Your air conditioning is unquestionably a godsend during the high summer heat, but many people are unaware that with this summer heat, humidity can also arrive. While some areas are always hot and humid, many are dry, and people forget about the problems humidity can bring. Your AC, however, does not.
How Does Humidity Impact Your AC?
It Affects Your Room Temperature
Humidity has an effect on the temperature in a room which means that it will also impact your AC and how effectively it can do its job. In order to reduce the heat in a room, your AC also has to combat humidity and bring it to a comfortable range too. If it doesn’t, then your home will still feel stuffy and warm.
These days, many AC units and HVAC systems are designed with humidity in mind. They come equipped with 2 speed or variable speeds to allow better humidity control, but older systems may not have this upgrade.
Your AC Has To Work Harder
Humidity does have a negative impact on your AC. Your AC has to work harder to cool your home when there’s high humidity, so there will be an additional strain on your system as your AC runs. Due to this, your AC will often need to run for longer, and your electricity bill will increase.
In extremely humid areas, your AC may not be able to work for very long at all. Even at the highest setting, your AC may be under so much strain just trying to cool your home and remove some of the humidity, that it’s incapable of bringing the temperature of your home all the way down to where you want it. While this can be frustrating, it’s not unheard of, and it doesn’t always mean that you have a bad AC or need to replace it.
How to Help Your AC Work Better in Humid Conditions
Replacing your AC is expensive and, in some cases, it may not even solve the problem. If you know that you live in a very humid area, then you can likely get away with keeping your current AC and changing other things around your house.
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Get a Dehumidifier
One way to reduce the stress on your AC is by investing in a dehumidifier. By installing one or two around the house, your AC won’t have to work as hard to fight the humidity and bring down the temperature of your home. Most HVAC systems are dehumidifier compatible, so you can install one directly into your existing system. If not, you can pick up a portable one to move around your house.
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Use Fans
Another way to help out your AC is by turning on the fans when you cook or have a shower. Cooking, especially boiling, can increase the humidity in your kitchen and home. Taking a steamy shower or a long, hot bath can also increase humidity in your home. By turning on the stove fan and the bathroom fan, you can reduce the amount of humidity that remains in your home and help ease the work that your AC will need to do to cool your home.
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Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels
These days, most weather apps and websites will include the humidity percentage in the forecast. Even if you live in a dry area, keep an eye on humidity levels outdoors and keep all windows and doors closed on days with high humidity. This will help limit the amount of outside humidity that enters your home.
Additionally, your inside thermostat may have the option to show humidity indoors. You can also purchase a cheap hygrometer for $10 or less. This is a good way to keep an eye on humidity in your home and take extra measures to reduce humidity levels when you notice it starting to rise.
Let Ambrose Air Help With Your Air Conditioner Needs
Whether you knew beforehand or not, humidity does impact your AC. High humidity makes your AC work harder and less efficiently, but it isn’t hard to take a few extra steps and ensure that your home is easier to cool. By changing a few of your habits, you can reduce the strain on your AC and have a comfortably cool home all summer long. If you need more advice on how to operate your AC effectively, don’t hesitate to consult our AC experts at Ambrose Air.
Pat Ambrose has over 40 years of experience in the HVAC industry, serving Central Florida. He tested for and received his class B air conditioning license almost 35 years ago and then improved that to a class A license in the late 90s. Pat and his wife started their own HVAC business in the early 90s, serving Central Florida. Pat still serves as the president of Ambrose Air, Inc., where he works as the chief operating officer. Over his years in business, Pat has served as the president of both the local association (ACCA/CF) and the state association of contractors (FRACCA). His expertise has helped his customers on many occasions, solving air conditioning problems that others had missed.