Household Humidity and Your Air Conditioning Unit

North Texas gets quite humid at times, especially during the spring and summer storm months. This means that your air conditioning system is working overtime to not only cool your home but also draw out the humidity. If you aren't up to date on your maintenance, or if you engage in household activities that raise the humidity levels, then you may need help.

Here is more information on how your activities increase the humidity in your home, possible reasons why your air conditioning unit is struggling to keep up, and things you can do to remedy a high-humidity problem.

How Do Air Conditioners Remove Humidity?

Among the many parts of your air conditioning unit, the one that directly helps to reduce humidity is the evaporator coil. This evaporator coil extracts moisture from your home's air as it circulates through the system and condenses it into water that drains out into a drain pan.

What Are the Signs of High Household Humidity?

Fogged-up windows indicate too much household humidity, especially if your windows are fogged up most or all of the time even when the home has been empty for a while. Other ways to tell are if you can visibly see mold and mildew, or you have a musty smell that doesn't seem to go away.

In severe cases, you might even notice paint and wallpaper peeling away from your walls and the photos on your wall are aging quickly.

What Household Activities Raise Humidity?

Generally, activities that involve using hot water, such as cooking on the stove or showering, will raise the humidity high enough to cause problems. The same goes for using a washing machine, especially with hot water. A lot of residents can also cause your home's humidity to a high level. However, if you have the right type of air conditioning system, then these activities shouldn't be a problem.

Why Is Too Much Humidity Harmful?

Humidity causes mold and mildew, which are extremely damaging and harmful to your health, especially if you have allergies or asthma. These substances can get deep into your walls and often can only be removed by completely tearing down and replacing all affected parts.

Hardwood floors and wooden doors can warp as well. In addition, many types of insects and rodents are attracted to the added moisture.

What Air Conditioner Problems Contribute to High Humidity?

If your air conditioner is not kept in good condition, then your evaporator coil may not work or drain properly. You should be changing your filter frequently as a clogged filter greatly reduces your air conditioner's efficiency. Make sure that you have your unit serviced every year to clear out debris and check the evaporator drains for clogs.

What Are Some Other Ways to Lower Household Humidity?

If your unit is old and worn out, or if your household activities have increased greatly, then you may want to consider upgrading your unit.

Another tip is to try and keep your fan in the auto setting to let it cycle in and out with the cooling cycle. If the problem is that your home is humid all the time all year round, then consider a dehumidifying system. Many of these systems are available in a room-only or whole-house versions to fit your needs.

While temporary episodes of high humidity are usually not detrimental, a consistent problem is a sign of a problem that needs fixing. If you have already taken the steps to reduce your home's humidity, yet your current air conditioning system is not keeping up, then you may need maintenance or an upgrade.

Henry's Service Allcan help you pinpoint your humidity and air conditioning problems and make sure your unit is running properly. Contact us today for an appointment.