Here in Galveston, TX, the persistent and oppressive humidity poses a unique climate control challenge. Well-designed HVAC systems usually have little trouble keeping humid air in check, but what happens when air conditioning just isn’t enough?
How Air Conditioners Dehumidify Your Home
As warm indoor air circulates through your AC system, it passes over an evaporator coil filled with extremely cold refrigerant. Not only does this pull heat energy from the air, but it also causes water vapor to condense on the coil’s surface. The condensation drips into a pan below the coil, where it eventually exits through a condensate drain line. This process continues as long as the system is running, steadily making your home cooler and less humid.
Troubleshooting Problems With Humid Air
Normally, enough moisture is removed during each cooling cycle to maintain a recommended humidity level of between 30% and 50%. If that’s not happening, there may be a simple solution. Check your drain line and air filter to ensure they’re clean and free of obstructions. When these components get dirty, they can disrupt airflow and inhibit the dehumidification process. In addition, make sure your thermostat is properly calibrated and set to an appropriate set-point temperature.
Invest in Enhanced Moisture Control
If these troubleshooting steps haven’t solved the problem, the humidity may simply be too much for your air conditioner to handle. Fortunately, a whole-home dehumidifier is an affordable and effective way to resolve excessive moisture issues without upgrading your entire AC system. These units are purpose-built to continuously control water vapor and help you maintain comfortable, healthy conditions in even the most humid climates.
If humid air has been wreaking havoc in your home, it’s time to give your HVAC system a helping hand. Contact Davis Air Conditioning & Heating to learn more about whole-home dehumidifiers and other indoor air quality solutions for your family.