Air conditioners can lower indoor humidity levels by removing some of the water vapor from the air, though their performance can vary greatly depending on the model, its features and age. Also, most A/Cs do struggle to remove moisture from the air when it gets very humid. Naturally, the main purpose of an air conditioner is cooling, and that is what they are structured to do. When both heat and humidity is a problem, you may need an air conditioner and dehumidifier.
Humidity and comfort
When relative humidity levels climb to over 50 or 60 percent, the air starts to feel damp and sticky. In warm weather, this will make you feel hotter. At any temperature, high humidity feels unpleasant.
High humidity also contributes to poor indoor air quality by providing a welcome environment for mold, mildew and bacterial growth. Dehumidification will reduce the risk of mold and other allergens and make your home feel more comfortable.
How dehumidifiers work
Dehumidifiers pull in air from a room or area, remove the moisture and return air that is fresher and dryer. A sensor called a humidistat tells the dehumidifier when to cycle on or off. There are small dehumidifiers meant to be used in individual rooms, but if most rooms in your home are humid, it’s best to get a whole-house dehumidifier. These systems are attached directly to your HVAC system, and usually drain the removed moisture/water into a household drain. They are much quieter than a portable dehumidifier, and can operate without your cooling or heating system operating, if necessary.
How to know when humidity levels are too high
If your home smells musty and dank, you probably have a humidity problem. To determine precise humidity levels of an area in your home, use a hygrometer. You can pick these up at an affordable price at most home improvement stores.
If the hygrometer shows the relative humidity is above 50 percent in the summer, consider using both the air conditioner and dehumidifier. You may find you can run your A/C less frequently or at a more energy-efficient setting. Dry air just naturally makes you feel cooler.
If you have any questions or you would like to learn more about how to enhance home comfort, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving Twin Cities Metro area for over three decades.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about dehumidifiers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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