Can You Decrease Humidity by Running the Air Conditioner?
Excess humidity can result in various problems, such as mold growth, musty rooms, structural damage, and an uncomfortable muggy feeling. That’s why it’s important to manage humidity if you want to increase indoor air quality and home comfort.
The perfect relative humidity level is about 30 to 50 percent. Summer is usually the most challenging time of year to stick in this range. Fortunately, running the air conditioner can help.
After all, air conditioning doesn’t solely cool your home—it also decreases humidity. Here’s a look at how this works, coupled with suggestions to adjust indoor humidity levels.
How Air Conditioning Eliminates Humidity
Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner doesn’t add cool, dry air in your home—it takes out heat and humidity. The process necessitates refrigerant, which absorbs heat and moisture effectively from the indoor air. Here’s the process:
- Indoor air rushes through the ductwork and all over the evaporator coil containing cold refrigerant.
- The refrigerant stores heat, and the moisture in the air accumulates on the coil.
- The condensation flows into the condensate pan underneath the evaporator coil and drains away.
- Cooler, dehumidified air flows back into your home.
Tips to Lower Humidity
Running the air conditioner will sometimes be sufficient to lower the relative humidity under 50 percent in dry climates. But if high humidity continues to be a problem in your home, try again with these tips.
Ventilate Correctly
Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room when you shower, cook and wash clothes. Spot ventilation lowers humidity at the source to keep these rooms comfortable. You can also open a window when it’s comfortable outside to draw in fresh air.
Mop Up Standing Water
Wet shower tiles, kitchen counters and laundry room floors elevate indoor humidity and can stimulate mold and mildew. Clean up standing water promptly to avoid these problems.
Install a Dehumidifier
If you grapple with high humidity in the summer, look into installing a whole-house dehumidifier that runs in tandem with your air conditioner to make each room more comfortable. A whole-house unit can even function independently of the AC to eliminate humidity on more temperate days without running the air conditioner. This approach saves you money and prevents that “cool but clammy” feeling.
Adjust the AC Fan to Auto
The condensation that forms on the evaporator coil needs time to build up and drip away. If you use the air conditioning fan continuously, the moisture will blow right back in your home. That’s why it’s more efficient to flip the fan to “auto” so it is only on when the AC compressor starts. You should be able to find this setting easily on your thermostat.
Swap Out the Air Filter Regularly
An obstructed air filter traps dust and debris and will sometimes encourage mold growth if it becomes wet. This sends moisture and mold spores into your home each time the AC turns on. Replace the air filter every month or as suggested by the manufacturer to decrease indoor humidity and enhance air quality.
Tweak the Fan Speed
Refining the fan speed can be tricky. High airflow helps the AC meet your cooling demand on scorching summer days, but this could result in shorter cycles that block effective dehumidification. Speak with an HVAC technician to help you choose the best fan speed for your comfort requirements.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
A grimy coil can’t cool and dehumidify effectively. If your AC is having trouble reaching the preferred temperature, contact our HVAC specialists to inspect your cooling system and clean the evaporator coil. Cooling and dehumidifying capabilities should improve as a result.
Check the Refrigerant Charge
Insufficient refrigerant can impede your air conditioner’s ability to carry out its job. Left ignored, major issues including a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure might happen. Only a certified HVAC technician can solve refrigerant leaks and replenish the system as necessary, lending you another reason to schedule an AC tune-up.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
If your home has constant comfort problems and your air conditioner is getting older, it may be time to look for a new one. Select a new AC unit with modern features, like a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and variable blower motor. A TXV provides the perfect amount of refrigerant based on the air temperature, and a variable blower motor adjusts the fan speed to suit demand. Both features improve cooling and dehumidifying effectiveness.
Control Indoor Humidity with A1 Chesney Service Experts
If you decide it’s time to put in a whole-house dehumidifier or replace your air conditioning, A1 Chesney Service Experts can help. Our HVAC services are tailored to improve home comfort and energy efficiency for your long-term satisfaction. To raise questions or schedule a visit from one of our qualified heating and cooling technicians, please contact us today.
