Can You Reduce Humidity by Running the Air Conditioner?

Too much humidity can create many problems, such as mold growth, musty odors, structural problems, and an uncomfortable muggy feeling. That’s why it’s essential to control humidity if you want to enhance indoor air quality and home comfort. 

The ideal relative humidity level is about 30 to 50 percent. Summer is generally the most challenging time of year to stay inside this range. Fortunately, using the air conditioner can help. 

After all, air conditioning doesn’t just cool your home—it also reduces humidity. Here’s details of how this works, alongside with ideas to adjust indoor humidity levels. 

How Air Conditioning Lowers Humidity 

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

• Indoor air flows through the ductwork and travels over the evaporator coil that contains cold refrigerant. 
• The refrigerant soaks up heat, and the moisture in the air collects on the coil. 

• The condensation falls into the condensate pan underneath the evaporator coil and drains away. 
• Cooled, dehumidified air blows back into your home. 

How to Lower Humidity 

Running the air conditioner might be sufficient to lower the relative humidity beneath 50 percent in dry climates. But if high humidity remains a problem in your home, consider these tips. 

Ventilate Effectively 

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

Wipe Up Standing Water 

Wet shower tiles, kitchen counters and laundry room floors increase indoor humidity and could encourage mold growth. Clean up standing water promptly to prevent these problems. 

Install a Dehumidifier 

If you grapple with increased humidity in the summer, consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier that runs in tandem with your air conditioner to make your entire home more comfortable. A whole-house unit can even operate independently of the AC to remove humidity on more temperate days without running the air conditioner. This method saves you money and doesn’t leave you with that “cool but clammy” feeling. 

Flip the AC Fan to Auto 

The condensation that collects on the evaporator coil needs time to build up and drip away. If you use the air conditioning fan continually, the moisture will blow back into your home. That’s why it’s more efficient to adjust the fan to “auto” so it is only on when the AC compressor turns on. You should be able to find this setting easily on your thermostat. 

Replace the Air Filter Regularly 

An old filter traps dust and debris and will sometimes support mold growth if it becomes wet. This introduces moisture and mold spores into your home any time the AC is running. Replace the air filter once a month or as advised by the manufacturer to decrease indoor humidity and improve air quality. 

Adjust the Fan Speed 

Refining the fan speed can be tricky. Higher airflow helps the AC sustain cooling demand on scorching summer days, but this could lead to shorter cycles that prevent effective dehumidification. Work with an HVAC technician to help you select the best fan speed for your comfort preferences. 

Clean the Evaporator Coil 

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

Check the Refrigerant Charge 

Insufficient refrigerant can impede your air conditioner’s ability to perform its job. Left ignored, major issues including a frozen evaporator coil or compressor failure can develop. Only a certified HVAC technician can solve refrigerant leaks and recharge the system as necessary, offering you another reason to schedule an AC tune-up. 

Replace Your Air Conditioner 

If your home has continuous comfort trouble and your air conditioner is getting older, it could be time for a replacement. Choose a new AC system with modern features, including a thermal expansion valve (TXV) and variable blower motor. A TXV offers the exact amount of refrigerant based on the air temperature, and a variable blower motor increases or decreases the fan speed to suit demand. Both features reinforce cooling and dehumidifying efficiency. 

Control Indoor Humidity with Winnipeg Supply Service Experts 

If you decide it’s time to install a whole-house dehumidifier or swap out your air conditioner, Winnipeg Supply Service Experts can help. Our HVAC services are structured to maximize home comfort and energy efficiency for your long-term satisfaction. To ask questions or request a visit from one of our experienced heating and cooling technicians, please give us a call today.