Have you ever walked into your house expecting to find a burglar nice and cool? Well, to your dismay, it is damp and clammy. You feel like you are stepping into a swamp instead of a house, the AC definitely did not do its magic as usual. Many homeowners wonder, why does my house feel damp with the AC on?
This issue dampens excess indoor humidity which can adversely affect your health, damage your belongings, and result in costly repairs. This air conditioner related problem, along with its effects and how to mitigate it must be addressed immediately.
The Process of Air Conditioning an Environment
The first thing to grasp is the working of an air conditioner before attempting to hypothesize as to why your house feels damp when the device is turned on. For most people, an air conditioning unit is a device designed to cool the house and does not aid in dehumidification, which is false.
The Multifunctional Use of Air Conditioners
These appliances function by extracting air from your house, passing it over cold evaporator coils, and blowing back cool air to the room. During this stage, moisture from the air condenses on the coils which decreases the relative humidity in the house.
Erroneous Usage of an Air Conditioner
They are made to not only cool the air, but also remove excess moisture. Some factors, however, may compromise their ability to do so effectively such as incorrect sizing, dirty components, or ventilation issues.
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Common Misunderstandings About Air Conditioning Units
An example of this is that lowering the thermostat for any reason will any and all issues concerning humidity. If the air duct is not functioning properly during cooling, or it is beset with sizing issues, then no amount of setting the heater will allow for effective dehumidification.
Possible Factors Why Your House Is Damp Despite Running The AC
There are many reasons why your home feels damp even when the air conditioner is in operation. Let’s check the most popular.
A. Correct AC Units
Oversized units: when the AC unit is oversized, it cools the air too fast and does not run long enough to allow humidity to escape. This creates an environment that is cold and clammy.
Undersized Units: In contrast, an undersized unit will have to run constantly without being able to cool or dehumidify effectively, leading to a situation where the device is overworked and underperforming.
B. Clogged Air Filter
When the air filters are dirty, they reduce the amount of air that passes through, which in turn, causes the AC to work much harder and still be less efficient. This increases humidity levels and in some cases, ice may form on the evaporator coils which greatly decreases performance.
C. Frozen Evaporator Coils
If the evaporator coils are frozen, it could be a result of circulation problems. Circulation problems will make the AC not to remove moisture from the air as required, but the frozen coils will likely add moisture to the environment when they thaw out, thus bringing dampness inside.
D. Duct Work That Leaks
When the duct work has gaps, it is possible for too much humid air from places that are unconditioned e.g. attics and crawl spaces to flow into the house and make it feel damp even when the AC is working.
E. Poor Insulation and Ventilation
Low quality insulation allows warm moist air to flow in and cool dry air to flow out. Poor ventilation can trap air inside, increasing humidity levels.
F. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Setting the thermostat low will initiate rapid cooling without dehumidification, leaving the air moist and uncomfortable.
Negative Effects of High Humidity Indoors
Indoor excess humidity can negatively affect personal health and housing. Let us explain the effects in detail.
A. Health Risks
Mold and Bacteria Growth: Damp environments encourage growth of mold and mildew, which can activate allergies and respiratory illness.
Respiratory Issues: Continuously humidified air can aggravate asthma or other breathing problems.
B. Discomfort
Increased moisture in the air at home makes the temperature feel higher than it actually is, leading to discomfort.
C. Damage to Home and Belongings
Increased moisture level can lead to mold on furniture, walls, and floors. This leads to increased destruction and expensive repairs over time.
Effect Impact
- Health Risks Allergic reactions, asthma, and mold exposure.
- Discomfort Making the environment feel hot and sticky.
- Home Damage Mold growth, rot, and damage to belongings.
Solutions to Address Dampness with AC On
If your home feels damp even when the air conditioner is on, don’t worry, there are practical solutions to resolve the issue.
A. Regular Maintenance
To ensure proper air flow, clean or replace air filters.
Annual cleaning of your evaporator coils will prevent freezing and improve efficiency.
B. Deemed Appropriate A/c Unit Size
Hire a professional HVAC technician to check if the unit is correctly sized for your house.
C. Improvement of Insulation as Well as Sealing
Seal the gaps found at windows and doors to stop humid air from entering.
Repair and check the ductwork for leaks and seal them to eliminate leakages.
D. Adding a Dehumidifier
A whole home dehumidifier will work together with your AC to maintain the right humidity balance in every room for a comfortable living.
E. Thermostats Adjustments
When set at a reasonable temperature, approximately 72-75°F, the thermostat increases the exertion of cooling and dehumidifying, striking a balance between the two.
Comfort Provisions for Home in Long-Term
In a bid to keep your house comfy and devoid of any damp, consider taking the following measures.
A. Regular HVAC Inspection Conduct regular inspections and ask a qualified personnel to check for unaddressed issues and fix them in good time.
B. Keeping Track of Indoor Humidity
Check humidity levels with a hygrometer and maintain a range of 30-50%.
C. Improving Ventilation
Make sure to install exhaust fans in moisture-laden areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Also, ensure good air circulation throughout the house.
Conclusion
Having a damp house with the AC on can be an irritating issue. Insight and the right methods can help in solving this challenge. Consider fixing the problem related to incorrect sizing, dirty filters, or even inadequate insulation, and enjoy a comfortable, cool, and dry home.
Also, HVAC maintenance, efficiency, and creating a positive air quality atmosphere indoors require an ongoing effort. If you feel there is an underlying issue with dampness, consider consulting an expert for system evaluation and professional recommendations.
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