Do Air Conditioners Work Harder in High Humidity?

Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling’s air conditioning services strengthen your unit, whether it’s handling intense humidity or a South Carolina summer’s day. Call to learn more!

Living in South Carolina means you already know all about humidity’s “wet blanket” reputation. It's that thick moistness that hangs in the air to make even the nicest days here feel uncomfortable. Do air conditioners work harder in high humidity to cool your home, or is it just humans that struggle?

If you've been looking for "the best AC repair company near me," you can end your search with Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling. Here, the team shares why, as it turns out, humidity can be a burden to your HVAC system.

The Signs of High Humidity In Your Home

While gorgeous summer days bring fun and time in the sunshine, they can also come with intense heat. Some of these hot days are particularly humid - even indoors. 

Signs of high humidity within your home may include:

• Musty or moldy odors
• Sweaty skin
• Poor indoor air quality
• Fogged windows, mirrors, and shower doors

The Impact of Humidity on Your Air Conditioner

When humidity levels rise inside your house, the result is a corresponding rise in the overall indoor temperature. To lower the temperature under these circumstances, your air conditioner has to go above and beyond. Unfortunately, any air conditioner that constantly strains to bring your indoor comfort in line can’t reach its full potential or adequately cool all the rooms in your house.

The Problems That Happen When an Air Conditioner Takes Strain

Is your air conditioner battling high humidity? You should also expect to see higher energy costs on the following month’s electricity bill. The harder your system has to work, the more energy it needs to use. 

Besides more kilowatt usage that drives up utility expenses overall, a straining system can wreak havoc on a homeowner's wallet in other ways. For example, you’ll pay for the ongoing repair work these units will need if their components work too hard or wear out sooner. An air conditioner that faces high humidity and runs itself ragged will also need an earlier replacement than expected.

The Solutions Your Air Conditioning System Needs to Handle High Humidity

Do air conditioners work harder in high humidity on every occasion? No, not every air conditioning unit will struggle to the same extent in humid conditions. For example, older air conditioners weren't made with built-in dehumidifiers, so humidity can really do a number on them.

Do you have a modern air conditioning system? The dehumidifier feature could help, but keep an eye on your energy bills and home comfort to be sure.

The Best Ways To Improve Cooling Performance Over Periods of High Humidity

If you live in the sweltering heat and humidity of South Carolina, maintaining the integrity of your air conditioning unit requires some initiative. Try these five ways to improve cooling efficiency in spite of high humidity:

#1 Install a Top-Quality Dehumidifier 

The best solution for your air conditioner in high humidity is installing a dehumidifier. If you have an older unit, you can get a separate dehumidifier and install it anywhere in the house. 

#2 Get Regular System Maintenance

To keep your unit strong, schedule regular AC maintenance. Yearly tune-ups from a skilled HVAC technician will resolve problems before they get worse.

#3 Close Doors and Windows On Humid Days

Leaving doors and windows open allows hot air and humidity to enter your home. Keeping doors and windows tightly closed could help indoor temperatures stabilize.

#4 Measure Indoor Humidity Levels

Have you ever heard of a hygrometer? The instrument measures the humidity so that you know when to close doors and windows. They’re inexpensive and available at most hardware stores.

#5 Invest in a New Air Conditioning Unit

Is your unit outdated? Replacing your system allows you to take advantage of a newer air conditioner with a built-in dehumidifier. It will operate more smoothly and face fewer issues during South Carolina’s summertime.

Help Your Air Conditioner Reach Its Full Potential With Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling

Do air conditioners work harder in high humidity if they’re well-maintained? Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself or fail to cool my home? Professionals like Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling can answer all these questions, fix your faulty air conditioner, and help your cooling system better handle the intense heat and humidity in this part of the world.

Contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling at 864-531-7732 to schedule an appointment!