Can You Lower Humidity by Running the Air Conditioner?

Excess humidity can cause many problems, such as mold and mildew, musty rooms, structural problems, and an uncomfortable muggy feeling. That’s why it’s important to manage humidity if you want to improve indoor air quality and home comfort. 

The recommended relative humidity level is around 30 to 50 percent. Summer is typically the most challenging time of year to stay within this range. Thankfully, using the air conditioner can help. 

After all, air conditioning doesn’t solely cool your home—it also reduces humidity. Here’s a look at how this works, coupled with suggestions to manage indoor humidity levels. 

How Air Conditioning Removes Humidity 

Contrary to popular belief, your air conditioner doesn’t increase cool, dry air in your home—it takes out heat and humidity. The process requires refrigerant, which soaks up heat and moisture effectively from the indoor air. Here’s how it works: 

• Indoor air rushes through the ductwork and passes over the evaporator coil containing cold refrigerant. 
• The refrigerant stores heat, and the moisture in the air accumulates on the coil. 

• The condensation flows into the condensate pan below the evaporator coil and drains away from your home. 
• Cool, dehumidified air flows back into your home. 

How to Decrease Humidity 

Running the air conditioner will sometimes be sufficient to bring the relative humidity beneath 50 percent in dry climates. But if high humidity continues to be a problem in your home, try these tips. 

Ventilate Correctly 

Run the exhaust fan in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room when you shower, cook and wash clothes. Detached ventilation removes humidity at the source to keep these rooms a cooler temperature. You can also open a window when it’s mild outside to allow in fresh air. 

Wipe Up Standing Water 

Damp shower tiles, kitchen counters and laundry room floors elevate indoor humidity and could encourage mold spores. Clean up standing water promptly to avoid these problems. 

Use a Dehumidifier 

If you grapple with extreme humidity in the summer, think about installing a whole-house dehumidifier that operates in tandem with your air conditioner to make your entire home more comfortable. A whole-house model can even run independently of the AC to remove humidity on more temperate days without using the air conditioner. This approach saves you money and avoids that “cool but clammy” feeling. 

Flip the AC Fan to Auto 

The condensation that forms on the evaporator coil needs time to accumulate and flow away. If you use the air conditioning fan continually, the moisture won’t be able to leave your home. That’s why it’s better to adjust the fan to “auto” so it only runs when the AC compressor turns on. You should be able to find this setting easily on your thermostat. 

Replace the Air Filter Consistently 

An old filter traps dust and debris and could support mold spores if it gets wet. This introduces moisture and mold spores into your home each time the AC is running. Replace the air filter every month or as advised by the manufacturer to lower indoor humidity and increase air quality. 

Adjust the Fan Speed 

Setting the fan speed can be tricky. Higher airflow helps the AC sustain cooling demand on scorching summer days, but this may lead to shorter cycles that minimize the chance of effective dehumidification. Work with an HVAC technician to help you choose the ideal fan speed for your comfort needs. 

Check the Cleanliness of the Evaporator Coil 

A grimy coil can’t cool and dehumidify effectively. If your cooling is having trouble reaching the preferred temperature, get in touch with our HVAC specialists to inspect your cooling system and check the cleanliness of the evaporator coil. Cooling and dehumidifying efficiency should improve as a result. 

Verify the Refrigerant Charge 

A depleted supply of refrigerant can hinder your air conditioner’s ability to perform its job. Left ignored, major issues such as a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure may happen. Only a certified HVAC technician can solve refrigerant leaks and recharge the system as needed, offering you another reason to arrange an AC tune-up. 

Upgrade Your Air Conditioner 

If your home has continuous comfort trouble and your air conditioner is wearing down, it may be time for a replacement. Select a new AC unit with innovative features, such as a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and variable blower motor. A TXV delivers the perfect amount of refrigerant based on the air temperature, and a variable blower motor adjusts the fan speed to meet demand. Both features increase cooling and dehumidifying performance. 

Manage Indoor Humidity with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

If you believe it’s time to put in a whole-house dehumidifier or swap out your air conditioning, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Our HVAC services are tailored to optimize home comfort and energy efficiency for your long-term satisfaction. To raise questions or arrange a visit from one of our certified heating and cooling technicians, please call us today.