I know you want to keep your house nice and cool at all times during the summer, but did you ever find that your house feels humid with AC running?
Well, there are a few reasons for that, and I will be providing you with some great tips on how to solve this problem.
If you have an older unit, it might not be cooling properly due to internal issues or inefficient operation.
It might also require cleaning or repairs.
How Long Should AC Run To Dehumidify?
Most AC systems are designed to run for at least 30 minutes before the compressor shuts off.
This gives the system enough time to cool the house and dehumidify it as well.
It’s important to note that some systems have a humidity sensor installed, which will automatically turn on the compressor when needed.
If there is no humidity sensor installed, you can set up a timer so that your AC runs for 30 minutes each time it turns on.
The amount of time your air conditioner needs to run to dehumidify depends on several factors.
Factor #1: How Much Moisture Is Already In The Air In Your Home
The first is how much moisture is already in the air in your home.
If it’s raining outside, for example, you won’t need as much time for your air conditioner to remove moisture from inside the house.
Well, this is because there’s already plenty of water vapor in the air.
Factor #2: How High You Set Your Thermostat
Another factor is how high you set your thermostat. If you set it lower than normal, you’ll need longer for your AC to remove all of the moisture from inside your home.
Also how humid it is outside and how much airflow is coming into your home.
If there’s lots of airflows, then your AC may not need to run as long to dehumidify your home.
Factor #3: The Type Of System You Have
It also depends on whether or not you have a humidifier installed in your home as well as what type of system you have (central vs window unit).
Central systems run longer than window units because they exhaust out into an attic or crawlspace.
This is where they can cool off before being discharged into the outside air again.
An attic or crawlspace acts like an extra radiator for cooling purposes.
Tip: Window units are designed to cool one room at a time without any exhaust vents or ducts involved at all.
Is It OK To Run AC All Day?
The answer to this question depends on the type of air conditioner you have and the area you live in.
If you live in a humid climate, it’s not recommended that you run your AC all day.
The reason is that humid air contains more water vapor than dry air.
This means that if you run your AC all day at a low temperature, then some of the water vapor in your home will condense on the inside of windows or walls.
This can cause mold to grow and mildew to accumulate.
However, if you live in a dry climate like Arizona or Nevada, then it’s OK to run your AC all day.
You wouldn’t have to worry too much about condensation building up inside your home.
Tip: That said, it's not a good idea to run the AC all day.
Here are some reasons you shouldn’t run the AC all day
Reason #1: It Can Cause Mold To Grow
It’s not just that it feels humid, which it does but that humidity is actually corrosive to many materials in your car.
It is corrosive to plastics, leather, vinyl, and even glass lenses on lights and gauges.
You can also start seeing mold growth inside if you leave things damp for too long.
And condensation is bad news for electronics like radios and GPS units.
Note: Condensation is as well bad for other electronic devices like cell phones or laptops that are plugged into 12-volt outlets inside your car.
Reason #2: It Can Cause Your Energy Bills To Increase And Wear Out Your System Sooner
If you run the AC all day long, the system will become less efficient, which means that it will have to work harder to cool your home.
This can cause your energy bills to increase and wear out your system sooner.
So, if you can avoid running your air conditioner all day long, then do so.
If not, at least make sure that you close the windows and doors of rooms that do not require cooling.
This is so that only the rooms that need cooling are being cooled by the system.
Reasons Why House Feels Humid With AC Running?
Why is my house so humid with the ac on?
The air conditioner is designed to cool the air, not remove humidity. The more humid the air, the harder it is to cool it.
There are several reasons why there’s high humidity in house with AC running.
Below are some of those reasons.
Reason #1: The Air Conditioner Isn’t Working Properly
If you have an older unit, it may be running inefficiently or have internal problems that prevent it from cooling properly.
It may also need to be cleaned or repaired. Check with your local HVAC professional for advice on what to do next.
Reason #2: The Ducts Aren’t Sealed Properly
The ducts aren’t sealed properly and there’s leakage around the vents or seams in the wall where they penetrate your home’s structure.
This can lead to mold growth in poorly maintained homes with old ductwork.
This type of problem should be resolved by having your HVAC system checked out by a professional.
Invite a professional as soon as you notice any signs of moisture or mold growth in your home’s interior walls.
Reason #3: Windows Or Doors Leak When They’re Open
Windows or doors leak when they’re open, allowing humid outdoor air into the house during the summer months.
Allowing fresh air into the house helps make it feel more comfortable than recirculating stale indoor air through an AC system alone.
However, if you don’t have proper weatherstripping and there is moisture from outside seeping inside through cracks and openings, then there could be problems.
This can cause problems with mold and mildew growth which can lead to respiratory issues such as asthma and allergies.
Note: To prevent further moisture build-up than they already have, insulate those areas or even completely seal them off from the rest of your home.
How Can I Lower The Humidity In My House Quickly?
There are several ways to lower the humidity in your house quickly:
Step #1: Grab A Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will help you lower the humidity in your house. They’re easy to use and you can get them for less than $100.
Plus, they come in different sizes so you can find one that fits your home exactly.
Step #2: Get Out Those Clothes Dryers
If you have a large load of laundry, run it through the dryer once or twice to help get rid of some of the moisture in your house.
This is also a good idea if you have outdoor plants or pets like cats or dogs who may be shedding water-saturated fur into the air around them.
Step #3: Open Up Some Windows And Doors
Open up any windows and doors that are openable to let more fresh air into your house.
You should also open up any windows and doors on opposite sides of each other.
This is so that there is some kind of cross-ventilation going on throughout your home.
DIY Fixes For Humidifier
The answer depends on the humidity level in your home and how much humidity you want out of your air.
Most AC units can remove approximately 1-2 gallons of water per hour (gal/hr).
But this varies widely depending on the size and efficiency of the unit.
If you have a humidifier that is not working, there are several things you can check to see if it needs repair:
Step #1: Check For A Clogged Filter
If your humidifier does not have a screen or filter, use an old toothbrush to clean the inside of the tank thoroughly.
This will help prevent mineral deposits from building up on the wicks.
Tip: If you have a humidifier with a screen or filter, replace it if it has become clogged with minerals or debris from hard water.
Step #2: Make Sure That There Is Sufficient Water In The Tank
Make sure that there is sufficient water in the tank for proper operation (the amount may vary depending on the manufacturer).
If there isn’t enough water, air will pass through without being humidified.
If there’s too much water, it may overflow onto furniture or carpeting.
Step #3: Humidifier Model Must Be Compatible
Make sure that your humidifier model is compatible with the furnace blower motor (some aren’t).
Some units require electrical power while others operate off of a small water source such as an outdoor pond or a water hose.
If you have an electric model, make sure that it’s plugged into a working outlet and that the fuse hasn’t blown.
Note: Check for leaks around the base of your humidifier or on its water line by flushing a few drops of food coloring in first; if color appears, you know there are.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve taken a look at the common reasons why the house feels humid with AC running?
The best solution for a dry, uncomfortable home is to fix the problem at its source.
Whatever your current HVAC system and condition of your humidity problems, you can get help from qualified service professionals.
And don’t forget proper maintenance, keeping systems working optimally is key.
