Humidity refers to the amount of moisture or water vapor in the surrounding air. Since humid air tends to hold more heat, it can also make the rooms in your home feel warmer for longer periods of time. This means that your air conditioner may have to work harder to keep your house cool. High humidity levels can impact the performance and longevity of your AC unit.
How Can Humidity Negatively Impact AC Performance?
Humidity can impact various internal components of an AC unit. These components may include evaporator coils, condenser coils, and the condensate line. The evaporator coils are components of your AC that absorb heat and moisture from the interior of your home. Using a chemical called refrigerant, the evaporator coils “condition” the absorbed air so that cold air can flow back into your room. The condenser coils take the warm air delivered from the evaporator coils and expel it outside. Together, the evaporator coils and condenser coils complete what is known as the heat exchange cycle.
When the air is excessively humid, however, these coils must work harder to complete the cycle. This puts strain on the system and can wear down your internal parts over time. When this happens, your only option is to contact an HVAC professional for repairs. If the extra work has shortened the lifespan of your air conditioner, your HVAC technician may need to replace the unit itself.
High humidity levels can also impact the condensate line of your air conditioner. The condensate line is a drain mechanism that collects and transports the condensation naturally produced from the operation of your AC unit. But when humidity levels far exceed the norm, the condensate drain line can accumulate more water than it can handle. This can lead to the growth of mold or mildew, compromising indoor air quality. Condensate lines that become clogged with mold or algae can also stop working altogether. At this point, you would need an HVAC professional to repair your AC or install a new unit.
What Can I Do to Lower the Impact of Humidity on AC Performance?
While you might not be able to control the weather or humidity, there are steps you can take to protect your AC unit. Foremost, schedule regular maintenance that allows an HVAC expert to monitor the performance of your air conditioner. A professional has the knowledge and training to check for refrigerant leaks, clean evaporator and condenser coils, or clear drain line in the event of high humidity. In addition, you may also wish to speak with an HVAC professional about installing a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. An HVAC specialist can help you review options ranging from a single appliance to whole-home dehumidification systems.
Contact Us Today
Humid weather can cause bodily discomfort and can also impact the performance of your AC unit. If you need help with AC maintenance or repair, Tundra Air provides HVAC services to homes in Cape Coral and surrounding areas. We also offer new AC installation and indoor air quality evaluations. Never let the humid Florida air keep you uncomfortable for long. Contact Tundra Air for assistance today.
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