House Feels Humid With AC Running? Here's How to Fix It

If your air conditioner is on, but your house still feels humid, it is an indication of an underlying problem. An oversized system will cool the space so quickly that it will not remove sufficient moisture. An obstructed air filter can prevent airflow and lead to inefficiency. If both are dirty, refrigerant and evaporator coils will make it difficult for your unit to absorb heat and humidity. 

Unequal cooling may be caused by inadequate air flow or clogged air vents. Warm, moist air might leak into the home through ducts. Also, wrong thermostat settings can trap moisture in your home. Consider a professional AC installation service with regular maintenance benefits to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels in your home.

Solutions to Fix AC Humidity Problems 

Here are some effective ways to fix AC humidity issues:

1: Clogged or Dirty Air Filter

The air filter in your AC plays a key role in keeping airflow smooth and air clean in your home. Once the filter is filled with dust, pet hair, or obstruction, it blocks airflow into your system. That keeps the AC from drawing in the desired warm, moist air level needed to cool and dehumidify. That can make it harder for your AC to hit that ideal temperature and remove moisture, leaving a sticky feeling behind. A dirty air filter makes your system work harder, meaning higher energy bills and more frequent breakdowns.

Solution:

If your home feels humid than usual, always check your air filter. If it looks dirty or obstructed, change it as soon as possible! If you have standard fiberglass filters, you should replace them monthly; pleated ones will last up to three months, depending on your system and air level. A monthly check will help your system stay in the best condition, leaving the air dry and clean.

2: Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant helps your air conditioner pull the warm air out of your house and throw it outside. It helps to lower humidity as well. If your system is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to move heat or moisture out of the air effectively. You might also notice that your AC unit is running constantly and not cooling the home or removing the humidity. An AC unit that is low on refrigerant frequently suffers a leak, which can become more severe if left alone. Low refrigerant, however, results in high humidity and can freeze the evaporator coil, shutting down the system altogether.

Solution:

Have an HVAC technician inspect the refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant level is low, you’ll also check for any leaks in the system and repair them before refilling the system. Never attempt to recharge refrigerant yourself; it is a job for a professional, and you will need the necessary tools and certification.

3: Dirty Evaporator Coils

Your indoor unit features an evaporator coil to remove heat and humidity from the air. A clean coil can effectively remove heat and moisture from your home, leaving it cool and dry. But eventually, the coil can become loaded with dust, dirt, mold, or even pet hair. When it does, its capacity to absorb heat and humidity lowers, and your AC struggles to remove the water from the air. In extreme cases, dirty coils will not only reduce airflow, but they can also cause the system to freeze up.

Solution:

While light cleaning is possible gently with a brush or compressed air, it's better to have it professionally maintained on a seasonal schedule, as part of a tune-up. Your technician will clean the coils and ensure they are working properly, restoring the AC’s ability to keep humidity levels low.

4: Poor Air Circulation

Your cooling system needs proper airflow to circulate cool, dehumidified air throughout your home. Clogged supply or return vents, blocked or closed doors, dirty filters, or an obstructed fan can all lead to excessive humidity levels within the home. When air isn’t flowing properly, your AC struggles to handle all that warm, humid air in your home. This can leave you with hot zones, uneven cooling, and humidity.

Solution:

Ensure that all vents are open and not obstructed by furniture or heavy drapes. Keep interior doors open to allow air to flow throughout the house between rooms. Ceiling fans can also assist, enhancing circulation and making the air cooler. If the airflow is insufficient, call an HVAC professional to inspect the blower motor or fans inside the system.

Conclusion

Even when the AC is running, a humid house can stem from several underlying problems. The AC might be so big that it cools too quickly and doesn’t take out the moisture. Blocked filters, low refrigerant, and dirty coils can restrict your system’s dehumidification capacity. Some rooms feel damp from a lack of airflow, closed vents, or faulty fans. 

Leaky ducts can draw in outside moisture, and faulty thermostats let moisture back into your air. Addressing these issues on time can restore the comfort and efficient operation of your HVAC system. Professional AC installation service can make a difference in selecting the right system, installation, and maintenance, ensuring efficient temperature and humidity regulation in your home.

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