Once those winter and spring months finally pass, everyone is ready to dive right into summer.
It’s time to pull your shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits out from the back of your closet and prepare for that perfect summer tan. Unfortunately, that warm and comfortable “dry heat” we all imagine when we think of summer isn’t always the case.
Some regions experience those high humidity levels, as well. The type of humidity where as soon as your hand begins turning the doorknob to exit your home you can already feel the sweat building on your back.
Outside of temperature discomfort, high humidity can also bring mold which many individuals have allergic reactions to.
An individual might elect to stay inside during these humid times and turn up the air conditioning, but can your air conditioning unit genuinely eliminate humidity within your home?
The answer is a resounding yes!
But how does this happen?
Cool Air In, Humidity Out
A common misconception is the idea that your air conditioning unit’s only purpose is to continually blow cool air into your home until your house has reached the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat.
While it is true that your air conditioner blows cool air into your home, it is also multi-tasking and removing warm air and humidity.
There is no “setting” you have to program on your unit to regulate humidity; it is just hardwired to do so. However, if you want to understand how this process occurs, locate your evaporator coil within your air conditioning system.
The main goal of the evaporator coil is to evaporate cooling chemicals from a liquid into a gas and also absorb heat at the same time. You should notice a condensate pan beneath your evaporator coil because of the water vapor.
Essentially, your air conditioning unit consumes your warm air through your house’s ductwork and uses the cool evaporator coil to suck the moisture from the air. Upon doing so, it drains and removes that moisture from your home and releases it outside. This is the basic cycle of your house’s air conditioning unit.
In other words, think of the condensation you witness rolling down the side of a cold beverage. In a way, the same thing is happening when the warm air is sucked from your home and contacts the evaporator coil. But rather than just drip down the HVAC system like it does your drinking glass, the liquid collects in a drain and is sent outside and away from your comfortable home.
Important note: Keep in mind the air conditioning size to cooling area ratio. Whereas a full-size air conditioning unit will work wonders for a sizable home, a window AC unit just won’t adequately complete the job. Make sure you are being reasonable when considering unit size to home/building size. If you are unsure what HVAC system size you need, don’t hesitate to contact a specialist.
Why Remove the Moisture?
As previously touched on, the most prevalent reasons to eliminate moisture and humidity in your home are:
- Health concerns
- Overall discomfort
Health
When considering humidity and warm temperature, mold – a fungus – loves this time of environment to grow.
The most common reaction individuals have to mold is allergic reactions.
This can include:
- Sneezing
- Rash
- Watery eyes
- Eye irritation
- Coughing
In more severe, yet rare, cases, being exposed to mold and mold spores can also lead to asthma attacks and harsh symptoms such as fevers and difficulty breathing.
Discomfort
Not quite as pressing as health hazards, but pay to be comfortable in your home and your house should be able to provide you peace of mind.
It’s hard to focus on anything like hobbies or household chores when you’re drenched in your own sweat. And in a humid environment, it is even harder to remove the existing sweat.
This is because perspiring is our body's natural mechanism to cool down. However, when the air is warm and humid, the sweat that is accumulating on your skin is less likely to evaporate. For instance, when you leave a steaming shower and you do not fully dry off before entering a different room, you feel that cool sensation because the water droplets are evaporating off your skin.
Therefore, when in a home with high humidity, your body will try to cool you off but the attempts will naturally fall short.
This is why it is so important to have a properly functioning HVAC system.
If you notice that the humidity levels in your home are higher than usual and you own a running air conditioning unit, that is an immediate red flag that you’re HVAC system is not working problem and should be professionally repaired.
Enjoy a More Comfortable Home Today
Don’t let the warm weather and sunny days of summer be overshadowed by an uncomfortable and humid home. Trade your sweat-stained clothes for a more efficient, and happier household.
For your own health and comfort, make sure you have a quality Air Conditioning Unit running and providing you with a pleasant peace of mind that will make this the best summer you can remember.
If you live in the greater Atlanta area and require assistance purchasing or repairing an HVAC system or would like tips on overall Air Conditioning maintenance, look no further than Assured Comfort.
Assured Comfort has been an incredible asset to the great Atlanta community and guarantees to achieve your satisfaction. To schedule an Air Conditioning service, click the link below.