Florida’s year-round warm temperatures can be a major “pro” on the list of reasons to live here in the Sunshine State. At the same time, that same weather can quickly become a “con” during muggy-feeling summer days. This is due largely to our high levels of humidity. Some days, the humidity can make it uncomfortable to be outside for long – but you might also find these conditions causing issues with your home’s interior. An improperly-functioning HVAC system can often be to blame!

Once you learn how best to deal with humidity, you’ll have the benefit of maintaining that cool and comfortable interior year-round. Your trusty AC unit plays a crucial role in keeping these moisture levels manageable, reducing the high-humidity feeling that hangs heavy on sticky summer days.

Throughout this guide, we’ll touch on the key points you need to know when it comes to cutting through the high humidity with your AC unit. By both understanding the role your system plays and knowing the signs that you’re not truly controlling the humidity in your home, you’ll be prepared to work with the professionals in Daytona Beach AC repair for a better, cooler home.

The Relationship Between Air Conditioning and Humidity

There’s a close relationship between air conditioning and moisture levels. If you thought that your AC unit’s sole purpose was to pump in cold air to the home, you might be surprised to learn that these systems actually remove humidity from the air during cooling! So, how does that work?

The Air Conditioning Cycle

The process of air conditioning your home starts like this: warm indoor air blows across the AC’s cold evaporator coil, causing the air to cool down. As the air cools, moisture condenses on the coil, removing humidity from the air. The condensed moisture (now a liquid) drips into the condensate drain line to flow outside. The now dehumidified, cooled air blows back into your home.

So when you hear the AC unit kicking on to cool your home, you’ll note that it’s actually also working to remove that excess moisture in the air. Both these factors come together to give you a cool, refreshing feeling when you step inside after feeling the thick, humid outdoor air.

That is, if your AC unit is properly sized, maintained, and running efficiently. Old or otherwise faulty equipment can actually struggle with these processes of cooling and dehumidification – leaving you feeling stuffy indoors.

Signs Your AC is Struggling with Humidity Control

Starting to understand how your AC unit tackles humidity? Then you might be able to imagine some of the many signs that your system isn’t doing its job – causing moisture to build up indoors. Here are those common indicators:

  • Clammy or “sweaty” feeling in the air
  • Musty mold or mildew odors
  • Condensation/water streaks on windows, pipes, and walls
  • Yellow or brown water stains on walls or ceilings
  • Frequent fogging of bathroom mirrors and windows (persisting after a shower or bath)
  • Blistering or cracking of wood surfaces
  • Lack of cooling despite the AC constantly running

Notice any sign on this list – or a combination of several? This can mean bad news: your unit may be struggling. If you can act quickly (and address the root cause of the problem), you’ll be on your way to indoor comfort and healthy air quality while mitigating any potential moisture damage to your home.

Tips for Controlling Indoor Humidity with Your AC

Did you know that there’s some simple steps you can take to help your AC system better handle that tricky humidity? You can follow the following steps for optimized AC unit performance, a better operating environment, and less indoor moisture issues all summer long.

Operate Your AC as Recommended

While this first point may feel obvious, it’s important to state that your first line of defense against indoor humidity is going to be utilizing your AC consistently. While you might consider trying to save energy by setting the thermostat much higher when you’re away from home, you might noticing that humidity gradually building back up – giving your system much more work to manage when you turn it on again. Adjust humidity levels if possible as well – between 45-55% relative humidity is ideal for comfort and moisture control.

Utilize Ceiling Fans and Circulation

Don’t underestimate how powerful good air circulation can be to your indoor comfort! Running your ceiling fans can create a wind-chill effect and also work to distribute dehumidified air from your vents. Portable fans are also a helpful option to move air around.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

When was the last time you checked your air filter? If you’re working with a clogged or dirty, outdated air filter, you might find that your AC’s ability to adequately dehumidify the air has been significantly reduced. The simple maintenance task of checking and changing out those filters monthly (especially during those peak humid seasons) can boost an overall improvement in cooling performance.

Schedule Daytona Beach AC Repair and Maintenance

Let’s face it – despite your best, diligent efforts, your AC unit will eventually need some attention from the professionals to keep running at peak performance. Turn to Attic Man for Daytona Beach AC repair and maintenance! We recommend that you schedule an annual pre-season AC tune-up, during which our HVAC technicians will inspect your system to ensure maximum humidity control once the hottest months arrive.

Problems That Arise from Humidity Issues

Letting the humidity linger unchecked? This could spell bad news for your Daytona Beach home, like:

  • Mold and mildew growth on surfaces
  • Wood rot and structural damage
  • Pest infestations, including termites, roaches, and other pests that thrive in those moist environments
  • Damage to personal belongings by water stains, warping, or mold
  • Increased energy consumption and costs

So, staying proactive with humidity control means you can avoid these issues – as well as the much bigger headaches and expenses down the road. It’s an easy choice!

The Benefits of Joining Attic Man’s Maintenance Plan

At Attic Man, we understand that Florida’s homeowners should treat proper humidity management as a total necessity. So, we’ve developed comprehensive AC maintenance plans so that you can always ensure your system – and indoor air quality – is in good hands.

When you join our maintenance program, you’ll receive biannual AC maintenance inspections, as well as routine cleaning to keep your system in its best condition for the season ahead. Our maintenance members also enjoy priority scheduling, discounted repairs, and outstanding customer service from our expert team.

So if you’ve been noticing those signs of humidity problems at home (or you just want to be proactive with preventative maintenance), Attic Man is here to help as your premier resource for Daytona Beach AC repair!

Contact us now or give us a call today at 855-288-4262 to schedule your free inspection and quote. We look forward to serving you!