Many different causes can create high humidity levels inside. Even though you are running your air conditioning, that doesn’t always prevent high levels of humidity in your home.
High humidity levels can negatively affect your and your family’s comfort levels, air quality, and the structural integrity of your home. For all of these reasons, it’s important that you find what’s causing the high humidity levels to address the issue appropriately.
To best get to the bottom of what’s causing high humidity levels within your home, even while running the air conditioning, it’s crucial to hire the help of qualified HVAC technicians in Douglassville, PA.
Instead of wondering, “Why is my house so humid with the AC on?” you’ll get the answers you need to ensure your property maintains a comfortable humidity level.
Mechanical Reasons for High Humidity
There are many working parts that contribute to a properly functioning air conditioner unit. However, if one of these components experiences damage or isn’t working appropriately, it can cause humidity levels to rise within your home.
Continue reading to explore some of the most common mechanical problems that may arise within your air conditioner that contribute to excessive indoor humidity.
Problems with AC Coils
One of the first complications that can cause your air conditioner unit to malfunction and create excess humidity is a frozen AC evaporator coil. Sometimes ice or rust builds up on the coils during winter, preventing the refrigerant from flowing throughout the unit appropriately.
When this occurs, the AC unit cannot absorb the heat in the air before pushing it through your home. If this happens, then your AC unit is likely pushing muggy and humid warm air throughout your vents.
Leaking Refrigerant
If an AC unit has lower refrigerant levels, it interferes with its ability to cool down the air before distributing it inside your home. Any leaks require powering down the AC and scheduling a professional inspection. During this inspection, a professional locates the refrigerant leak, checks exhaust fans, and performs a repair to prevent warm, muggy air from circulating.
AC Unit Is Old
Unfortunately, AC units are not built to last the entirety of a home’s lifespan. Another common culprit contributing to excessive humidity in homes while using your air conditioner is if your AC unit is older than 15 years.
If this is the case, then it’s likely the unit is efficient and may be contributing to high humidity levels. In order to determine if your AC needs replacement, you should have a qualified technician inspect your air conditioner.
In return, you’ll have the peace of mind that your AC is working as efficiently as possible, saving you considerable time and money while also preventing excessive humidity.
Other Explanations for Excess Humidity
While mechanical problems do make up a large portion of the reason for high humidity levels, they’re not the only culprit. In fact, there are many other contributing factors that may be adding excessive moisture to the air.
Cooking and Bathing without Ventilation
Even though it seems minimal, certain activities inside the home may contribute to increased humidity levels. For example, cooking, like boiling water, can release moisture into the air that adds to the relative humidity.
Bathing is another activity that can create rising humidity levels. If you do not have proper ventilation to release excess humidity during bathing and cooking, it will gradually raise moisture levels.
Overcrowded Home
Maybe your air conditioner typically works well, and the humidity levels stay consistent. However, when you have a lot of people over, your humidity levels tend to spike. This increase is due to warmth, perspiration, and moisture from each guest. Overcrowding with too many people inside a home makes it much harder for your AC unit to effectively cool off your home and keep humidity levels low.
High Humidity Outside
While it seems simple, it’s important to note that the humidity levels outside affect the inside of the home. In a muggy, humid climate, humidity levels naturally increase, and this humidity cannot be completely mitigated by an AC unit.
Dangers of High Humidity
You might be wondering if high humidity levels are really something that you should be worried about—in fact, they are. High humidity levels can cause adverse health effects and damage to your home and appliances.
Here is a brief list of some of the most common dangers that can come with high humidity levels inside the home.
- Optimal environment for mold and mildew growth
- Potential damages to wood and other organic materials
- Interior damage to walls, ceilings, and paint
- Health risks like low energy, heat stroke, fatigue, and dehydration
- Overworking an AC unit leading to decreased lifespan
It’s critical that you do not ignore high humidity levels inside the home. To best treat the problem, always rely on a trusted team of professional HVAC technicians to assess your specific situation.
What’s the Ideal Indoor Air Humidity Level?
Most of the time, the ideal humidity level for health and comfort is between 30 and 50%. In order to achieve this humidity level, you may need to use a humidifier or dehumidifier. However, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of setting your AC or heat to an optimal temperature, which will help your home remain at a healthy humidity level.
The best temperature to set an air conditioner in winter is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let Professionals Handle Your AC Unit for Optimal Humidity Levels
Take care of your home’s air quality and humidity levels with professional air conditioning and heating services from Topline Heating & Air.
Topline Heating & Air features a dedicated team of HVAC professionals that provide knowledgeable technicians, industry-leading warranties, and friendly services to every client. They’ll ensure your home’s air conditioner is working and that your home features optimal humidity levels for safety and comfort.
Instead of wondering, “Why is my house so humid with the AC on?” get answers by calling Topline Heating & Air today at (717) 628-6825!