Key Takeaways
- Your air conditioner controls humidity levels by removing moisture from the air, condensing it into water droplets, and draining it through the condensate line.
- Several issues, such as a clogged line, low refrigerant levels, or leaking ductwork, can prevent your AC from dehumidifying indoor air.
- Clammy or sticky air, peeling paint, and visible mold are some of the most common signs of excessively high humidity levels.
- Medley offers expert AC repairs and maintenance services that help control humidity levels and restore your home to a comfortable environment.
Why Indoor Humidity Matters
Controlling the humidity levels inside your home is more than just a matter of comfort. High humidity levels create an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth, triggering allergy symptoms, worsening asthma, and damaging your property. Over time, it can also cause wood to crack, shrink, or warp, damaging furniture, instruments, and other belongings.
Knowing the signs, potential causes, and steps to take when your AC is causing humidity problems helps you catch the issue early on to prevent health issues and structural damage.
How Does an AC Control Humidity?
Air conditioners are a helpful tool in controlling humidity levels within your home. Throughout the cooling process, they remove moisture from the air to maintain balanced levels.
The role of your AC in moisture removal
Several AC components contribute to the moisture removal process. When warm air passes over the evaporator coils, the coils cool the air, causing the moisture in it to condense into water droplets. These droplets then collect on the coils, where they’re drained away through the condensate line. After removing the moisture, your AC circulates cool, dehumidified air back into your home.
Common AC humidity problems
When something goes wrong with your air conditioner, it can prevent the system from dehumidifying the air. The most common air conditioner humidity issues include:
- Dirty evaporator coils
- Clogged drain lines
- Low refrigerant levels
- Incorrect thermostat settings
- An oversized system
- Leaking ductwork
- Poor ventilation
- Lack of maintenance
Why Is My House in Carrollton, TX, Still Humid with the AC On?
If your Carrollton home is feeling hot and sticky, there are a few culprits that could be the cause. Failing components, poor maintenance, or improper installation can all keep your air conditioner from effectively removing moisture from the air.
Signs your AC isn’t removing humidity
Recognizing the signs that your AC is struggling to maintain humidity levels allows you to catch the issue early, preventing it from escalating into costly repairs. If you notice any of the following, schedule an AC inspection with Medley to restore your home comfort:
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- Clammy or sticky air: Damp or heavy-feeling air inside your home is one of the top signs that your air conditioner is allowing humidity levels to rise.
- Musty smells: If you notice a musty odor around your home, it may be due to excess moisture that’s allowing mold and mildew to grow.
- Condensation: Visible condensation on your windows, walls, or other surfaces is a clear indication that your AC is not effectively pulling moisture from the air.
- Inconsistent temperatures: If your AC is struggling to dehumidify the air, some rooms may feel warmer than others due to the excess moisture in the air.
- Wall damage: Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper is often caused by high humidity levels that trap moisture behind surfaces.
DIY Tips To Reduce Indoor Humidity
There are a few easy ways you can keep indoor humidity levels balanced. Optimizing your air conditioner, installing additional systems, and promptly addressing AC repairs help reduce moisture levels, keeping your home cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months.
What homeowners can check
The best way to control humidity levels is to check that your air conditioner is set to the proper settings and functioning correctly. Here are a few tips to help your AC perform at its best:
- Set your system to “dry mode” or “economy mode,” which are specifically designed to dehumidify the air.
- Set the thermostat to “auto” instead of “on” to prevent the fan from recirculating moisture.
- Schedule AC maintenance for humidity issues at least once a year to keep all components functioning properly.
- Turn your AC fan speed to a lower setting to help improve humidity removal.
Along with optimizing your air conditioner, there are some other strategies you can use to keep humidity levels down, including:
- Installing a dehumidifier in areas with excessive humidity.
- Turning on exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens after cooking or showering.
- Checking for proper ventilation throughout your home.
- Addressing leaks as soon as possible to prevent moisture from spreading.
When To Call an HVAC Professional
If humidity levels continue to rise in your home even though your air conditioner appears to be running correctly, contact the experts at Medley for inspection. Licensed HVAC technicians have the tools, training, and expertise to catch problems that could be preventing your AC from controlling moisture. Whether you’re dealing with a clogged drain, a poorly maintained system, or falling refrigerant levels, they’ll provide you with a lasting solution that repairs your system and restores your home comfort.
Benefits of Booking With Medley
When something goes wrong with your Carrollton air conditioner, there’s no better team to call than Medley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing. Our HVAC experts offer comprehensive AC repair, maintenance, and replacement services to restore optimal humidity levels and keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
Some of the top reasons Texas homeowners trust our team with their cooling systems include:
- Transparent pricing and up-front estimates
- Fully trained, experienced HVAC technicians with decades of local expertise
- Fast response times and 24/7 emergency availability
- Flexible financing options and seasonal discounts
Call Medley Today To Solve Your Humidity Problems
Don’t let high humidity levels leave your home feeling sticky and uncomfortable. Call our experts to book AC repair for your humidity problems today! We’ll assess your system, identify the underlying issue, and recommend the most effective solution to restore your home comfort. With help from our trusted HVAC technicians, you’ll enjoy a cool, refreshing home environment all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cleaning my AC coils help reduce humidity?
Cleaning your AC coils can help reduce humidity. Dirt, debris, or buildup on the coils prevents your air conditioner from removing excess moisture. Regular cleaning can help improve your AC’s efficiency and maintain balanced humidity levels.
What are the signs my AC is overdue for maintenance?
The top indicators your air conditioner is due for a professional tune-up include weak airflow, inconsistent temperatures, strange noises, and rising energy bills. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact our team to schedule maintenance as soon as possible.
How do I know if my AC is too big for my house?
If your air conditioner is too big for your house, you may notice uneven temperatures throughout the space, frequent on-and-off cycles, and higher-than-normal energy bills. Our experts can evaluate your home size, layout, and system to determine the right AC unit for your home.