By reducing the temperature and humidity of the air, air conditioners are essential in making indoor spaces more bearable. On the other hand, there are times when the humidity is just too high and your air conditioner isn’t cutting it. In order to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, it is helpful to understand its causes.

Importance of dehumidifying:

In order to keep indoor air healthy and comfortable, dehumidifying is essential. High levels of humidity, which are described as an abundance of moisture in the air, pose risks to human health and building structures. Mycoplasma, mildew, and dust mites thrive in damp, humid environments. Asthma and other respiratory illnesses can be worsened by exposure to certain allergens. Furthermore, wet conditions foster the development of germs, which can lead to illnesses. In addition, dehumidifying aids in the prevention of building structural deterioration.

Persistently high humidity levels cause a variety of materials to deteriorate, including wood, metal components, and corrosion. The long-term stability and safety of buildings can be jeopardized by this. Dehumidifying helps with general comfort as well as health and structural issues. The discomfort and higher air conditioning needs are a direct result of the high humidity, which makes it feel warmer than it actually is. Energy efficiency is enhanced, leading to reduced utility bills, by sustaining ideal humidity levels.

Reasons for AC not dehumidifying:

  • Dirty evaporator coils:

Absorbing both heat and moisture from the air is the job of your air conditioner’s evaporator coils. As time passes, these coils can become less effective due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris. Dehumidification is hindered and overall efficiency drops when coils are dirty or broken. Cleaning the evaporator coils and doing other routine maintenance is crucial. A skilled technician should be hired to do this job since only they can safely reach and clean these delicate parts. In addition to extending the life of your air conditioner, routine maintenance makes ensuring that it dehumidifies effectively.

  • Incorrect size:

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is directly proportional to its size, which is more than simply an aesthetic consideration. The air is cooled rapidly by a massive unit, but it might not be able to remove moisture efficiently if it doesn’t run long enough. The reverse is also true: insufficient dehumidification and discomfort could result from an undersized unit’s inability to cool the room sufficiently. To find out what size air conditioner is best for your space, measure the square footage of the area it will be cooling and then consult an HVAC expert. This verifies that the system can effectively regulate humidity levels in addition to cooling them.

  • Refrigerant issues:

Your air conditioning system cannot function without refrigerant. As it draws moisture and heat from the air, it helps to dehumidify and chill the space. The system’s capacity to efficiently remove moisture might be compromised by low refrigerant levels, which are frequently caused by leaks. Get an expert if you think there might be refrigerant problems. Skilled HVAC professionals can check for leaks, recharge the refrigerant as needed, and inspect the system. Optimal performance and prevention of additional system damage are achieved by prompt treatment to issues connected to refrigerant.

  • Thermostat settings:

An important factor in how well your air conditioner works is the temperature you set the thermostat to. When the system is designed to cool without focusing on dehumidification, it may emphasize controlling the temperature more than reducing humidity. A “Dry” or “Dehumidify” setting is available on a lot of newer air conditioners. This mode is essential for situations when controlling the humidity is of utmost importance. In addition to turning the thermostat on and off, you should adjust the temperature and humidity settings to your liking. An improved indoor environment can be achieved by striking the correct balance.

  • Enough ventilation:

Effective dehumidification requires proper airflow. The air conditioner won’t be able to do its job of removing humidity as well if there isn’t enough ventilation in your home. Whether it’s through a balanced ventilation system, open windows, or exhaust fans, make sure your house has enough ventilation. This helps the air conditioner keep the humidity at the ideal level while also promoting the circulation of fresh air.

  • Problems with ductwork:

The distribution of conditioned air in your home is greatly influenced by the ductwork. The loss of conditioned and dehumidified air can occur due to duct leaks, holes, or inadequate insulation. Because of this, your air conditioner will work less efficiently and will have a harder time controlling the humidity in the room. For effective dehumidification, it is important to check the ductwork for leaks on a regular basis and to seal them. Only then can the conditioned air go where it needs to go.

  • Aging equipment:

A/C units, like every other home appliance, eventually break down. Some parts could break down or lose some of their effectiveness as they get older. It could be difficult for your air conditioner to keep the humidity levels where they should be if it is nearing the end of its lifespan. Think about how old your unit is; if it’s not going well after all these years, you might want to consider getting a newer, more energy-efficient model for better dehumidification and general performance.

  • Considerations for humid climates:

Dehumidifying the air becomes more of a challenge for air conditioners in areas where humidity is naturally high. To properly regulate humidity in such settings, conventional air conditioners would require further equipment. In the summer and other humid months, you may want to think about getting a separate dehumidifier to go with your air conditioner. A more pleasant interior climate is assured by this strategy for total moisture control.

  • Concerns with electronic control:

A number of features, including dehumidification, can be controlled electronically by today’s air conditioners. Impacting the system’s ability to dehumidify efficiently can be a because of malfunctioning or incorrectly adjusted control. Verify that the thermostat is adjusted correctly and that the electronic controls are working properly. To identify and fix any problems with electronic controls, either review the handbook that came with the product or get in touch with a specialist.