As a homeowner in the Southeast, particularly in Florida, you’re no stranger to humidity. Thick, heavy air can cling to you the moment you step outside, making even milder temperatures uncomfortable. If the humidity is high enough, it can also make its way into your home. While your air conditioner works hard to keep your space cool, it may struggle to tackle the excessive moisture in the air at times. As a result, you can start to experience that clammy feeling indoors, even with the AC running.
Fortunately, adding a dehumidifier to the mix can help you take some of the load off your air conditioner. Let’s look at how AC units work in relation to dehumidifiers and the potential benefits of using these two systems together to combat humidity inside your home.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers both work to reduce humidity, but they do so in slightly different ways. AC systems cool the air inside your home by transferring heat and humidity to the outdoors. The primary goal of an AC system is to lower the temperature in your space, and dehumidification is only a secondary effect.
On the other hand, dehumidifiers are especially designed to remove moisture from the air. Warm air enters the dehumidifier and passes over cold coils, which cause the moisture to condense and drip into a collection tank or drain away.
When the two systems work together, the dehumidifier takes on the burden that high humidity puts on your AC. That means your cooling system can work more efficiently, leaving you to enjoy reduced humidity levels and a more comfortable indoor temperature.
Humidity significantly influences how comfortable you feel indoors. Beyond the actual temperature, the amount of moisture in the air also affects our perception of warmth or coolness. Both high and low humidity levels can negatively impact your comfort and health, making it crucial to maintain the ideal range.
High humidity produces muggy conditions that can make your indoor environment unbearable, even when the temperature is set at a comfortable level. When the air is full of moisture, sweat evaporates more slowly, making it more challenging for our bodies to cool down efficiently. As a result, we feel hotter and stickier, even if the actual temperature isn’t that high.
High humidity levels can also cause moisture and condensation to stick to surfaces, leading to water damage and potential mold growth. Over time, mold exposure can lead to allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Low humidity often occurs during winter when indoor air becomes dry. This low moisture can result in several issues, including dry skin and lips, irritated sinuses and overall discomfort.
Finding the balance between high and low humidity is key to indoor comfort. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal range is between 30% and 50%. Within this range, your body can effectively regulate temperatures, making you more comfortable in your home.
Air conditioners remove moisture from indoor air as part of the cooling process. Pairing your AC with a dehumidifier increases the cooling system’s performance and efficiency. By reducing humidity levels in your home, dehumidifiers help prevent excessive moisture from accumulating inside your air conditioning system and interfering with its working components. As a result, your AC can run more smoothly and experience less wear and tear from working too hard during Florida’s high-humidity seasons.
The impact of humidity on air conditioning performance can be negative. Your AC has to work a lot harder to maintain desired temperatures. Using a dehumidifier along with your AC can be particularly beneficial in certain situations. Here are some of the times you should consider using them together:
Installing a dehumidifier to help your AC offers a comprehensive approach to dealing with high humidity levels. Some of the benefits of using dehumidifiers with AC units include:
Don’t let humidity control your comfort! Pairing a dehumidifier with your AC can significantly improve your home’s indoor comfort and your cooling system’s efficiency.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating understands the unique challenges Florida homeowners face with humidity. Our expert HVAC technicians can assess your home’s needs and recommend the perfect dehumidifier and AC solutions for optimal comfort and energy savings. With our services, you can experience healthier indoor air quality at home.
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your indoor comfort. Schedule your appointment to get started.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
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