The air conditioning system in your San Antonio home is intended for your comfort. It should not only cool your house but also reduce indoor humidity. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Your AC can cause many problems if you don’t know how to maintain it properly, and one of the most common issues is high humidity levels. You might wonder why your house is so humid despite the AC. There are a few reasons for this to happen, and it’s essential to understand them. At MD Air Conditioning & Heating, we help determine home humidity levels and advise homeowners on what to do about them. What follows here are four reasons why your home might feel humid even though your AC is running.
1. Very High Outdoor Humidity Levels
It becomes harder to keep the indoor humidity low when the humidity outside is very high. At times like that, an air conditioner struggles with cooling and dehumidification. You will likely realize that this was the cause of your problem after the outdoor temperature and humidity level go back down and the indoor humidity level returns to normal. Try to reduce the cooling load of your air conditioner by installing blinds or draperies and sealing any gaps around your doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
2. Wrong Fan Settings
When the air conditioner is running, it cools the air, removing moisture and leaving you in a comfortable environment. Running the fan on your HVAC system while the air conditioner is off circulates air throughout the home without the cooling effect. The air coming from your vents in this scenario will probably be humid. Many homeowners might think their AC is on due to the air circulation, but when the AC is off, it only comes from the blower. Make sure the fan is set to “Auto” instead of “On.”
There is a possibility that the blower is the leading cause of the excess humidity in your home. Never run it around the clock when humidity levels are high. If you set the thermostat to “Auto,” the fan will only come on while the air conditioner is engaged. That’s preferable to running the fan nonstop, and it also saves a significant amount of energy.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil can freeze during the summer and make your home feel humid. The frost and ice on the coil will prevent the refrigerant from absorbing heat to lower the temperature of the air and remove moisture from it. There are various causes of frozen coils. The situation could be due to a dirty air filter, a clogged condensate drain, or a leak that has left your AC low on refrigerant.
Just turn your AC unit off until the evaporator coil has thawed. Ensure that there is enough airflow around it. For this procedure, it is good to have the fan on by itself. Check the air filter and replace it if necessary. Ensure that the outdoor unit is free from debris and the ductwork indoors isn’t blocked. If these efforts don’t correct your problem, reach out to us at MD Air Conditioning & Heating. Our certified HVAC technicians can clear condensate drain clogs, identify and fix refrigerant leaks, and recharge the system with refrigerant to prevent the issue of freezing from recurring.
4. Dirty Condenser Coil
Many homes in San Antonio and other warmer climates get too humid because of a dirty condenser coil. This component is located outside. It compresses the refrigerant back into its liquid state and dissipates the heat outdoors. When grime, dirt, and dust collect on it, they block heat transfer and prevent the refrigerant from doing its job. Once the refrigerant’s cycles are altered or disrupted, the air conditioner won’t be effective at optimally removing humidity from the air.
To fix this problem, clean the coil. Condenser coils can be a hassle to clean on your own, but the chore is normally included as part of an AC maintenance tune-up. Schedule routine maintenance with our technicians at MD Air Conditioning & Heating, and we’ll inspect your air conditioner for this and any other issues.
If your cooling system isn’t effectively controlling the humidity in your San Antonio home, there could be unpleasant consequences like a damp basement or mold formation. You have a right to expect more, and your AC should deliver it. At MD Air Conditioning & Heating, we know how to correct this situation, so put your trust in us. After all, we have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Our services include both residential and commercial installation, repair, and maintenance of air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality equipment. Call us today, and we’ll set up an appointment.
Tags: AC Tips