The Many Ways Summer Humidity Affects Your HVAC System

Now that summer is fast approaching and temperatures continue to rise, we rely on our HVAC unit for cooling relief. Expect humidity to rise as well during this time of year, though it is important to be aware of its impact on your system. In this blog post, local air con specialist Kemnitz Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. takes a look at the many ways summer humidity affects HVAC systems and offers tips to improve their performance and efficiency during humid conditions.

Increased Workload

Too much water vapor in the air makes air conditioners work harder to keep living spaces comfortable. As they run longer than normal to achieve the desired temperatures, they consume more energy, putting them under undue stress. This, unfortunately, exposes the cooling systems to breakdowns, resulting in increased maintenance costs.

Mold and Mildew Growth

Poor indoor humidity control leads to moisture accumulation in your AC system, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Apart from affecting indoor air quality, these organisms also obstruct airflow through the unit, reducing its efficiency.

High Humidity Levels

Your air conditioning system doesn’t only cool the air; it also gets rid of excess indoor moisture. With high humidity levels, however, the process of dehumidifying the living spaces becomes more challenging for the unit. Ignoring maintenance or having an undersized AC can contribute to it struggling to remove moisture from the indoor air, resulting in a damp and clammy environment.

How to Manage Humidity During Summer

Summer humidity exposes your AC unit to all sorts of challenges, including the ones discussed above. Fortunately, there are ways you can manage it to keep the system functioning properly. Regular maintenance, for instance, is vital to ensure the ongoing performance of your AC during the summer months. An AC repair technician will thoroughly inspect the unit and address minor issues before they become costly headaches.

If you are looking for a new AC system for your home, it would be best to seek the expertise of your local HVAC contractor. They can determine the right size of the unit, taking into account your home’s square footage, insulation levels and your climate region, to name a few. With an appropriately sized AC, you won’t have to worry about short cycling and other problems brought on by summer humidity.

Call Kemnitz Today!

Count on Kemnitz Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. for all your HVAC needs this summer. Our team of technicians can be relied upon to recharge central AC systems and repair malfunctioning heater components. To learn more, give us a call at (949) 453-8500, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve homeowners in Orange, CA, and the rest of Orange County.