Can You Lower Humidity by Running the Air Conditioner?
Unwanted humidity can result in many problems, like mold growth, musty odors, structural issues, and an uncomfortable muggy feeling. That’s why it’s necessary to manage humidity if you hope to improve indoor air quality and home comfort.
The perfect relative humidity level is about 30 to 50 percent. Summer is typically the toughest time of year to remain within this range. Luckily, running the air conditioner can help.
After all, air conditioning doesn’t only cool your home—it also reduces humidity. Here’s a look at how this works, coupled with ideas to control indoor humidity levels.
How Air Conditioning Lowers Humidity
Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner doesn’t increase cool, dry air in your home—it removes heat and humidity. The process requires refrigerant, which stores heat and moisture effectively from the indoor air. Here’s what happens:
- Indoor air moves through the ductwork and all over the evaporator coil that contains cold refrigerant.
- The refrigerant absorbs heat, and the moisture in the air collects on the coil.
- The condensation falls into the condensate pan under the evaporator coil and drains away.
- Cooler, dehumidified air flows back into your home.
How to Decrease Humidity
Running the air conditioner may be enough to bring the relative humidity below 50 percent in dry climates. But if high humidity remains a problem in your home, try again with these tips.
Ventilate Effectively
Use the exhaust fan in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room when you shower, cook and wash clothes. This form of ventilation eliminates humidity at the source to keep these rooms a cooler temperature. You can also open a window when it’s more temperate outside to allow in fresh air.
Wipe Up Standing Water
Wet shower tiles, kitchen counters and laundry room floors increase indoor humidity and can encourage mold spores. Clean up standing water promptly to avoid these problems.
Install a Dehumidifier
If you dislike increased humidity in the summer, consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier that operates in tandem with your air conditioner to make every room more comfortable. A whole-house unit can even function independently of the AC to eliminate humidity on more temperate days without using the air conditioner. This technique saves you money and avoids that “cool but clammy” feeling.
Set the AC Fan to Auto
The condensation that forms on the evaporator coil needs time to accumulate and drip away. If you are running the air conditioning fan continuously, the moisture will blow back into your home. That’s why it’s more effective to adjust the fan to “auto” so it only runs when the AC compressor switches on. You should be able to find this setting easily on your thermostat.
Change the Air Filter Regularly
An obstructed air filter traps dust and debris and may encourage mold spores if it gets wet. This adds more moisture and mold spores into your home every time the AC starts. Replace the air filter each month or as suggested by the manufacturer to lower indoor humidity and improve air quality.
Tweak the Fan Speed
Refining the fan speed can be tricky. High airflow helps the AC sustain cooling demand on the hottest days, but this could lead to shorter cycles that minimize the chance of effective dehumidification. Coordinate with an HVAC technician to help you determine the best fan speed for your comfort preferences.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
A dirty coil can’t cool and dehumidify efficiently. If your cooling is having trouble maintaining the set temperature, call our HVAC specialists to maintain your cooling system and clean the evaporator coil. Cooling and dehumidifying capabilities should improve as a result.
Confirm the Refrigerant Charge
A depleted supply of refrigerant can hinder your air conditioner’s ability to carry out its job. Left ignored, major issues such as a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure can occur. Only a certified HVAC technician can mend refrigerant leaks and refresh the system as necessary, offering you another reason to schedule an AC tune-up.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
If your home has consistent comfort problems and your air conditioner is getting older, it may be time to look for a new one. Choose a new AC unit with innovative features, such as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and variable blower motor. A TXV provides the exact amount of refrigerant consistent with the air temperature, and a variable blower motor adapts the fan speed to satisfy demand. Both features increase cooling and dehumidifying efficiency.
Balance Indoor Humidity with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
If you believe it’s time to install a whole-house dehumidifier or upgrade your air conditioning, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help. Our HVAC services are designed to maximize home comfort and energy efficiency for your long-term satisfaction. To ask questions or schedule a visit from one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians, please give us a call today.
