AC Service, Home Humidity, And What You Need To Know
Posted on: 9 July 2020
How does humidity impact your home's indoor air and cooling? The heat isn't the only issue you need to deal with during the summer swelter. Take a look at the top questions about AC services and indoor summertime humidity answered.
Is Humid Air Unhealthy?
You already know humid air is uncomfortable. But is it unhealthy too? The more moisture there is in the indoor air, the more moisture there is in your home. If you can see moisture on the walls or other surfaces of your home's interior area, you could have a potentially unhealthy situation.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, you should keep indoor humidity under 60 percent. The ideal humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. Failure to lower the humidity could result in excess moisture and mold growth. While mold doesn't affect all people, it can cause breathing issues for people with allergies or some respiratory conditions.
Along with mold growth, humid air can make it more difficult for sweat to evaporate. This can reduce your body's natural ability to cool itself off. Without effective self-cooling, your body works harder by raising your respiration rate and increasing perspiration. The effects of this process can cause dehydration, fatigue, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
How Can You Reduce Indoor Humidity Levels?
One of the easiest ways to reduce indoor humidity is through a dehumidifier. A whole-home system can decrease the overall humidity, while room dehumidifiers can change the indoor environment in zones or individual spaces.
It's possible for your air conditioner to remove some of the humidity from the air. A properly sized system that functions at peak performance will do more than just cool the interior space. A central system can also remove some of the warm moisture from the air. This can reduce the muggy feeling indoors, making your home safer and more comfortable.
Will an AC System Always Reduce Humidity?
Even though central air conditioning can reduce indoor humidity levels, it won't always have this effect. If your AC system is on but the air is still heavy and humid, it's possible the air conditioner is the wrong size for your home or has an issue that requires a repair. While it might seem like the largest AC system possible is the best way to cool and dehumidify the indoor air, this isn't the case.
An excessively large system may turn off prematurely. This can cool your home but won't effectively remove the moisture from the air. The result is a somewhat cool, highly humid interior space. If you're not sure what size central air conditioner to install, consult an HVAC contractor. The professional has the experience and expertise to correctly size the unit to your home.
Along with installation issues, the system may require air conditioning maintenance. Routine AC service can help prevent humidity-related problems before they start. Schedule maintenance before the summer starts or as soon as you need to use the AC system.
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