As the scorching heat of summer approaches, many homeowners start to wonder: Can my air conditioner handle the humidity as well as the heat?
It’s a common question, and we’re here to shed some light on this topic. While air conditioners do remove some humidity from the air as they cool your home, they’re not specifically designed for this purpose. In this blog post, we’ll delve into why ACs might struggle with humidity, the limitations they face, and our recommended solution: a whole-house dehumidifier in Brighton, MI.
Understanding ACs and Humidity
Air conditioners work by circulating refrigerant through a system of coils, which absorbs heat from the indoor air and transfers it outside. As this process occurs, moisture in the air condenses on the cold coils and is drained away. This is why you might notice water dripping from your AC unit on hot days – it’s removing humidity along with the heat.
However, ACs are primarily designed to regulate temperature, not humidity. While they do remove some moisture from the air, their capacity to dehumidify is limited. On extremely humid days, when moisture levels are high, your AC might struggle to keep up. This can lead to a feeling of stickiness and discomfort indoors, even if the temperature is cool.
There are a few reasons why air conditioners might struggle to handle humidity effectively:
- Oversized AC Units: Many homeowners mistakenly believe that a bigger AC unit will provide better cooling and dehumidification. However, oversized units can actually lead to short-cycling, where the AC turns on and off frequently without properly dehumidifying the air.
- High Humidity Levels: In regions with consistently high humidity, such as coastal areas, ACs may not be able to remove enough moisture from the air to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
- Poor Maintenance: A dirty air filter or clogged condensate drain can hinder your AC’s ability to remove humidity efficiently. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance.
Introducing Whole-House Dehumidifiers
If you’re struggling with indoor humidity despite running your AC, a whole-house dehumidifier could be the solution. Unlike portable dehumidifiers, which only target specific areas, whole-house dehumidifiers are installed directly into your HVAC system. They work in tandem with your AC to remove excess moisture from the air throughout your entire home. Here are some of their best benefits.
- Improved Comfort: By maintaining optimal humidity levels, whole-house dehumidifiers help create a more comfortable indoor environment, free from that sticky, clammy feeling.
- Healthier Indoor Air Quality: Excess humidity can promote the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, leading to respiratory issues and allergies. By controlling humidity, whole-house dehumidifiers help improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
- Energy Savings: By reducing the workload on your AC, whole-house dehumidifiers can actually help lower your energy bills in the long run.
Call the Professionals
If you’re considering installing a whole-house dehumidifier, it’s important to consult with HVAC professionals like us at First Choice. Our team can assess your home’s specific needs and recommend the right solution for you. We’ll handle the installation process efficiently and ensure that your new dehumidifier integrates seamlessly with your existing HVAC system.
First Choice Heating & Cooling serves Fenton and the surrounding areas. If your home had a voice … it would call First Choice!