You may love Florida’s weather, but there are a few aspects of the local climate that are not so good for your home, and one of them is the humidity. The high humidity impacts AC systems negatively, especially as the seasons change in Florida. Fortunately, the experts at Kabran Air Conditioning & Heating can help you better understand the risks and help you keep your home cool and dry.
How High Humidity Impacts AC Systems
Learning how hot, damp air affects your air conditioner is key to ensuring your AC stays in good working order. See if you can recognize these symptoms on your home’s cooling system:
Warm and Moist Air Inside the Home
Even though your AC is working hard, you can’t seem to get the temperature as cool as you’d like. That’s because high humidity makes your system work harder than usual, and it may not be able to keep up. Your system may not be powerful enough to remove all the moisture from the air, leaving you feeling hot and sticky.
Higher Energy Bills
As your AC works overtime to get the moisture out of the air, it is also using up more energy. This can result in higher energy bills.
Higher Risk of System Breakdown
If your AC is working constantly to remove humidity from the air in the home, it is wearing out its components at a faster rate. Parts of the system, such as the fan motor or compressor, may fail sooner than expected, leading to a total system breakdown.
Musty Odors Coming From Your AC
Mold thrives in humid conditions, and unfortunately, it can grow inside your home’s air ducts and on the coils of your AC. Without proper maintenance and cleaning, you could be inviting mold spores into your home by running your AC. If you notice a musty odor every time your AC runs, you may want to get professional assistance.
Leaks in Your Home’s Cooling System
All the moisture that your AC system is taking out of the air needs to go somewhere. It is why your air conditioner has a drainage system. Sometimes, there is so much moisture that it overwhelms the built-in drain. When this occurs, your system may acquire leaks that can lead to water damage.
What You Can Do to Keep Your AC Running Properly in High Humidity
You can’t avoid the damp, hot air in Florida. Still, you can help your home’s cooling system run efficiently by following a few simple tips:
Use a Dehumidifier in Your Home
Combine your air conditioner’s efforts with a portable or whole-home dehumidifier. This allows your AC to focus on cooling your air.
Check Your Home for Leaks
Leaks around your windows and doors allow hot, humid air to get inside. Seal up all the leaks to keep the moisture outside and the cool, drier air inside.
Check Air Filters Regularly
Your AC system works hard, and a dirty, clogged air filter makes its job even harder. We suggest checking the air filter once a month. Depending on the type and quality of the filter, you may need to replace it monthly or bi-monthly to keep air flowing freely. As humidity impacts AC systems, replacing filters can keep the temperature and damp air at acceptable levels in your home.
Clean the Evaporator Coils
Dust and grime can insulate the coils, causing them to work inefficiently. The coils need to be clean to allow for proper moisture removal.
Run Your Fan at a Lower Speed
Although it may seem counterintuitive, lowering fan speed can help avoid how humidity impacts AC systems. If the fan is blowing too fast, it can blow humid air back into the house.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
The best way to ensure your AC system is working properly is to keep it properly maintained all year long. Regular maintenance performed by an HVAC technician can help keep your system in good working condition, preventing costly system failures during the humid times.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up Today
Don’t wait for your air conditioner to break down! Schedule routine maintenance to prevent problems before they start. The experts at Kabran know humidity impacts AC systems. We can give your home’s cooling system the maintenance treatment it needs to keep running efficiently day after day. Contact us to schedule a tune-up. Ask us about the benefits of joining the Kabran Cool Club, which is a great way to keep your AC maintained.
