You already know summers are around the corner and they are no joke. The heat is tough but adding humidity to it feels like walking into a sauna. Summer brings triple-digit temperatures and rising humidity, and if your home feels sticky or uncomfortable even when the A/C is running, you’re not alone.
The good news? Your air conditioner does more than just cooling the air and with the right settings and a little maintenance, you can beat the humidity and stay comfortable all summer long.
What’s the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?
One of the benefits of the central air conditioner is its ability to dehumidify the air during cooling. Moisture from the warm air is extracted during the cooling process via the evaporator coil that gets the cool air from the house and condenses the moisture as water in it. Then it gets drained out via the condensate line. In such a way, the air cools down, and extra moisture evaporates to keep your indoor humidity between 30% and 50% (the best levels, according to EPA).
If the percentage is higher than 50%, you need to change your AC settings.
Easy AC Settings That Will Make a Real Difference
- Change From “ON” to “AUTO” Mode in the Fan
This is one of the simplest changes to make yet the most efficient one. The AC fan works in “ON” and “AUTO” modes. If you choose the second one, it means that your fan works only when your AC system starts cooling your house and shuts off whenever the cycle ends. When you choose the ON mode, the fan continuously blows warm air with moisture in it.
The continuous fan operation leads to a constant re-moisturization of your home air.
- Thermostat Settings for Dehumidification
It’s important not to set the thermostat temperature too low under the assumption that it will speed up humidity reduction. Most AC units work optimally at temperatures between 73°F and 76°F when dealing with humidity problems. Lowering the temperature to such an extent causes the system to run less frequently because the room becomes sufficiently cool much faster than expected. The result is that the AC unit does not have sufficient time to dehumidify.
If you live in Texas, aiming for 75°F with a relative humidity level of 40-50% is an excellent starting point.
- Install a Smart Thermostat
For those who use standard thermostats, it may be time to make an upgrade. Smart thermostats provide additional capabilities related to controlling both temperature and humidity levels in the house. They are capable of adjusting themselves according to home needs based on previous settings. Furthermore, most models feature built-in humidity sensors which enable remote monitoring and adjustment of humidity from your phone.
ENERGY STAR claims that using a smart thermostat allows homeowners to cut annual heating and cooling costs by up to 8%.
Maintenance Tips That Boost Humidity Control
- Change Your Air Filter Regularly
The evaporator coils are not able to effectively extract all the moisture and heat if they are covered in dirt and dust. It can still not prevent your home from receiving cool air if the coil is not so dusty that it makes your AC unable to produce cold air, but it can affect the moisture extraction ability of your coil. In Texas, where AC is crucial during hot seasons, you should clean your air filter once in 1-3 months.
- Maintain the Efficiency of Your Coils
Your AC unit can work up to 24 hours in San Antonio during the hottest season, moving plenty of air inside. At the same time, coils are likely to be clogged and develop a layer of dirt that includes mold, mildew, pet dander, dust, and other types of debris that negatively influence your unit’s efficiency. Have professionals regularly clean your coils.
- Watch Out for Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant levels require annual inspections by HVAC professionals since low levels can cause problems with your unit’s cooling and dehumidification abilities. Ignored low refrigerant level issues can lead to the development of freezing coils and compressor failure. Only certified professionals will be able to fix this problem.
- Seal Your Ducts and Home
Gaps in doors, windows, or ductwork lets humid air enter your home. Sealing and insulating these areas helps reduce indoor humidity and prevents your A/C from overworking.
- Dehumidifiers
Even a well maintained AC system can have setbacks during seasons of excess humidity and might require a little back up. Dehumidifiers function well for the times your AC just cannot push out as much moisture on its own. A whole-house system can even run separately from the AC to remove humidity on mild days without turning on the air conditioner.
Moreover, variable speed or inverter technology works slower, making it efficient in removing moisture without causing temperature fluctuations. To achieve the best humidity level, it is important to invest in advanced technologies that will provide you with maximum efficiency and convenience.
The Small Things That Make a Big Difference
Operate the exhaust fan while cooking or showering to expel water vapor from the kitchen and bathroom to the outdoors, not your living space. It is a simple yet effective way to increase the comfort levels within your house together with correct AC operation.
At Leaky’s we can help you find the perfect HVAC solution for any climate in Texas. Professional HVAC technicians can adjust your AC system for maximum energy efficiency, which is vital for maintaining ideal humidity levels. It is advisable to schedule routine maintenance every year or two.
If you need assistance with installing smart thermostats, dehumidifiers, or comprehensive AC tune-ups, we are always here to assist you.