During the warm, sticky summer months, many people find themselves relying heavily on their trusty air conditioning system in Comox, BC to keep their homes cool and comfortable. However, AC systems do more than just lower the temperature. They play a crucial role in managing indoor humidity levels. In this blog, we will delve into the science behind how AC systems handle moisture, ensuring a pleasant living environment even in the most humid conditions.
Understanding Humidity
Humidity is the amount of moisture present in the air, and it can significantly affect our comfort and well-being. High humidity levels make us feel hotter than the actual temperature, as our bodies struggle to release heat through sweating. Additionally, excess moisture can lead to problems such as mold growth, musty odors, and damage to furniture and electronics.
The Role of AC Systems in Managing Humidity
Although the primary function of an AC system is to remove heat from the air to cool it down, an AC also removes moisture from the indoor air. AC systems achieve this through a process called condensation.
Condensation Process
When warm, humid air passes through the AC unit, it comes into contact with a set of cold refrigerant coils. As the air cools down, its capacity to hold moisture decreases, causing the excess water vapor to condense into liquid water droplets on the cold coils. These water droplets are collected in a drip pan and then drained away from the unit.
Dehumidification
The removal of moisture from the air is known as dehumidification. However, although AC systems provide some levels of dehumidification, this isn’t what they’re specifically designed to do. Under standard humidity conditions, an AC will be able to provide sufficient humidity control for a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment. If you need better humidity control, we recommend you have a whole-house dehumidifier installed.
AC Humidity Struggles
An AC can struggle with humidity for a number of reasons:
- Improper Sizing: It is essential to select the right-size AC unit for a home. An oversized system may cool the air too quickly, but it won’t run long enough to remove sufficient humidity. On the other hand, an undersized unit will struggle to handle the humidity load.
- Lack of Regular Maintenance: To ensure optimum performance, regular maintenance is crucial. Clean or replace air filters, check for clogged drain lines, and keep the coils free of dust and debris. A well-maintained AC system will be more efficient in managing humidity.
- Outdated Thermostats: Consider investing in a smart thermostat that allows you to set and monitor humidity levels in addition to temperature settings. This feature allows for more precise control over your indoor environment.
Get the Cooling Help You Need
If your air conditioning system is cooling the house but leaving you feeling too humid, we recommend you call us for assistance. The problem may be with the AC itself, and we’ll need to conduct repairs to get it working right again. In some situations, we may recommend installing a whole-house dehumidifier, since ACs are not specifically designed to handle high levels of humidity. A whole-house dehumidifier will give you precise control over humidity levels in your home, and it will work in conjunction with the air conditioning to ensure the house doesn’t become too dry.