Humid Summers And The HVAC System: What You Need To Know About Lowering Humidity Levels

August 17, 2023

---

A comfortable and balanced humidity level in your Kansas City home is crucial for the overall well-being of you and your loved ones. The HVAC system plays a significant role in controlling and lowering humidity levels and every homeowner needs to know how.

The HVAC system acts as more than just a temperature regulator. It also plays a vital role in dehumidifying your home. As warm air circulates through the system, it passes over the evaporator coil, where moisture is removed and condensed. This condensation is then drained away, effectively reducing the humidity level in your home. By properly maintaining and operating your HVAC system, you can keep humidity levels in check and create a more comfortable living environment.

However, several factors can contribute to high humidity levels in your home, even with a properly-functioning HVAC system.

1. Oversized HVAC system

An HVAC system that is too large for your home’s square footage can lead to short cycling. This means the system cools the air too quickly without effectively removing moisture. As a result, the humidity level remains high, causing discomfort and potential issues like mold growth.

2. Single speed

HVAC systems with a single-speed fan may struggle to effectively remove humidity. The fan operates at a constant speed, which may not be sufficient to dehumidify the air adequately. Consider upgrading to a variable-speed system that can adjust fan speed based on the humidity level, improving overall moisture control.

3. Negative air pressure

Negative air pressure occurs when the air inside your home is being continuously drawn out, leading to an imbalance between indoor and outdoor air pressure. This can result in excess outdoor air entering the home, bringing with it moisture. Proper ventilation and sealing any air leaks can help address negative air pressure and reduce humidity.

4. Old unit

An aging HVAC system may not operate efficiently, leading to poor humidity control. Over time, wear and tear can impact the system’s ability to effectively dehumidify the air. Consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient unit that offers enhanced humidity control features. This will help in lowering humidity levels in your home.

If you’re dealing with high humidity levels in your home, it’s time to take action. Schedule professional HVAC services with Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Rooter to assess your system, identify any underlying issues, and provide the necessary repairs or recommendations.