Summertime means hot, humid weather for most people.
Homes with air conditioning can still be humid, and it’s often a mystery why to some homeowners.
There are several reasons you house can become humid, despite your AC system being cranked up: your air conditioner may be too larger for your home, you have a leak in your ductwork, potential evaporator coil issues, too many people in the home, or it may simply be too humid outside (hotter days are harder to cool down a home.)
Read on to find out more about why your home may be so humid and what you can do about so you can increase your indoor air quality.
5 Reasons Why Your House is Humid With the AC On
1. Your air conditioner is too big for your house
If your air conditioning system is too large for your home, it will cool the air too quickly, which will then cause the humidity levels to rise.
This happens because when the AC runs, it removes moisture from the air, and if there is too much space for the AC to work in, it can’t remove all of the moisture, causing the humidity levels to rise.
2. You have a leak in your ductwork
A leak in the ductwork can cause high humidity because it allows moist air to enter from the ducts and into the house.
You can find out if you have a leak by hiring a professional to do an inspection of your HVAC system, or by doing a visual inspection yourself.
To start the inspection yourself, first, turn off the power to the AC unit. Then, remove the access panel and look for any cracks or holes in the ductwork.
If you see any, seal them with mastic or metal tape.
3. Issues with the evaporator coil
The evaporator coil is responsible for removing moisture from the air.
If there are issues with the coil, it will not be able to remove all of the moisture, which will cause the indoor air humidity levels to rise.
You can check for issues with the coil by looking for water around the unit or ice.
If there is water or ice, it needs to be replaced.
If you are not experienced with replacing something like this, make sure you hire an HVAC professional.
4. Too many people inside
If there are too many warm bodies inside, the AC will not be able to remove all of the moisture from the air, which will cause the humidity levels to rise.
When the air conditioner is switched on, it draws out moisture from the air.
If there is too much demand for the AC to operate properly, not all of the moisture may be removed, resulting in excess humidity levels.
5. It may be too humid outside
If it is humid outside, the air conditioner will have to work harder to remove the moisture from the outdoor air.
This can cause the humidity levels to rise because the AC can’t keep up with the demand.
When the humidity outside is high, it can also cause the humidity inside to be higher than normal.
5 Ways to Reduce the Humidity Inside of Your Home
1. Get a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier can help to remove the excess moisture from the air, which will reduce the humidity levels inside your home.
2. Use fans
Fans can help to circulate the air to help get the air conditioner running more efficiently.
This will help move around indoor air and be proactive with the humidity control.
You can also install an exhaust fan in the basement, bathroom, and other areas to help control indoor humidity moisture and warm air.
Box fans are a great, inexpensive way to get air circulating throughout your room.
3. Fix any leaks in the ductwork
If there are any leaks in the ductwork, you will need to fix them in order to reduce the indoor humidity levels.
4. Clean the evaporator coil
If there is any dirt or dust on the evaporator coil, you will need to clean it in order to improve its efficiency.
A dirty evaporator coil can cause excessive moisture in your home, leading to too much humidity.
5. Make sure the AC is properly sized for your home
If the AC is too small(or oversized) for your home, it will not be able to remove all of the moisture from the air, which will cause the humidity levels to rise.
You need to make sure that the AC is properly sized for your home in order to prevent this from happening.
Why It’s Important to Reduce the Humidity Inside Your Home
High humidity can cause mold growth, which can lead to health problems. It can also damage your furniture and belongings.
If you have an AC and can’t control moisture in your home, it can also cause the HVAC system to work less efficiently, which will increase your energy bills.
What Humidity Level is Considered Too Much in Your Home?
The ideal humidity level in your home should be between 30 and 50%.
If the humidity level in your home is above 50%, it is considered too high. This could end up getting your family sick and it will also start to damage your home.
How to Check the Humidity Levels in Your Home
There are a few different ways that you can check the humidity levels in your home. You can buy a hygrometer, which is a device that measures humidity, or you can use a wet bulb thermometer.
You can also check the humidity levels by feeling the air. If it feels sticky, that means the humidity levels are too high.
You can also look for condensation on your windows or walls. If you see condensation, that means the humidity levels in your home are too high.
How Often Should You Check Humidity Levels in the Home?
You should check the humidity levels in your home at least once a week with a hygrometer.
However, if you live in an area with high humidity, you may need to check the levels more often.
When to Call an HVAC Technician
If you are having problems with the humidity levels in your home, you may need to call an HVAC technician.
Our technicians can help to diagnose the problem and they may be able to recommend a solution.
If you can’t figure out how to bring down the high indoor humidity of your home, it’s best to get it looked at promptly for the safety of your family, along with preventing damage to your belongings.
