How Humidity Affects HVAC Systems

Excessive humidity can not only make one feel hot during the summer, but also affects the performance of HVAC systems. It takes more energy to achieve optimal indoor temperature when the humidity is too low or high. Modern units come with dehumidifiers and humidifiers to regulate the humidity level.

Effects of Humidity on Air Conditioning

Air Conditioners work by removing excess moisture and heat from the air. If the level of humidity is too high, the unit is forced to work harder. Common symptoms of high humidity include moist air that produces a clammy feel on one’s skin, foggy windows and an unpleasant odor. Units without sufficient cooling capacity find it hard to cope with extreme humidity. As a result, the home never feels comfortable for the inhabitants.

HVAC Systems and Cooling Capacity

A common misconception is that large, powerful units cool homes more effectively. In such cases, the system is usually unable to effectively remove moisture. Because the unit doesn’t run often, it doesn’t get the chance to remove the moisture that’s in the air. This means that the humidity level in your home remains high. It’s therefore vital for one to purchase an AC system that suits their home.

Dehumidifiers

A dehumidifier would be the best option for dealing with excess humidity. When installed on a HVAC system, this appliance pulls moisture from the air before it gets into the house. It’s therefore possible to adjust both the temperature and humidity level simultaneously. Keeping the humidity levels in check means that ACs run more effectively.

Humidity and Heating

During the winter, humidity levels drop significantly. This makes a home feel much cooler than it really is. The heat pump/furnace is thus forced to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature within the house. If humidity levels fall below 50%, the ideal thermostat range of between 71 and 77 degrees doesn’t produce comfortable results. The apparent temperature within the home usually feels too low.

To deal with low humidity, you need to install a humidifier to the HVAC system. This moisturizes the air before it enters a house. The home’s relative humidity is maintained above 50%, which makes the apparent temperature feel warmer. This results in a more comfortable home and increased efficiency.

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