360-499-6604 High humidity levels in your house can be uncomfortable and concerning, especially when the cooling system is running. Many homeowners are unaware that humidity is associated with cooling system performance and not only outdoor weather conditions. There are many things that can cause high humidity in homes, but oftentimes, it is tied to HVAC performance.
During the warmer months, persistent indoor humidity can signal how well an AC system is managing moisture, not just temperature. Sometimes air conditioning systems struggle to control high humidity in houses and need troubleshooting.
We’re going to share how air conditioning systems impact humidity and what it can tell you about your system’s performance.
Why Air Conditioning Systems Control Humidity
Part of an air conditioning system’s job is to dehumidify the air, removing moisture. This is a normal part of its operation. Cold air can hold less moisture than warm air, and moisture is removed through condensation.
First, warm and humid air is drawn from outside to be cooled. The air is then pulled across the system’s evaporator coil which contains a refrigerant to rapidly cool the air.
Once cooled, water vapors condense into liquid droplets on the surface of the evaporator coil. The excess water drips into a collection pan to be discarded from the home. Then, the cool, dehumidified air is circulated.
Cooling cycles essentially squeeze moisture out of the air to dehumidify it while simultaneously cooling the air. Temperature control and humidity control are closely connected and are not separate functions. Air conditioners are designed to provide home comfort with cool, dehumidified air.
What High Indoor Humidity Feels Like in a Home
If your home suddenly starts to feel like a tropical rainforest, your humidity levels are off. Many homeowners also notice these signs of high humidity:
- Air feels sticky or heavy: When there is more moisture in the air, it tends to feel damp or heavy instead of cool and dry.
- Rooms feel uncomfortable even at lower thermostat settings: If you find yourself continuously turning down the thermostat, it might be the humidity that’s uncomfortable, not the temperature.
- Windows fog during warmer months: Noticing fog around the windows can indicate your home’s humidity is high.
- Hard to maintain consistent comfort: You shouldn’t need to struggle to maintain comfort with a modern HVAC system. If you find it hard to stay comfortable at home, you may have indoor humidity problems.
It’s no fun to be uncomfortable in your own home. High humidity in a house can make it feel like you’re walking through the jungle. Keep reading to learn why high humidity can occur and what to do about it.
Common Reasons Humidity Stays High When the AC Is Running
Wondering why you may be struggling with high humidity in your house? There are several common contributors to high humidity when the AC is running, including:
Short cooling cycles
Short cooling cycles occur when your air conditioning system runs in short spurts. When short cycling happens, the system doesn’t run long enough to remove moisture from the air, resulting in high humidity. The system typically shuts off before the dehumidification process can be finished.
Oversized equipment
Oversized AC equipment often causes indoor humidity issues. This is because an oversized AC is prone to short cycling. A properly sized AC system will run for longer periods or full cycles, enabling dehumidification to occur. Oversized equipment that’s too powerful causes moisture to remain in the air.
Limited airflow or circulation
Reduced airflow can sometimes cause the evaporator coil to become too cold or even freeze. This results in less air passing over the evaporator coil to remove moisture. Additionally, if the evaporator coil freezes over, it cannot effectively remove moisture from the air.
High outdoor humidity
Extremely humid outdoor conditions combined with indoor moisture sources like showering, plants, and cooking can create high humidity. Moisture is introduced when humid air infiltrates the home through leaks or unsealed areas.
Home is closed for long periods
When a house is closed for extended periods, it traps excess moisture in the home. Moisture from daily activities, like cooking, showering, or laundry, can get trapped with little ventilation. When your air conditioning system isn’t performing optimally, water vapor can accumulate in the indoor air, causing uncomfortable conditions.
How High Humidity Can Signal AC Performance Strain
Poor dehumidification or moisture removal can indicate that your AC system isn’t running optimally. An optimally functioning AC should provide consistent comfort with low humidity. This performance strain can show up as comfort imbalance, abnormal runtimes, or uneven cooling.
Indoor humidity problems are often a tell-tale sign that your air conditioning is not operating how it should. Inefficiency can be due to your system’s age, size, or other factors.
When High Humidity Warrants a System Evaluation
So, when should you have your AC evaluated for humidity issues? There are a few patterns that signal it is time to take a closer look at your HVAC system.
Persistent dampness
If you experience persistent dampness, you may want to troubleshoot your AC settings or call for a professional opinion. Persistent dampness indicates constant high humidity which can result in mold growth or wood rot.
Discomfort despite cooling
If your AC reaches the desired temperature, yet you’re still uncomfortable, high humidity is likely to blame. Your AC may be short cycling, causing dense, moisture-rich air. Temperature and humidity are connected and are both important for home comfort.
High humidity across multiple rooms
Humidity that remains high across several rooms can signal issues with your AC system’s performance. If you experience high humidity across your home, you should take the time to better understand system behavior to find the root cause.
Monitoring Indoor Humidity and Comfort Trends
As a homeowner, it’s essential to observe humidity patterns over time, using simple monitoring tools such as those built into smart thermostats. Monitor your humidity levels to ensure they remain in the recommended range of 30 to 50 percent to avoid discomfort and decreased indoor air quality.
Pay close attention to how humidity responds when the AC runs to identify issues with sizing or efficiency. If you need help understanding your HVAC system, G & G Heating is here help. Give us a call today for cooling services or help responding to high humidity in your house.
