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How Do High Humidity Levels Affect HVAC Performance And When To Call An AC Company | Harvey, LA

How Do High Humidity Levels Affect HVAC Performance And When To Call An AC Company | Harvey, LA

Let’s face it, Harvey, LA, experiences intense heat in the summer, and the humidity gets so thick that you could practically swim in it. High humidity levels are associated with mold and mildew growth.

But did you know that humidity levels affect HVAC performance in warm and cold weather?

The ideal relative humidity for comfort is between 30% and 50%. Anything beyond that is bad for your HVAC. The moisture in the air can have such an adverse effect on your heating and cooling system that you might think you need to call an AC company in Harvey, LA, when you really have humidity issues.

In this post, you’ll learn about the impact of your AC, common causes of humidity control problems, and what you can do about them.

High Humidity Levels and Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioning systems are designed to remove excess heat and moisture from the air, creating a comfortable environment. However, high humidity levels force the air conditioner to work harder to cool your home. An older and inefficient system may be incapable of handling the job, making your house feel warmer than it is.

Excess humidity will also cause the air conditioner to work longer and harder without producing the desired outcome. This adds to the system’s wear and tear, resulting in higher energy bills.

Some of the warning signs of humidity control problems include:

  • Damp or musty smell in parts of your home
  • Foggy windows
  • Air in the home feels moist

These factors suggest that too much humidity is present, and you should call an AC company in Harvey, LA, to inspect and remedy the problem.

Causes of Humidity Control Problems

The most common reasons for humidity control issues in your home include;

Oversized AC

It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that your air conditioner is too big to do the job effectively. After all, wouldn’t a larger unit be able to provide better humidity control and cooling? This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The compressor on an oversized unit turns on and off frequently, never running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air effectively. If a builder rather than an air conditioning company installed your air conditioner, your system probably isn’t the right size for the house. Installing a smaller capacity AC system with the help of an expert can fix this problem.

Single-Speed AC

An air conditioner that’s only capable of running at one speed – on and off – can present the same issues as an oversized AC. A single-speed AC runs at full blast until the air reaches the set temperature, then turns off. The unit doesn’t run long enough to remove humidity, especially when the temperatures are low but humidity levels are high. Talk to an AC company about installing a modular HVAC system that runs at a lower capacity and provides better humidity control.

Negative Air Pressure

Negative air pressure occurs when your home has a poorly designed ventilation system, resulting in venting too much air from the ductwork. The air tries to correct the negative pressure by drawing more outside air in any way it can. So if the relative humidity outside gets into the 70s or 80s, it ends up in your home. Enlisting an AC company to change your ventilation may be necessary to correct this problem.

Wrong Thermostat Setting

The fans run continuously when you use the thermostat’s “Fan On” setting. They move air, even when the AC is not running, which can worsen the humidity. Even as they give you a cooling effect, the fans may end up blowing the moisture your AC had already removed back into your home. Setting your thermostat to Auto can prevent the issue.

Old Unit

As your air conditioner ages, components start to wear and tear, compromising efficiency. This affects efficiency, resulting in inadequate cooling and inconsistent temperatures. You’ll also start to notice humidity control problems. These issues are worse when you don’t keep up with HVAC maintenance. At this point, call an AC company to determine if some tweaks can be enough to restore performance or if it’s time to invest in a new unit.

Strategies to Enhance AC Humidity Control

Keep Your Coils Clean

An evaporator coil covered in dust and debris cannot remove moisture and cool the air effectively. Even if the debris isn’t enough to prevent cooling, it can still inhibit moisture control. The solution is to clean the air filter after 250 hours of usage and change it every 90 days. You should also consider hiring an AC company to clean the evaporator coil regularly.

Check the Refrigerant Charge

When the refrigerant charge is low, the AC struggles to remove excess humidity or cool the air to keep you comfortable. Eventually, this problem morphs into something worse, like compressor failure or frozen coil. Preventative maintenance can help track the refrigerant charge and address any potential problems before they escalate.

Adjust the Airflow

An AC company can adjust the airflow of your system in a way that makes the evaporator coil colder when the humidity levels are high. The result is more moisture removal and better humidity control. This is only possible with certain systems, so talk to an expert about your options.

Invest in a Preventative Maintenance Plan

Cleaning the coils and checking the refrigerant charge may not be enough to improve humidity control, especially if the rest of the system isn’t properly maintained. Investing in a preventative maintenance plan ensures that you get regular inspections, tune-ups, and cleaning of the system components. It keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and provides efficient humidity control. The air conditioning company will be able to spot and fix impending problems before they worsen.

Add a Dehumidifier

Adding a dehumidifier to your AC can positively impact humidity control. The device removes excess moisture from the air before it circulates in your home through the ductwork. Ask a reputable AC company in Harve, LA to recommend and install a dehumidifier that’s compatible with your air conditioning system.

Schedule an Appointment with bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans

If you are concerned about humidity control in your home, consult with a trusted HVAC professional to diagnose and resolve any issues. As a leading AC company, we are dedicated to creating a home environment where you feel comfortable through various AC installation, repair, and maintenance services. Call bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans today to learn more and find out how we can help.

Photo By Elena Pimukova at Shutterstock
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