Reasons Your AC Isn't Controlling Indoor Humidity Effectively
Stuffiness, combined with summer heat, creates uncomfortable conditions that, if severe, can make the home unbearable. To avert this, an air conditioner expels heat from the air as it simultaneously dehumidifies it. However, the appliance could be faulty if you notice a heavy and musty atmosphere while your AC runs. Therefore, you should hire the services of an AC technician to diagnose your system for malfunctions and remedy it for optimum indoor humidity levels. Below are reasons why your AC may fail to control indoor humidity.
An Incorrectly Sized AC
If your AC unit is oversized relative to your home, it will constantly short-cycle, turning on and off without attaining the set temperature, thus not dehumidifying the air. In addition, an undersized AC runs continuously for long periods without expelling moisture, straining to attain the set temperature. This indicates that the evaporator coil is not large enough, and thus, you should engage an AC contractor to calculate your house's square footage for an adequately-sized AC that sufficiently meets your needs.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Over time, your filters may clog with dirt and debris if they aren't well maintained. Not only do clogged filters impede airflow, but they also allow contaminants to make their way into the system. Thus, if the airflow is hampered, the evaporator coils freeze due to the cold refrigerant flowing across the coils without adequate air for heat absorption. Consequently, frozen evaporator coils cannot expel humidity from the air. To resolve this, you should contact an AC professional to thaw the frost on the coils and clean your air filters for adequate airflow and, thus, proper dehumidification.
Wrong Fan Settings
If the fan is set to ON instead of AUTO, it could run even when your AC is off. As a result, humidity remains high because your system blows moisture back into the house. Since this setting provides a constant supply of air circulation throughout your house, it is vital that you adjust the setting to AUTO. This ensures the fan only runs when the AC is running the cooling cycles, removing moisture and reducing indoor humidity levels.
Aging AC Unit
Over its years of service, your AC undergoes wear and tear, reducing its performance. For example, your evaporator coils inevitably corrode over time, making the coils weaker and developing leaks. As a result, the coolant leaks, impeding heat absorption, which reduces the coils' ability to remove moisture and results in warm and humid air from the vents.
A well-serviced AC system consistently delivers optimal temperatures and reduces humidity levels. Thus, you should hire an AC technician to regularly tune up your system and ensure it's cooling and controlling humidity levels effectively. For more information on air conditioners, contact a professional near you.
