If you notice that your indoor air feels sticky, and surfaces are damp during the summer, something is wrong with your air conditioner. While the AC should keep you cool, it must also manage humidity levels. Anything else is a problem that you need to investigate and resolve.
How Your AC Controls Humidity
AC systems cool the air in your home by removing moisture. Warm air passes over the cold evaporator coil, and then the water vapors are sent outdoors via the drain line.
If the coil is compromised in any way, such as by being dirty, frozen, or lacking sufficient airflow, it will not remove the moisture effectively. You may still feel cold air flowing from your vents, but the air in your home will still feel damp and sticky. This is one of the most obvious signs that your system is crying for help.
Clues That Point to Trouble
Along with the high indoor humidity, other signs will usually be present. For example, the paint on the walls may start bubbling, or wood furniture will feel damp or sticky to the touch. Condensation may even appear on windows.
These are not merely cosmetic issues. If allowed to go on for too long, mold can grow, creating a health risk, and the structural integrity of your home can be compromised considerably. Once mold sets in, it can cost you thousands of dollars for remediation and repair.
Why Size and Maintenance Matter
The size of your system as well as how well it is maintained matter a lot. An air conditioner that is too large for your house can cool the space so quickly that it shuts off before it has a chance to remove enough humidity. On the other hand, a poorly maintained system with clogged filters or blocked coils may run constantly but still fail to lower moisture. Both scenarios result in wasted energy, and there is still too much humidity in your home.
Maintenance also helps. A system that is poorly maintained will not do its job effectively, and this includes regulating humidity in your home.
Change your filters regularly. Experts recommend every 30 to 90 days. Of course, how often you change filters will depend on how many people and pets reside with you.
You must also schedule professional maintenance yearly. This enables an HVAC technician to thoroughly check the AC for issues and collaborate with you to fix them before they get out of hand. The technician will also clean the system and lubricate all moving parts.
If your AC is the wrong size, a technician will recommend that you replace it. Systems that are well maintained and properly sized will keep humidity levels in check.
If your home feels damp even when the thermostat shows the right temperature, don’t shrug it off in hopes that the problem will fix itself. Persistent humidity is your AC’s way of crying for help. To keep your Magnolia, TX home safe and comfortable, contact Cover HVAC for top-quality AC replacement and repair services.
