You’ve likely heard the expression before, “It’s not the heat, but the humidity.” It can be fairly easy to stay comfortable on hot days when it remains dry, but as the humidity rises, it can become unbearable. The same is true for cold weather. High humidity seems to make the hot, hotter and the cold, colder.
Fortunately, modern technology provides us with a convenient method to reduce humidity - the air conditioner. Anyone who lives in an area that is prone to high temperatures and muggy weather knows that relief is imminent when you have a properly functioning air conditioning system to ease the problem. Being able to reduce the humidity makes families more comfortable in their homes.
How Air Conditioners Lower Humidity
Most modern HVAC systems are capable of regulating humidity. Your HVAC System has an evaporator coil that condenses water vapor from the air, in a process similar to when condensation appears on the outside of a glass containing a cold beverage.
This occurs when hot, moist air in your home comes in contact with the cold evaporator coil. The liquid is then condensed out of the air, making your home less humid. The moisture collected by the evaporator coil goes to a drain and then is sent outside, away from your home or office building.
Some older air conditioners might have issues regulating the humidity in a home. Learn more about the signs that your HVAC system is properly regulating humidity.
Do All Sizes of Air Conditioners Control Humidity?
It’s important to make sure your air conditioner is the right size for the job you want it to do. Your air conditioner will be effective at controlling humidity only if it is correctly sized for the amount of work it needs to do. For example, a window unit that's designed for a small room such as a home office will not function properly in a large master bedroom or great room.
A central air conditioning system needs to have sufficient power to move cooled air throughout your space. A professional HVAC specialist can calculate the appropriate size needed for your HVAC system based on the size of your home and what climate zone you live in.
Your air conditioner should not be too small or too big. If the HVAC system is too large, it will tend to short cycle, with the compressor not running for a duration sufficient to dehumidify the entire building. Conversely, if your HVAC system is too small, it may not be powerful enough to keep your house at a comfortable temperature during the extreme summer and winter months.
Do you know what size AC you need? Click here to learn how to choose the right size AC.
The Benefits of Reducing Humidity
The reason people feel so uncomfortable when humidity levels rise is because our bodies cool off by perspiring. When your location is humid, the air has more moisture in it, making it more difficult for our sweat to evaporate.
With lower temperatures, the air grows less humid and more receptive to the evaporation of our perspiration. The result is that you feel more comfortable.
Not only can achieving the right balance of humidity make you more comfortable, it can also help you fight off the flu. Read more here about ways your HVAC can help you fight the flu.
To Effectively Regulate the Humidity in Your Home, Contact a Professional
If your air conditioner doesn't seem to be functioning as well as it used to, or if you are getting ready to purchase a new air conditioning system, it's essential to contact the professionals at David Gray Heating & Air. We provide service for the greater Jacksonville, Florida area.
Our friendly staff is standing by to answer any questions you may have or to set up an appointment for service or installation of new equipment at your location. As the weather gets increasingly warmer, you'll be glad to have a properly functioning air conditioner to help you beat the heat and humidity. We're looking forward to helping you.