Is Humidity to Blame for Poor AC Efficiency in McLean, VA?

July 25, 2022

Here in McLean, VA, the humidity can be oppressive in the summer months. Besides making life uncomfortable, high humidity can also affect the efficiency of your home’s air conditioner. Here’s why that is and what you can do about it.

How Humidity Affects AC Efficiency

Modern air conditioners don’t just remove heat from the air inside a home. They also remove humidity because high levels of humidity create uncomfortable conditions and affect how the home’s occupants perceive the indoor temperature. Therefore, the higher the humidity level of the air in a home, the harder the AC will have to work to bring down the temperature — resulting in less efficient cooling.

How to Tell if Humidity Is Harming Your AC Efficiency

If you suspect that your AC system is having difficulty dealing with the humid air in your home, there are some telltale signs you should look for:

Muggy, damp air in your home while the AC is operating
Condensation forming on windows and cold surfaces
Musty odors inside your home
Abnormally peeling paint or wallpaper

You need to identify the signs that humidity is harming your AC efficiency as early as possible. If you don’t, higher electricity costs won’t be your only problem. The additional wear and tear on your system will have you calling for an AC repair service sooner rather than later.

Dehumidifiers Can Help Solve the Problem

Assuming that your AC system doesn’t need repair and that it’s the proper size for your home, you’ll want to do something to address the excess humidity in your home’s air. The best way to do that is to add a dehumidifier to the system to help it maintain the home’s humidity level in the summer months. By doing so, you can restore your AC system’s efficiency and enhance the comfort of everyone in your home.

If you think excess humidity is harming your AC’s efficiency, you need to call a professional to rectify the problem. Whether you need us to install a new air conditioner or a dehumidifier, contact Vernon Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. to get the job done right!

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