The Effects of Indoor Humidity on HVAC Performance

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. In your home, it’s important to manage this moisture level efficiently. Not only does it affect your comfort and health but also your heating and air conditioning. In this post, HVAC experts at Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning discuss how changing humidity levels, both high and low, can alter your unit’s performance.

Low Indoor Humidity During Winter

During winter, when the air is typically drier, maintaining proper indoor humidity levels is essential for HVAC performance. When the indoor air is too dry, it feels cooler than it actually is. This might urge you to set your thermostat higher, causing your heating system to work harder and consume more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. Eventually, the unit may experience issues like frequent cycling and can become worn out faster.

High Indoor Humidity During Summer

In contrast, during summer, the impact of indoor humidity shifts. In hot and humid climates, the HVAC system plays a dual role in cooling and dehumidifying the air. When indoor humidity is high, your air conditioner must work harder to remove both heat and moisture from the air. It can also promote mold growth and worsen indoor air quality. Your HVAC system must run longer to combat these issues, consuming more energy in the process and resulting in higher energy bills.

How to Keep Ideal Indoor Humidity Levels

To maintain ideal indoor humidity levels throughout the year, you can use humidifiers during winter to add moisture to the air when it’s too dry. Throughout summer, dehumidifiers can help remove excess moisture from the air, making your home more comfortable and reducing the workload on your air conditioning system.

Ensuring your home is properly insulated and sealed also helps in maintaining consistent indoor humidity levels. Additionally, investing in a programmable thermostat that comes with humidity control features can enhance your HVAC system’s performance by allowing you to set specific humidity levels for each season.

We Can Help!

Don’t let your system battle alone against humidity swings! Call Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning at (415) 689-7849, or fill out this contact form for high-quality heating and cooling services. Our team is ready to ensure your HVAC system is in top shape.