Air conditioning lowers humidity. It also conditions the inside air to make it feel cooler. Humidity is the level of water vapor in the air. It's what makes a hot day feel hot. What most people don't know is how humidity can affect air conditioning. Many of today's top HVAC systems include humidifiers and dehumidifiers. These help control indoor humidity levels. Here's what to know about humidity and how it impacts your air conditioning system.

Making Your Air Conditioning Work Harder

Air conditioning removes heat and moisture from the air in your home. If humidity levels are higher, your air conditioning system will have to work harder. It is trying to get rid of excess heat and moisture. Your HVAC system may not be able to deal with extra humidity if it doesn't have enough cooling capacity. In situations like this, your home may never feel comfortable. This can upset you and anyone else in your household. Signs of high indoor humidity that may be affecting your air conditioning include:

• Clammy, moist air
• Windows that are foggy
• Am odd musty smell
• A feeling of clamminess on your skin even when the air conditioning is on

Paying More to Cool Your Home

If your air conditioner can't handle the humidity, it will work harder to remove heat and moisture. The higher humidity will make your home feel warmer than normal. As a result, you may end up turning your air conditioning settings. This will make your AC run more often. Doing so can have you paying more to cool your home.

Finding the Right Cooling Capacity

You would assume that a bigger air conditioner would do a better job at controlling humidity. This isn't the case. Higher capacity air conditioning units don't run as often. The longer gaps between cycles can leave you with high humidity. Work with our trusted HVAC team when selecting a new or replacement air conditioner. You want to choose a cooling system that's the correct size.

Coupling Air Conditioning Units with Dehumidifiers

If humidity is higher where you live, install a dehumidifier with your HVAC system. The dehumidifier draws moisture from your home's air before it goes through the ducts. Adding a dehumidifier makes it easier to control your humidity levels. You get a more efficient HVAC system. You can also see lower energy bills and comfortable living spaces, even on hot summer days!

Call Us Today

Another way to keep humidity in check is to focus on air conditioner repairs and maintenance. Cahill Heating and Air Conditioning is here for any HVAC services you may need. Contact us if it's time to consider a new air conditioning system. These systems are better prepared to manage indoor humidity and comfort. Call our air conditioning pros today. We'll help find the right air conditioning unit or HVAC system for your home.