While many homeowners believe that their air conditioner’s sole purpose is to cool the home, that’s actually not true. Air conditioners are also responsible for dehumidifying your home. However, if your air conditioning system is running but your home still feels damp and muggy, what’s going wrong? We’ll explain the answers in our most recent blog.
Negative Effects of High Humidity
Increased Mold and Bacteria
Mold and bacteria thrive in damp environments with humidity over 60%. If you’re living in a home that constantly feels damp and humid, it’s possible that mold and bacteria are beginning to grow. These contaminants can lead to a variety of respiratory issues, especially in those who suffer from asthma and allergies.
Decreased Comfort
Nobody likes spending time in a humid environment during the summer months. On top of making you feel sweaty and sticky, high humidity can cause temperatures to feel much higher than they actually are. This happens as humidity prevents your body from regulating its temperature and cooling down. Being in a humid environment for too long can lead to dangerous conditions, such as dehydration.
Damage to the Home
Unfortunately, your home and many of the belongings within it don’t get along with high humidity. On top of causing mold and mildew, high indoor humidity can cause damage to paint and wallpaper, rot furniture and flooring, and even crack your walls. Many of these issues can be very expensive to fix or replace, so act sooner rather than later.
What Might Be Causing High Humidity
If your AC unit is running, yet you’re noticing that your home feels damp, a number of issues could be at play.
The AC Isn’t On Frequently Enough
Your air conditioner reduces humidity by introducing cool air that isn’t holding nearly as much moisture as warmer air. The simplest solution to your high-humidity problem is to keep your AC on more often. Allowing the system to cycle as it should will ensure that your air conditioner is doing everything it can to lower your home’s humidity. If your AC unit is oversized for your home, it may not be running long enough to get the benefit of dehumidification.
Your System Needs Repairs
Because a key job of your air conditioner is to dehumidify your home, it’s important your AC is operating well. Any issues within your AC unit can cause it to not work as well as it should, leaving you with more humid air than you may have previously had.
You Should Install a Dehumidifier
If you’ve allowed your air conditioning system to run more frequently and you’ve had your system inspected for any issues, your next step might be to install a whole-home dehumidifier. Doing so can lower energy costs, control moisture, and help those within your home feel more comfortable, among other benefits.
How to Resolve Humidity Issues
Whenever you experience any HVAC-related issues, it’s important that you get in touch with an HVAC professional to inspect and diagnose your systems. Doing so will ensure that you take the next best steps to improve your home’s comfort and safety.
Living in a hot, damp home can take a toll on anyone. Be sure to get in touch with a professional as soon as possible in order to limit the damage done to your home and family by high relative humidity rates.
Contact Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators to Fix High Humidity Levels
The professional technicians at Doc Dancer Plumbing, Heating, AC & Generators provide high-quality HVAC and indoor air quality services to homes in Fort Wayne, IN and the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals as soon as you notice any issues within your home such as high humidity levels. We’ll show up as soon as possible to provide the necessary service and restore your home’s safety and comfort levels.
