04/17/2024
This time of year poses a unique challenge for your air conditioning system. It is a mild temperature but a high humidity level. Builders and HVAC contractors often blame the spray foam for humidity issues in a house but spray foam is a neutral material, it does not create humidity. It is the job of the air conditioner to remove the humidity from a home but oftentimes the air conditioner is not sized properly for the space.
Proper humidity levels in the home create a comfortable environment. A house with high humidity at 68 degrees will not feel comfortable but conversely a low humidity level at 73 degrees can still be comfortable. High humidity levels can also cause mold, bacteria growth, bad odors, and even damage furniture, carpet, wall paper, paint and other interior fixtures.
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to HVAC. One of the most likely causes for high humidity levels is short cycling. When your AC turns on it should run for a minimum of 15-20 minutes before cycling off. Any less is considered short cycling. When the AC is running the moist warm air is blown across cold coils in the air handler and the moisture condenses and the air is cooled and dried.
The solution.
Modern air conditioning units have multi-stage compressors and fans. A 4 ton unit with multi-stage technology can operate like a 2 ½ ton unit when it is cooler and the demand does not require all 4 tons of cooling. In the summer your AC will require its full capacity to maintain the desired temperature of your house but in the spring and fall it can operate at a lower level to still cool and dry the air in your house. If you are in the market for a new air conditioning system I highly recommend getting a multi-stage unit but that may be infeasible for some so my next suggestion is a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifiers come in a variety of flavors from a stand alone unit placed in a room to an addition in the HVAC unit operating in conjunction with your AC and requiring much less attention.
A highly experienced HVAC technician can help select the best solution for your specific needs and budget. Ask me for my recommendation for the best HVAC contractors in East Texas.
There is lots of misinformation about heating and cooling and insulation out there. I’m always happy to answer your questions and dispel the myths.