In consistently cloudy weather, the chance for higher levels of humidity rises. When that happens, even the air inside your home or business can become muggy and uncomfortable. The cooling capacity of your system can be negatively affected by continuous humid conditions that create moisture. Excessive humidity levels cause your air conditioning system to work harder to remove heat and moisture from the air, which can keep your home (or business) from ever feeling truly comfortable. Recognizing the signs of increased indoor humidity can increase the life of your air conditioning system and save on energy costs.

Humidity and Your System’s Cooling Capacity

When humidity levels inside your home begin to mirror the humid conditions of outside air, the cooling effect is significantly reduced or cut out altogether, creating an adverse effect on the cooling capacity of the entire air conditioning system. High humidity makes the indoor temperature seem higher than it actually is, and people tend to keep their air conditioning systems running longer. This can overwork a system, and it can keep a system from adequately removing moisture from the air. The most likely result is higher energy costs for a home that is not cooled effectively. In which case, the size of your air conditioner could make a difference. A larger unit does not ensure more cooling capacity, so it is important to invest in an air conditioner that is suitable for your home’s size. An HVAC expert can advise you on the size system that is best for your space.

Know the Signs of High Indoor Humidity

Some common signs of high indoor humidity include:

  • Unpleasant odor. Dampness caused by high humidity can lead to a musty odor in your home.
  • Vaporized water in the air can become bottled up in your home, which may cause foggy windows.
  • You may experience a sticky feel on your skin even inside your home when humidity causes the air to be moist and clammy.

Effective ductwork helps to reduce the odors caused by excessively high humidity inside your home. Adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system can be a good investment because they pull moisture from the air before it travels through the air ducts. This can also help regulate the effects of vaporized water and decrease the likelihood of dealing with foggy windows.

As spring turns into summer in Northern California, make sure that your air conditioning system is ready for the possibility of high humidity. Whether you need to revamp your ductwork, upgrade to a new air conditioner, decide on adding a dehumidifier, or just have routine maintenance done, call the experts at Dale HCS to help.