Will Your AC Dehumidify Your Home?
Summers in Atlanta consistently deliver a brutal combination of heat and humidity, keeping HVAC service providers in Atlanta busy throughout the season. Air conditioning units typically do a good job of making sure that heat and moisture stay outside, but extreme levels of moisture put a strain on even the most well-maintained HVAC systems.
Increasingly warm and sticky air inside your home is usually a sign that there could be something seriously wrong with your AC. This Is especially true if you feel little to no cool air coming from your vents or the temperature in your home rises above 80 degrees.
However, increased humidity in your home doesn’t always mean your AC unit is failing. If you’re still getting cool air and you live in a particularly humid climate, your AC may just be struggling to keep up.
Know Your HVAC System Limits
While it’s true that your AC unit controls both heat and humidity, its primary function is removing heat. Dehumidification is simply a byproduct of the way modern air conditioners cool air.
When your unit cools your home, it does so by pulling in hot air and cooling it by pulling it over coils filled with refrigerant. This process also removes water vapor from the air, which then condenses on the coils and eventually drains away.
When too much water vapor condenses on the coils, it reduces air flow. This can cause the coil to freeze, which may eventually cause the compressor to fail.
Do You Need a Dehumidifier?
In most climates, an AC unit is all that’s needed to keep indoor humidity in check. In more tropical climates, like Georgia and Florida, your AC may need a helping hand.
Increased humidity in your home does more than just make it uncomfortable. Higher levels of water vapor in the air encourage the growth of mold and mildew, cause damage to wood and electronics, and can even attract pests like cockroaches and dust mites into your home.
Adding a dehumidifier will keep you comfortable and protect your home. It may also reduce your cooling bills. Less humidity means your AC won’t have to work as hard or as long to properly cool the air.
Alternative Ways to Reduce Humidity
If you’re not ready to add a dehumidifier to your home just yet, there are other steps you can take to help your AC out.
- Use an externally venting exhaust fan when you cook, shower, or dry your clothes
- Keep your plants outside
- Turn on ceiling fans
- Don’t set your thermostat to the “fan on” position
These steps won’t be as effective as a dehumidifier, but they can make the air in your home more comfortable and lessen the strain on your HVAC system.
Consult with the Experts
If your AC unit can’t seem to keep up with the sticky summer heat or you just want to lighten the load on your HVAC system, the experts at Anytime Heating and Cooling, Inc. can help you find the best solutions and services for your needs. Contact us or call 770-504-5881 to set up a free consultation.