Humidity Blues: Your Air Conditioner & Dehumidification

If you have lived in Florida for any length of time, you know that the humidity is an issue. Even when the temperature is at a number that would seem reasonable elsewhere, the crushing humidity can make you feel stifled. And that’s not even addressing the toll it can take on your house! From attracting pests to creating a welcome environment for mold, humidity is rough on houses and the people in them. The good news is that your air conditioner can help you lower humidity levels in your house and protect it from harm.

The Hidden Problem—Why Florida Humidity Is a Big Deal

Humidity refers to the water in the air, and when the meteorologist starts talking humidity numbers, you should remember that higher numbers mean higher humidity. Humidity in a house should range from 30 to 60 percent, but in Florida, it can go much higher than that. At 100 percent humidity, the air can’t hold any more water, so it rains. Until the relief of that storm, however, the temperature will feel much hotter than it really is. Interestingly, Florida winters feel colder than they are, because of the humidity that remains in the air. As for houses, high humidity indoors can ruin furniture, create a welcoming space for pests, cause mold to grow, and more.

How Air Conditioners Remove Humidity from a Home

You may not realize it, but your air conditioner pulls double duty as a dehumidifier. In fact, when operating properly, an air conditioner can strip your indoor air of about 20 pints of water each day. The water condenses out of the air when the warm, moist air passes over the cold evaporator coils. You can help your AC work this magic in a few ways. First, keep your air filter clean so that it will work effectively and allow air to flow through it. Keep the AC on, even when you leave, so that the temperature doesn’t swing and allow moisture to build up between cooling cycles. Instead of using the “on” setting, choose “auto”, so that the moisture can drain away from the coils. If your home is consistently too humid, talk to your HVAC professional about a whole house dehumidifier or a specialized AC, designed to pull more moisture from the air.

Maintenance for Optimal Dehumidification in Air Conditioning

In order to operate properly, cooling your home and pulling moisture from the air, your AC must be well-maintained. A clogged filter can trap moisture inside the ducts, leading not only to a damp house but also to problems with mold, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms. Changing the filter monthly can help, but it’s also crucial to schedule regular professional maintenance. Ideally, a Florida AC should have these inspections and maintenance twice a year.

Signs You Need Air Conditioning System Maintenance to Beat Humidity

If you’re having professional maintenance performed on your system twice a year, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter any problems in between appointments. Certain signs, however, can indicate a strain on your system warranting attention. If your AC isn’t cooling as well as it was, or the humidity levels inside the house are rising, the system probably needs maintenance. Additionally, if the AC seems to be running constantly, you notice any strange sounds or odors, or your energy bills have gone up, call in the professionals for an inspection.

Homeowner Tips to Boost AC Dehumidification: From Attic AC Dehumidification to Crawlspace Vapor Barriers

The first step in controlling humidity is to understand how it’s affecting your home. Keep track of your indoor humidity, and try to keep it between 30 and 50 percent. To do this, help your AC by taking the following steps:

Address the humidity in your attic. If your home has an attic fan, use it to ventilate your attic and lower the humidity. Your attic’s moisture levels impact your whole house, so you might also consider installing a dehumidifier in the attic.
Raise your thermostat by two degrees. This small adjustment can lead to longer cycles, giving moisture on the coils a chance to evaporate.
Run your fan on “auto” and not “on. This is another way to keep the AC from short cycles that leave no time for the coils to shed moisture.
Have your ducts cleaned and seal any leaks. Leaky ducts can allow moisture in, and dirty ducts can trap it. Talk to your AC professional about duct maintenance.
Use the right exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. Your exhaust fans should vent to the outside. If they vent into your attic, it’s going to raise the humidity.
Crack a window. Even in the winter, opening the windows from time to time, especially if you’ve been engaging in moisture-generating activities, can help lower your humidity.
Install a vapor barrier in your crawl space. Water can easily seep from the ground into an unprotected crawl space, and this moisture will make its way into your living spaces.
Mind your moisture generation. Fix any leaks promptly, and be aware that boiling water, taking a hot shower, and even drying your clothes in the dryer can raise indoor humidity. Use exhaust fans and ventilation to reduce humidity.
Consider a whole home humidifier. Talk to your AC installer about whether this kind of system, which integrates with your ductwork, would be a good fit for your home.

FAQ—Humidity and Your Air Conditioner

Can my AC really dehumidify my house? Yes! An air conditioner can pull 20 pints of water from indoor air every day.
Should I use dry mode or cool mode for humidity? If your AC has a dry mode, use it when temperatures are moderate, but humidity is high.
How often should I schedule air conditioner servicing for best dehumidification? In Florida, it is recommended that you schedule maintenance and service twice a year.
Why does my home feel sticky even with AC running? If the humidity in your home is high, despite the AC running, your system may need maintenance. It could be as simple as changing the filter, or as complex as upgrading your system, so call for an inspection, in order to know how to proceed.
What else can I do if AC dehumidification isn’t enough? Talk to your AC professional. You may need to upgrade your system, or there may be a humidifier that is a good option for you.

Ready to Tackle the Humidity Blues? Contact Best Value A/C and Heating for Air Conditioning Unit Maintenance

Whether your HVAC needs service or you need a new HVAC, in Volusia and Flagler Counties, the best climate control installation and maintenance is done by Best Value A/C and Heating LLC. We install top-rated, energy-efficient heating and air systems, at competitive pricing. You’ll pay less for your system and save up to 30 percent off of your electric bills on top of that. We also handle installation service, repairs, or maintenance, and we provide emergency assistance 24/7, because we know things don’t only go wrong between 9 AM and 5 PM. Our locally-owned-and-operated, veteran-owned business is committed to integrity and excellent service, and we have an A+ BBB rating, as well as being a member of Angie’s List. We offer many specials and discounts, easy financing, and other offers, and our knowledgeable, friendly technicians have the tools and the experience to handle any repair or installation service the right way. Trust us to provide you with the top-name brands and the kind of service that gives you peace of mind, knowing your home will stay cool and comfortable, even in the heat of summer. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or be pre-approved for financing, contact us through our website.

Humidity Blues: How Your AC System Can Help