During the hot summer months, we Texans not only experience blazing temperatures, but humidity also creeps into our homes, making it quite uncomfortable. However, did you know that your AC unit is the best line of defense against combating it? We’ve got four tips that will have you resting comfortably, even in the highest of humidity.
Adjust Your Fan Speed
Ideally, in hot and humid climates, you want your air conditioning unit to move air at a rate of 350 CFM per ton. However, some units are set up to move air at a much faster rate. But, for humidity removal, a faster rate is not always ideal.
Say, for instance, your unit is moving air at 400 CFM. That could be enough to keep you relatively comfortable, but it won’t do its part by tackling the humidity. The lower airflow allows the indoor coil to get colder. When it’s colder, it’s capable of removing more moisture while also satisfying your thermostat.
Keep Your Coil Clean
Your indoor evaporator coil is essential for keeping humidity at bay. However, if it’s covered with dust and dirt, it won’t be able to do its job properly to remove moisture from the air. One way to fix this problem is to change your air filter. As long as the air filter is doing its job and is changed regularly, the coil shouldn’t get dirty.
If you don’t keep up with changing your air filter regularly, this can cause the blower fans to move particles around your filter and into your air conditioning unit. Over time, the particles accumulate on the coil, and you’ll have to hire a professional like us to clean it.
Check Your Refrigerant Charge
If your refrigerant charge is too low, your unit will struggle to remove heat and humidity from your home. If not taken care of, this could develop into more severe issues such as freezing of the coil or a compressor failure. This could lead to costly repairs. Preventive maintenance services can help keep an eye on your refrigerant charge and adjust it if it isn’t right.
Install a Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV)
Installing a TXV helps your AC unit remove more humidity during a given cycle by using more of the evaporator coil. This is done by attaching a bulb to your refrigerant line. The bulb opens and closes depending on how much refrigerant is needed to maximize the surface area of the indoor coil that can be utilized given any temperature. In short, the TXV improves the capacity of your evaporator coil to remove heat and humidity.
Ultimately, the humidity choices you make for your home are all about comfort for you and your family. If you’ve explored all the options above but you find your unit is still struggling to get to your desired comfort level, give our experts a call! We may be able to provide you a few other options, such as a whole-house humidifier. Contact us at 866-797-1535 or schedule an appointment online. Visit our website for more information on our vast number of services, including air conditioning, heating, duct cleaning, indoor air quality, maintenance, commercial HVAC, industrial, and marine services.
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