Summers are mostly hot and scorching but adding humidity to the mix makes things unbearable. If you thought that high humidity is bad for your health only, here’s another thought for you. It’s equally worse for the air conditioner and other appliances in the home. Were you aware of this fact? If not, this article is a must-read for all of you.
Why Is High Humidity Bad?
Humidity is the presence of moisture in the air. Moderate humidity does not harm anybody and anything. Nevertheless, as it becomes excessive, it becomes a problem that affects both man and machines.
1. Effect On Humans – During summers, we tend to sweat, which evaporates with the air. This keeps our bodies cool. When the humidity is high, there is already sufficient moisture in the air. As a result, instead of evaporating, the sweat stays on the skin. Hence we feel sweaty and clammy, which translates to irritability and lethargy.
2. Effect On Machines – High humidity promotes mold growth inside and around the machines, including the air conditioner. It also quickens the process of corrosion. So even a reliable machine becomes unreliable.
High Humidity Harms The Air Conditioner
Now that you know excessive humidity is a big problem let us discuss in greater detail how it hurts your air conditioner.
1. AC Has To Work Longer And Harder – When the air conditioner runs, it extracts humidity from the air, but that is not its primary function. So, first and foremost, let us bust the myth that the AC will keep humidity in check. At best, it will help lower it, but not necessarily to the safe or healthy level. If you want the AC to lower humidity, your only option is to lower the thermostat’s temperature setting further. The drawback of doing so is that your cooling unit will now have to work longer and harder than necessary. In the absence of a sound dehumidification system, you don’t really have any other option. The excessive strain is not right for the unit, but alas, there is nothing else you can do until you invest in a whole-home dehumidification system.
2. Efficiency Of AC Declines – A cooling unit that works longer than necessary will see a steady decline in its efficiency. Your energy bills will increase, and yet the cooling will not satisfy anybody. It will still seem lacking. This is a sure-shot sign of decreasing efficiency. The AC is caught in a vicious circle of trying to get rid of humidity to cool the air but can only manage that in limited quantities. You lower the temperature further, and now the air conditioner runs longer and is able to extract marginally more moisture, which is nowhere near sufficient. Hence, despite lowering the temperature further, there is no guarantee that the humidity level will fall in the same proportion.
3. More Wear And Tear – Working long hours has its own repercussions on a machine. An air conditioner is no exception. It will undergo extensive wear and tear, due to which the need for frequent repairs and maintenance will arise. The parts will either wear out or become loose. Sometimes the undue strain will also cause overheating of the components, due to which they may spoil and need to be replaced. Needlessly lowering the temperature just to keep the humidity in check is not a good solution. It will only lower the life expectancy of an otherwise good air conditioner.
4. Metallic Parts More Susceptible To Corrosion – Humidity permeates in all nooks and crannies where the air can pass through. Moreover, the air conditioner also produces moisture due to its inherent working. Therefore, the humidity that the cooling system has to deal with is more than normal. The metallic components of the AC are susceptible to corrosion. Excessive moisture will simply speed up the process. Corrosion can lead to holes and cracks, which will affect the unit’s working. Not only will its cooling capability decline, but so can its efficiency. Some damage caused by corrosion is easy to fix, though not all. Hence, the best practice is to ensure that humidity is within the acceptable level in your residential or commercial building.
5. Becomes A Harbor For Pathogens – We tend to assume that since nobody is touching the AC constantly, it is the most hygienic piece of equipment in your space. Rarely do we realize that touching is not always necessary to spread germs. Sometimes they travel through water droplets in the air and settle on surfaces where they proliferate on finding conducive conditions. The AC provides the perfect environment for pathogens to thrive. When the numbers of these micro-organisms increase, they spread far and wide into your breathing space with the circulating air. The pathogens don’t remain contained within the body of the AC. Instead, they circulate throughout the house, spreading illness and allergies.
Food For Thought
The work of an air conditioner is to make the environment comfortable by making the enclosed space cool. In doing so, it may be able to extract some humidity from the air. What one needs to remember is that removing humidity is not its main function. Hence, when the humidity level is high, you need to have a reliable dehumidifier instead of banking on the air conditioner to rise to the occasion. Your air conditioner is for cooling, and a dehumidifier is for getting rid of excess humidity.
If you wish to learn more about whole-home dehumidifiers, please contact the air experts at Aztil Air Conditioning. We are a family-owned business providing a full suite of HVAC services in West Palm Beach. We also provide air duct cleaning and air quality solutions. When you partner with us, you get prompt, top-quality service at an affordable rate. We have a strong team of technicians who can handle all HVAC problems with minimal disruption of your everyday routine. The safety of your heating and cooling system and your satisfaction are our top priorities. To book an appointment, call us anytime at +1-888-729-8452.
