One of the main reasons why an air-conditioned room feels so comfortable is that the cooling process removes much of the excess humidity from the air. In most homes, a well-maintained, properly sized air conditioning system should be able to reduce existing humidity levels and provide an adequate cooling experience. If, however, the air conditioning system seems unable to effectively cool the space, there may be an existing humidity issue that is impacting its performance. 

Homeowners who suspect their homes may have humidity levels that are high enough to impact the performance of their cooling system can use these tips to overcome the problem and enjoy a more comfortable cooling season this year. 

Determine why interior humidity levels are too high

In order to feel comfortable, humidity levels inside your home should be somewhere between 30 and 60 percent. Humidity levels that are lower or higher can be detrimental to both human health and the condition of the structure and finishes in the home. 

Common practices that can cause high humidity inside residential homes include the following: 

• poor ventilation in humidity-producing spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens
• failing to cover simmering pots of soups, stews, and broths
• opening the dishwasher before the drying cycle has completed
• taking frequent, lengthy showers
• air drying laundry, instead of using the dryer
• plumbing or foundation leaks that cause excess moisture to pool inside the home

Homes that are heavily insulated and sealed to prevent air loss can also complicate the problem of excess humidity inside the home and make it harder for the air conditioning system to provide proper cooling. 

Find ways to remove excess humidity 

Excess humidity in the home can be addressed by making changes in the behavior of the people who live there, such as using lids when cooking, shortening showers, and using the clothes dryer, as well as making other improvements. Some of these improvements include the installation of high-efficiency vents in kitchens and baths that will more effectively remove humid air from the home, purchasing and using dehumidifiers in key areas, and the installation of fresh air vents in attics and other key areas of the home.

Homeowners who are struggling with uncomfortable indoor air temperatures should also consider having the condenser unit examined by a reputable air conditioning repair service. If the openings in the condenser housing have become clogged with leaves, grass clippings, or other debris, the unit may no longer be effectively removing excess humidity from inside the home. The service technician will clean the condenser, as well as check the connections and components to restore normal function.