Summertime humidity in many parts of the country can be unbearable. Being able to retreat to your air conditioned home is the one place that you get comfortable. But what if your home feels clammy? And it is not comfortable?
There are a couple of easy things you can do to find relief:
When running exhaust fans in the home use them sparingly. An exhaust fan will take air from the house and exhaust to the outside, therefore your house goes to a negative pressure and brings outside air into your home. The air coming in is full of humidity and will make your home feel humid. Large kitchen range hoods and dryers are the biggest culprits of this problem.
Many homeowners also leave the fan on the HVAC running non-stop. While this does have some benefits for air filtration and stratification, leaving the fan on can bring back the moisture captured by the air conditioning coil. So, if you feel humid, set the fan to “auto”.
Make sure that your duct system is tight. Many contractors today can check an existing duct system with specialty tools to ensure the duct system is not allowing outside air into your home. This is a very common problem but it is one that can be easily repaired. A tight duct system can make a world of difference in a home, and it will even help you by saving money on your energy bills.
If you are considering a new HVAC system, be careful! Bigger is NOT always better when it comes to air conditioning. An over-sized unit will quickly cool the house, but it will shut off before it removes the humidity (this takes a much longer amount of time). The Department Of Energy, The US EPA, and many electrical utilities recommend having an industry standard “Manual J” load calculation performed before replacement. This can help ensure that your air conditioner is the right size for your home.
Ask for an air conditioner with enhanced dehumidification features. Not all systems are the same in regards to moisture removal. Make sure your unit comes with a TXV valve, and be sure the contractor doesn’t intentionally choose an excessively large indoor evaporator coil, just to claim a higher SEER rating. Some units have advanced humidity-sensing controls, variable-speed fans or two-speed compressors that help remove more moisture. Also, be sure your contractor tests your ducts for tightness. The new systems today are much more sensitive to duct leakage, so it is very important to have your ducts sealed or repaired before a new installation.
Lastly, consider a whole-house dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers will help maintain the dryness of the home during the times your air conditioner does not run. Occasions such as late nights or on those days when the temperature is low, but the humidity is high.
Summertime is a time for having fun and enjoying your family. When you settle down for the day, you want to be comfortable in your home. Give us a call and let us help you beat that summertime heat!