Humidity is just part and parcel of living in our beautiful Tallahassee area. Our subtropical climate gives us warm temperatures and high moisture levels throughout the year, and the relative closeness of the Gulf waters elevates the air’s humidity levels. When the heat and humidity get unbearable, we rely on our air conditioning systems to keep us cool and dry. Despite having an effective HVAC system, many people sometimes experience uncomfortable humidity levels in their indoor air.
The HVAC service specialists of Tallahassee’s Air Control Heating and Cooling are familiar with this dynamic. “We periodically get service calls from people wondering why their houses are so humid despite having air conditioning,” says Air Control Heating and Cooling owner Time Hawkins. He notes that HVAC maintenance often lowers indoor humidity, but some systems cannot effectively control humidity levels. Additionally, other factors play a role in elevating the humidity levels of indoor air. Let’s examine indoor air humidity and HVAC solutions for humidity control.
Understanding Humidity in the Home
When humidity levels in the home rise above 60%, you’ll know it. The indoor air will feel moister, thicker, and stickier as the humidity increases, and your skin will feel clammy because sweat does not evaporate in high humidity levels. In such uncomfortable conditions, you’ll probably struggle to sleep well, and if the humidity persists, it will make your home smell musty and encourage mold and mildew growth. Everyone differs with their ideal humidity level for optimal comfort, but a range between 35% and 55% works for most people, with a slightly lower range during cold spells.
Several factors can influence a home’s humidity levels in Tallahassee. Homes with poor ventilation can trap moist outdoor air, making the indoor air feel more humid. Daily activities like showering and cooking boost the indoor air’s moisture levels if not properly ventilated. Poor insulation and building materials that retain moisture also trap moisture in the indoor air.
Shouldn’t My HVAC System Dehumidify My Home?
HVAC systems naturally help dehumidify homes to varying degrees because their cooling process involves removing moisture in the air through condensation via their evaporator coils. While air conditioners are not specifically designed to dehumidify indoor air, this feature can be considered a side benefit to the extent one does.
A HVAC system’s ability to effectively dehumidify indoor air depends on numerous factors. Some Tallahassee-area homeowners enjoy comfortable air, provided they properly maintain their HVAC systems, while others constantly struggle with humidity despite the air conditioning. Some common issues affecting an HVAC’s ability to dehumidify the air include:
- Oversized Unit—While bigger might be better for cooling the air, it’s less effective at removing humidity. Oversized HVAC systems cool indoor spaces quickly, cycling on and off at a frequency that limits the dehumidification side benefit.
- Leaky Ductwork—Leaks in the ductwork can allow moist air intrusion to an extent that compromises the AC’s ability to dehumidify the home effectively.
- Negative Air Pressure—Too much venting can create negative air pressure, which pulls more outdoor air inside, inhibiting the HVAC system’s ability to remove moisture.
- Limited Settings—Basic HVAC systems lacking variable speed controls may not be able to effectively remove humidity because the rapid cooling cycle doesn’t allow time for optimal dehumidification.
- Old Age—Older HVAC systems are less energy efficient than today’s models, which cool and dehumidify at higher rates.
- Poor Maintenance—A properly maintained HVAC system dehumidifies much more efficiently than a neglected one. If nothing else, spotless evaporator coils and clean filters are essential for your system’s optimal dehumidification capabilities.
Consider Adding a Dehumidifier to Your HVAC System
Other than properly maintaining your HVAC system and addressing any other issues that may be boosting humidity levels, the best option for effective air moisture control is adding a dehumidifier. Air Control Heating and Cooling offers a range of whole-house dehumidifiers in Tallahassee that can be paired with your home’s HVAC system.
Keep Your HVAC System Maintained for Peak Dehumidification
With operational performance playing a key role in your air conditioning system’s cooling and dehumidifying capabilities, you should consider joining our Air Control Club maintenance plan. With two membership levels, the program provides 18-point inspection and servicing as needed and the following additional benefits:
- 24-hour priority response on service calls.
- Zero or holiday-only overtime charges.
- Reduced service call diagnostic charges.
- 10% service call savings on parts and labor.
- 10% savings on duct cleaning and indoor air quality products.
- $250 discount on replacement units
Enhance Your Home’s Dehumidification with Air Control
For HVAC-related installation, repair, and maintenance expertise in Tallahassee, consult with the NATE-certified Air Control Heating and Cooling experts. Providing top-notch HVAC services in Tallahassee, Havana, Quincy, Monticello, and Crawfordville since 1968, you can contact us at (850) 695-3461.