Indiana can get pretty humid in the summer. Your HVAC unit can help with that, but only up to a point. Sometimes, there’s too much humidity for your system to handle. Here’s what happens when too much HVAC moisture overwhelms your AC.
Signs of Excess Moisture
Dehumidifying the air is only a side effect of the HVAC process. It’s not what the system was designed for. Therefore, in very high humidity, your unit may not cool your home properly. This is because the moisture in the air makes the temperature feel higher than it actually is. If you’re running the AC but the air still feels warm and damp, then the humidity is likely too high.
Other signs of excess moisture in your home include condensation on the windows or mirrors and a wet, musty smell in the house. You may even notice mold or mildew growing in areas that already have a lot of moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room.
On the other hand, if the air feels cold and clammy, with disparate temperatures across rooms, the problem may be that your system is the wrong size. If your AC is too big, it can lead to excess HVAC moisture, poor cooling, and other problems. Talk to your HVAC contractor to see what size unit your home needs.
Solutions to HVAC Moisture
Consider a variable-speed air handler. A single-speed blower always runs on full blast, no matter the temperature. This means that in milder weather, it might not run long enough to dehumidify your home properly. A variable-speed air handler allows the system to run longer and remove more moisture from the air without wasting energy.
Your best solution for humidity control, though, is a whole-home dehumidifier. Designed to remove excess moisture from the air, it can help keep your home’s humidity levels at a healthy level (between 30% and 50%). It will also improve your overall home comfort and can even save you energy.
For help controlling HVAC moisture, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Indianapolis area.
