EZ Air Conditioning and Heating

Summer humidity can take a toll on your HVAC system, causing discomfort and inefficiency in your home. As a homeowner, understanding how this seasonal change affects your heating and air conditioning system is essential for maintaining indoor comfort and keeping your energy bills in check. In this blog post, AC and heater installation contractor EZ Air Conditioning and Heating explores how humidity impacts your HVAC system.

How Humidity Affects Your Air Conditioner

When the outdoor humidity levels rise during summer, your air conditioner has to work harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. This increased workload on the system means it may take longer to reach the desired temperature, consuming more energy.

Additionally, high humidity levels inside your home can make you feel hotter than the actual temperature, even if your air conditioner runs efficiently. This is because excess moisture in the air prevents your body from evaporating sweat as efficiently, hindering your natural cooling mechanism.

How Humidity Affects Your Heating System

While heaters are primarily associated with providing warmth during the colder months, they also play a vital role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment during summer. A properly installed heater helps maintain even temperatures throughout your home, preventing condensation and excessive moisture buildup.

However, if your heater is exposed to high humidity levels for extended periods, it can become damaged due to corrosion and mold growth. This makes heater repair and maintenance all the more critical in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your heating system.

How Your HVAC Controls Humidity

An essential function of your HVAC system is to help control indoor humidity levels, ensuring a comfortable living environment. For this reason, having the right-sized HVAC system for your home is crucial. An oversized unit may cool your space quickly but struggles to remove excess humidity, while an undersized system will run continuously without providing adequate cooling or humidity control.

Regular heater service is vital to maintaining optimal indoor air quality, ensuring your entire HVAC system functions efficiently and effectively. In some cases, adding a whole-home dehumidifier to your HVAC system may be beneficial for even better humidity control, particularly in areas with high humidity levels throughout the year.

Signs That Your HVAC Is Struggling With Humidity

There are several indicators that your heating and air conditioning system may be having difficulty coping with high humidity levels in your home. One of the most obvious signs is if your air conditioner or heater is constantly running, even on relatively mild days. This may signal the system struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity balance.

Another sign to watch out for is uneven cooling or heating throughout your home. This could mean that certain areas of your house retain more moisture than others, causing your AC and heater installation to work harder to compensate for the imbalances.

Lastly, the presence of mold and mildew growth in your home is a clear indication of excessive moisture levels. This poses health risks and can cause structural damage to your property if left unchecked.

Tips for Managing Humidity in Your Home

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can implement to help manage humidity levels in your home and ease the burden on your HVAC system:

• Check your air filters and make sure they are clean. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and hinder the system’s ability to dehumidify the air effectively. Replace the filters once every three months, or more frequently if you have pets at home or living with a family member with respiratory issues.
• Ensure your HVAC system is properly sized for your space. An undersized unit may struggle to remove excess humidity. Consider consulting with an HVAC professional to determine if your system needs to be upgraded or if adjustments can be made.
• Use exhaust fans. Always turn on the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom when cooking or showering. These fans help remove excess moisture generated during these activities, preventing it from accumulating in your home.
• Ensure proper ventilation. Opening windows and using ceiling fans can also help circulate air and reduce humidity.
• Seal air leaks. Air leaks in your home can allow moisture-laden air to enter, increasing humidity levels indoors. Ensure all windows, doors, and other openings are sufficiently sealed to minimize air leakage.
• Consider a whole-home dehumidifier. If your HVAC system struggles to maintain comfortable humidity levels, it might be time to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier. These devices work alongside your existing HVAC system to effectively regulate humidity levels, providing a more comfortable living environment. You can also use standalone dehumidifiers in areas where moisture is a persistent problem, such as basements or crawl spaces.

If these steps don’t alleviate the issue, it’s recommended to contact a qualified HVAC technician who can diagnose and repair any underlying problems with your system.

The Importance of Professional HVAC Services

Engaging the services of professional AC and heater repair technicians, like those at EZ Air Conditioning and Heating, is crucial for ensuring the proper sizing, installation, and maintenance of your HVAC system. Their expertise in system sizing ensures that you have the most efficient and effective unit for your home, providing optimal humidity control and energy savings.

Regular maintenance by skilled HVAC technicians is also essential in keeping your system running smoothly throughout its effective life span. They can identify and address potential problems before they become costly repairs. And should your system require heater repair services, having access to prompt and reliable support ensures your home remains comfortable and humidity-free.

Get in Touch With Us!

If you need a local HVAC and heater service professional in San Antonio, TX, look no further than EZ Air Conditioning and Heating. We offer honest, professional workmanship for every job we do. Need to keep your system in good shape year-round? We recommend routine maintenance for all HVAC systems and offer three tiers of maintenance plans to fit your needs. We can service all makes and models, so get in touch with us today to get more information about our maintenance program. To get started, call (210) 429-9186, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. Allow us to keep your home comfortable and free of humidity this summer season.