High humidity can put a strain on AC units

There’s nothing as refreshing as a comfortable, cool house after being outside in the summer heat all day long, especially when you consider the humid days for which summer is known. Just like the extremely humid days have a negative affect on human bodies, the humidity can also put a strain on our AC units.

Air conditioners are built to cool homes by removing heat and moisture from the air, by circulating that air through the cooling system. However, when humidity levels are on the high side, the AC has to work harder to remove the moisture from the house. This ultimately can leave your AC unable to cope with extreme humidity, especially if your AC hasn’t been serviced and isn’t at 100 percent function.

The reason this occurs is due to the humidity levels of the air. The higher the humidity, the less ability the cooling function of the AC has. The result is a home feeling warmer than it actually is and a higher electric bill.

So how do we combat that issue, especially during the summer months when many are coming and going? To begin with, the ideal humidity level in a house is recommended to be between 30 percent and 50 percent. This is not only comfortable, but also proven to help when it comes our health. Once the humidity values climb above 50 percent, this is where it can really begin to strain your AC. Some common things you can look for in your home to determine if you have high humidity is moist air, foggy windows, and a musty smell.

The single best way to lower the humidity values in your house is by investing in a dehumidifer or having one installed on your HVAC. Doing this will not only ensure that you have a comfortable house, but that your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible. It’s also important to use an exhaust fan to make sure your air conditioner is working as efficiently as possible. As for your AC, always make sure you leave your fan setting set to auto, as this will allow the moisture collected from the air to drain as it should.

Doing these things will not only provide you with a lower electric bill, but will have it feeling comfortable indoors during the extreme heat of the summer.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack as we continue to monitor the humid conditions and follow us on Twitter @ABC17Stormtrack.