When the heat and humidity of the outside air increases, most homeowners will start shifting from their furnace to a central air conditioning system to ensure the comfort of their home. What many people may not realize though, is that humidity can have an impact on the comfort and performance of an HVAC system in cold and warm weather. Because one of the most important functions of an air conditioner is to remove excess moisture from the air, it makes sense that the process can overload your air conditioner if humidity levels are too high, and can reduce its performance as the warmer months approach. At Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas, TX, our team of skilled HVAC technicians understands just how important it is to have a fully functioning HVAC system as the season shifts from winter into spring and then summer.
Believe it or not, a certain amount of water is very important for heating and air conditioning. However, many homeowners do not know the right humidity for their homes. To avoid problems, most people will settle for either dry air, or microbial growth, but both will result in poor health. That’s why we decided to share some information on how water affects heating and air. If you’re not sure about the right humidity levels for your home, there is a series of tests available to determine the right humidity for your home. This ensures that all air in your home will have the right moisture content to keep the house clean and healthy.
Finding the Right Humidity Level Makes a Difference
If your air conditioning system is functioning effectively, it will extract heat and moisture from your living area and thus ensure a comfortable climate. If not, you might not get the level of comfort you want for your home, regardless of the temperature setting you use. What most people don’t realize is that too much moisture in the air can be just and problematic as too little.
When humidity is high, it makes sense that the air conditioner works harder to keep the house cool. If you are dealing with a system that is older, inefficient, or has the wrong dimensions, it might not be able to perform as expected. Your home may feel warmer than it really is because the air still holds additional moisture that was not properly disposed of.
What’s more – the system will work longer and harder without giving the desired results. This increases device wear and can result in higher electricity bills. It is important to know that air conditioners with higher capacities do not necessarily produce the desired cooling effect in your home. It is very important that your system is precisely dimensioned by a specialist for your unique home. If you use a central air conditioner but don’t get the desired results, you can assume that one of the problems is excessive humidity.
There is Such a Thing as Too Much Moisture
It is a good idea to have a moisture management plan in place before the hot months of summer begin. Moisture values below 60% are recommended by most interior comfort experts during the summer months. The most effective and reliable way to control humidity in your home is to install a dehumidifier directly in your HVAC system with the help of a professional.
Dehumidifiers work with your air conditioner to extract excess water from the air before it is delivered to your home. An experienced HVAC specialist can recommend a compatible dehumidifier for your HVAC system. If you have installed a new system, it is recommended to add a dehumidifier as part of the installation process.
Ask Ellis Air Conditioning and Heating in Dallas, Texas For More Advice
Maintaining the right level of humidity in your home is important throughout the year. Whether you’re running the furnace in winter, or cranking up the air conditioning unit in summer, there is always a chance that your indoor air quality, energy bills, and even your health could be affected by too much (or too little) moisture in the air. Instead of struggling through the process of trying to get everything balanced on your own, it is always best to reach out to a team of experienced HVAC technicians like ours so you can get the help and guidance you need. To find out more about our services, or to get started on your own system, don’t hesitate to contact us right away!