By Nothing beats sitting in your recliner with the air conditioner running in the background on a hot, muggy summer evening. But there’s a problem. Yes, the air inside your house feels slightly cooler than the outside. However, the air in your home feels just as sticky as the 80% humidity outside. Even if your air conditioner is working hard to cool your home, you may notice that the indoor humidity continues to rise. Does this describe your house? If this is the case, the problem could be caused by AC humidity.
The Optimal Indoor Humidity
Although humidity levels will vary depending on personal preferences, your home’s relative humidity is recommended to remain below 50% when outdoor temperatures exceed 50°F. Anything above 50% causes problems for you, your family, and your home. Microorganisms such as dust mites and mold spores thrive in high-humidity environments, potentially causing family health problems. Another issue caused by high humidity is moisture collecting on windows, doors, and even your wood furniture, which can cause severe damage over time.
The Causes of Higher Humidity Levels
AC installation is one of the most common causes of higher humidity in your home. Air conditioners are designed to remove moisture from the air, but if they’re not installed properly, they can add moisture to the atmosphere.
ACs that are too small for their rooms will run constantly and never really get the chance to remove all the moisture from the air. ACs that are too big will turn on and off so frequently that they don’t have time to remove all the moisture from the air either. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional AC installation company come and do an assessment of your AC needs before they install your AC.
They’ll be able to determine the right size AC for your home and make sure it’s installed properly so that it doesn’t cause higher humidity levels in your home. Other things to consider when the humidity rises in your home.
- There is excessive condensation on your AC coils. When coils become too cold, they can frost over, obstructing airflow and causing issues with evaporating moisture from indoor air, resulting in increased humidity levels inside your home.
- The air conditioner isn’t draining correctly. A small pan collects water as the window air conditioner removes moisture from the air. The water is then drained using a hose or tube. If this system becomes clogged, water will back into the unit, causing it to work inefficiently, resulting in higher humidity levels.
- Your ductwork is leaking. If your ductwork has cracks or holes, humid outside air can leak in and mix with the cooled air inside your home, increasing overall humidity levels. A professional HVAC technician should repair any leaks as soon as possible.
- The air conditioner filter must be replaced. A clogged filter can restrict airflow and force the unit to work harder than necessary, increasing humidity levels. Check and replace your filter regularly.
AC installation in Round Rock, TX can help you enjoy the summer heat without risking your health. High humidity levels can cause various health problems, including heat exhaustion and dehydration. In extreme cases, it can even lead to heat stroke. In addition to posing a risk to your health, high humidity can also damage your home. It can cause wood furniture to warp and paint to peel. It can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can lead to respiratory problems. If you are currently experiencing increased humidity levels in your home, call an AC installation expert in Round Rock, TX, today. They can help you return your home to a comfortable and safe place to live.
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