Air conditioners work to dehumidify the air to improve comfort. However, in humid climates like Florida, your unit may be ineffective in removing excess moisture. Therefore, you may question your AC efficiency in Tampa, especially if you cannot manage uncomfortable temperatures inside your home.
While most new ACs have a dehumidifier, some old ones do not. In an updated system, the AC evaporator coils reduce humidity by condensing water vapor into liquid and draining the excess. Typically, these systems effectively dehumidify your home. However, when humidity levels surge, they become strained. In this instance, your building will feel warmer than it is. Consequently, you must run the AC harder and longer to achieve the desired cooling effects.
What is Humidity?
In general, humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. Then your home feels more moist. As a Florida resident where heat waves are prominent, this problem may happen frequently.
There are two ways of measuring humidity: relative vs. absolute.
Relative Humidity is expressed as grams of water vapor per cubic meter volume of air, which measures the actual amount of water vapor in the air.
Absolute Humidity is typically expressed as a percent, also measuring water vapor. However, the value is relative to the temperature in the air.
What we feel outside is the actual amount of moisture in the air or absolute humidity.
How Much Humidity Is Too Much?
High humidity outdoors can negatively affect your HVAC system’s cooling potential and indoor comfort. As humidity increases, it becomes intolerable. In fact, HVAC experts recommend that humidity levels remain below 60%.
Signs Of A Humid Home
If you want to determine whether your home is too humid, here are the following signs:
- Fogging windows
- Drastic temperature fluctuations
- The air smells damp and musty
- Moisture buildup on home surfaces
How Does Humidity Affect Your AC?
- AC Runs Over Time.
With high moisture levels in the air, your AC has to work twice as hard, making the system function less efficiently.
- Temperature Instability
When there’s a strain on your unit, it cancels out the cooling effect, leading to temperature instability.
- System Wear and Tear
Frequent humidity causes an ongoing strain on your system, causing wear and tear. As a result, your AC may require more maintenance and part replacement.
- Potential Condensate Drain Leakage
When moisture buildup is left unmanaged, your condensate drains may leak. Normally, they drain excess moisture outside the house. However, excess condensation below the drain can compromise your AC and cause water damage in your home.
- Growth of Mold and Mildew
If your system is not maintained to manage moisture and your condensate pans leak, you may be at risk for mold and mildew growth.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
Consistent humidity in your home accumulates condensation on your evaporator coils, which may cause them to freeze. Once frozen, you must turn the system off to defrost, which makes your home hotter.
- Increased Power Usage and High Utility Bill
When your AC is overworked, it requires more power to operate. Therefore, you’re utility bill may increase.
Tips To Reduce Humidity In Your Home
If you’re concerned about AC efficiency in Tampa, Florida, you have several options.
- Use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers pull in the surrounding air, pass it over cooling coils, and use condensation to pull moisture and drop it into a reservoir. Then, it releases the filtered air back into the room. By purchasing a portable dehumidifier or making sure your HVAC system is equipped with one, you will have better moisture control.
- Insulate Your Home
To prevent hot air from entering your home, ensure it’s well insulated. For example, seal the windows, doors, and garage to avoid air leaks. Doing so stops cold air from escaping and hot air from infiltrating your indoor space.
- Use Exhaust / Ventilation Fans
Exhaust fans can draw the moisture up and divert it back outside your home. For instance, if you’re cooking, that adds heat and humidity, so ventilation fans are great for preventing moisture buildup.
- Get A Humidity Monitor (Hygrometer)
A hygrometer is an inexpensive device to monitor water vapor in the air. It’s a fantastic way to inform you of the moisture levels, which allows you to use different methods to lower the humidity.
Consult Action Air Conditioning For Your AC Needs
Are you concerned about AC efficiency in Tampa? Don’t worry! Action Air experts are experienced professionals trained to manage your HVAC needs. We specialize in:
- Installation
- Repair
- Maintenance
- Inspection
- Mini-split ductless AC
- Improving indoor air quality
- Dehumidification
- Heating Repair
For all your HVAC concerns, we provide a reliable, worry-free operation. Don’t hesitate to call us today to speak with one of our customer service representatives or to book a FREE estimate.