How to Improve Humidity Control in Your Home with a Central AC System?

Maintaining the right humidity level at home is important for comfort and health. Too much humidity can make your house feel stuffy, cause mold growth, and damage furniture, while too little can dry out your skin and lead to respiratory issues. If you have a central air conditioning (AC) system, you can improve humidity control and create a healthier living environment. 

Here, we’ll show you how to adjust your central AC system to better manage humidity levels in your home, helping you stay comfortable all year round.

Why Humidity Control is Important

Humidity plays a major role in how comfortable you feel inside your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. When humidity levels rise above 60%, it promotes mold growth, dust mites, and bacteria, which can lead to allergies and other health problems. 

On the other hand, very low humidity (below 30%) can cause dry skin, and nose irritation, and increase the spread of viruses. Central AC systems can help you control this balance, but you may need to adjust a few things to get the best results.

How Central AC Systems Control Humidity

Central AC systems work by cooling your home and removing excess moisture from the air. When warm air passes over the system’s evaporator coils, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, which are then drained outside. This process helps lower the humidity level inside your home. However, your AC may not always remove enough moisture, especially if it is oversized for your home, running too quickly, or set to the wrong temperature.

By considering the following points, you can improve the humidity levels using your central AC system.

Set Your Thermostat Correctly

One of the easiest ways to manage humidity levels is by adjusting your thermostat settings. Most people set their thermostats too low in an effort to cool down quickly, but this can cause your AC to short cycle. Short cycling means the system turns on and off too quickly, which prevents it from removing enough humidity from the air. 

Set your thermostat between 72°F and 78°F for optimal humidity control. Avoid setting it below 70°F, as this can lead to condensation and excessive humidity buildup.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels throughout the day. With a programmable thermostat, you can set different temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring your AC runs efficiently and keeps humidity under control even when you’re not at home.

Set your programmable thermostat to maintain a steady temperature, and avoid drastic changes. For example, set a higher temperature while you’re away and a comfortable temperature when you’re home.

Ensure Proper AC Sizing

An oversized AC unit cools your home too quickly, which doesn’t give it enough time to remove moisture from the air. This can lead to high indoor humidity levels. On the other hand, an undersized unit may run constantly, leading to excessive wear and higher energy costs. You can check a guide from Ultimate Heating & Air if your AC is cooling but not removing humidity or your AC seems to cool too fast or struggles to keep the house cool and consider having a professional perform a load calculation to determine if your AC unit is the right size for your home.

Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly

Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, which makes it harder for your AC to remove humidity effectively. Clogged filters also make your system less efficient, increasing energy usage and costs. Check your AC filters every month and replace them every 1-3 months, depending on usage. Clean filters will help your AC run more efficiently and keep humidity levels in check.

Consider a Whole-Home Dehumidifier

While central AC systems are designed to lower humidity, they may not always be enough, especially in very humid climates. A whole-home dehumidifier can work alongside your AC system to remove excess moisture and maintain ideal humidity levels.

Install a whole-home dehumidifier to work with your AC system, especially if you live in an area with high humidity. This can help reduce strain on your AC and lower energy bills while keeping humidity under control.

Check for Air Leaks

Air leaks in your home can let in humid outdoor air, making it harder for your AC system to control humidity. Common places for air leaks include doors, windows, and ductwork. Seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk. If your ductwork is leaking, consider having it inspected and repaired by a professional.

Research shows that high indoor humidity can worsen asthma and allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), homes with controlled humidity levels experience fewer mold-related issues and allergens. The EPA also notes that keeping humidity below 50% can significantly reduce dust mites and mold growth, which are common indoor allergens.

Use Fans and Ventilation

Proper ventilation can help reduce indoor humidity. Running exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen while cooking or showering can remove excess moisture from the air. Use exhaust fans in high-moisture areas. Ceiling fans can also help circulate air, improving airflow and assisting your AC in controlling humidity.

A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out that homes with high humidity often have higher concentrations of indoor air pollutants, making humidity control essential for better air quality.

Conclusion

Improving humidity control with your central AC system can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and air quality. By adjusting your thermostat, using a dehumidifier, and ensuring your AC is the right size, you can effectively manage humidity levels. Don’t forget to check for air leaks and maintain proper ventilation. With these tips, you’ll enjoy a healthier and more comfortable living space!