unit to reduce humidity in your house.
Signs of High Indoor Humidity
High humidity levels in your home can lead to a range of issues. The top signs of high humidity include:
- Health Symptoms: High humidity can trigger increased allergy symptoms. Frequent asthma attacks, a chronic cough, breathing difficulties, and headaches can occur in humid conditions. You may also experience skin irritation, trouble sleeping, and more frequent illnesses due to more viruses and bacteria in the air.
- Mold: Mold is more likely to grow when there’s more moisture. It’s a common sign of high indoor humidity due to poor ventilation. Aside from unsightly mold growth, mold can release microscopic spores that pollute the air in your home. It can also emit musty odors and toxins that can affect your health.
- Structural Damage: The effects may be slow, but excess humidity can cause moisture damage to wood, paint, stucco, and other sensitive materials. Chipping paint and rotting window frames are the most common signs; excess water vapor can also cause foggy windows. You may notice damp walls, cracked floors, and damaged plaster as well.
The Role of Air Conditioners in Humidity Control
As the evaporator coil absorbs heat, it also condenses water vapor into a liquid. The liquid water then drains away via the condensate drain line. But for this process to be effective, your air conditioner must be properly sized and installed. Otherwise, home dehumidification is limited and you risk dealing with consistently high humidity levels that can lead to the problems mentioned above.
Why You Need a Professional for Air Conditioner Installation
A licensed contractor has the training and expertise to select an air conditioner that will cool your home and provide adequate humidity control. To ensure the system reduces humidity in your house, they will:
- Calculate the Proper Size: A load calculation considers variables specific to your home. These include square footage plus window size and placement, orientation of your house toward the sun, and how each room is used. High humidity is a sign of an oversized system that cools your home too fast and cycles too quickly to remove enough moisture.
- Install the System Properly: The installer should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the equipment and best practices for commissioning your air conditioner and sizing and installing ducts. Any errors can reduce system performance, which may impede its ability to reduce humidity.
- Conduct Performance Tests: Once your AC is installed, the technician should test all of its functions. This ensures it works at full capacity, cools your home effectively, and provides dehumidification. If necessary, they can make adjustments to ensure you’ll have the right amount of temperature and humidity control.
Signs It’s Time for Air Conditioner Replacement
Many homeowners wait too long to consider air conditioner replacement. The signs your AC may not be working as effectively include:
- Inconsistent Temperatures
- Loud Banging or Screeching Noises
- Musty or Burning Odors
- Frozen Coils
- Overheating Equipment
- Higher Energy Bills
- Frayed Wires and Loose Connections
- Excessive Humidity
Modern air conditioners integrate components that make them more effective at reducing humidity in a house. Some models include built-in dehumidifiers that improve moisture reduction or are designed to be paired with certain types and brands of dehumidification equipment. Pairing your AC with a smart thermostat can also help. Many smart thermostats display humidity levels so can track how your system is performing; more sophisticated models include humidity controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence indoor humidity?
Aside from your air conditioner’s performance, indoor humidity is affected by the introduction of moisture from showers, cooking, and drying laundry. Water entry in the basement is also a factor. Colder temperatures hold less moisture, so the humidity goes up; this is one reason to raise your thermostat by a few degrees.
Outdoor sources can also influence indoor humidity. Low temperatures can increase moisture at the foundation, exterior walls, and roof, which can make its way inside. Air and moisture leakage can reduce indoor temperatures, which further contributes to humidity issues. Hot, muggy weather can also lead to higher humidity inside your home.
Is your AC unit the right size for your home?
It typically takes 20 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot for an AC to work effectively. Therefore, multiply your home’s square footage by 20 to estimate the right size. An HVAC contractor can include other variables in a load calculation, so it’s important to consult with a professional.
Have you made any recent changes to your home?
If you’ve added a room or changed your home’s layout, it can affect your AC’s performance. A contractor can evaluate whether you need to add ductwork or replace an undersized AC unit.
Has the humidity problem always existed, or is it a recent development?
If high humidity is a recent development, you may need AC repair or replacement or have leaky ductwork, a sealing issue in your home’s envelope, or a water leak somewhere. Hire a professional to determine the source of the problem.
Are there certain areas of the house that feel especially humid?
If one area is more humid than another, such as a bathroom or kitchen, you may need to add an exhaust fan or other ventilation component. Or, your existing ventilation system may need to be repaired.
What features help with humidity control?
A new air conditioner or dehumidifier can reduce humidity in your house. Other options include adding extra insulation to reduce the amount of moisture getting in from outside. Ceiling fans can improve air circulation and prevent air stagnation and moisture buildup.
Will a new unit alone fix the problem, or do I need a dedicated dehumidifier?
It depends on how much humidity is in your home. Air conditioners can only remove so much moisture. If your AC isn’t that old and working normally, you may want to consider installing a room dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidification system.
What is the SEER rating of a new unit?
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of an AC measures how efficient it is over a cooling season. Air conditioners in the northern U.S. must have at least a 14 SEER rating, while in the south the minimum is 15 SEER. If you live in a humid climate, a higher SEER unit is more effective.
Hire an HVAC Professional for AC Replacement
To ensure your new AC provides the right amount of temperature and humidity control, you need a licensed, certified, and trained professional. Look for a contractor with several years of experience and knowledge of the latest technologies and equipment. They should also communicate well and listen to your concerns.
At Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing, you can always count on our prompt, professional, and friendly contractors. We provide high-quality AC replacement and installation in and around Mount Airy, NC. Our team is devoted to 100% customer satisfaction and includes industry-leading guarantees and warranties. To learn more about these, financing options, our maintenance plans, and modern AC systems that improve comfort and reduce humidity in your house, call (336) 967-9945 today.
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