Your HVAC system is designed to cool the air, but as a natural byproduct of this process, it also removes excess humidity. By pulling moisture from the air, HVAC systems contribute significantly to maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments.

When humidity levels are balanced, your HVAC system doesn’t need to work as hard. Understanding how dehumidification works in tandem with cooling—and identifying when it’s not functioning optimally—can help you get the most out of your system.

In this blog post, Pro Price Heating And Cooling LLC’s experts discuss HVAC dehumidification, explore common issues that may arise, and share insights on how to maintain effective moisture control.

What Is the Impact of Poor Dehumidification on Indoor Comfort and Air Quality?

Without sufficient dehumidification, your space will start to feel damp and stuffy. You’ll probably find it difficult to sleep in these conditions. It may also be difficult to enjoy even just sitting indoors, as the high humidity makes it harder for your body to cool down naturally.

High humidity also creates conditions ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. For example, bathrooms and basements with insufficient dehumidification may quickly develop mold patches, which release spores into the air.

It’s possible that, if you recently moved into a new home, the system may not be properly sized or calibrated to handle the specific humidity levels of your space.

In any case, addressing these issues promptly will help restore your comfort before any issues worsen.

What HVAC Components Are Involved in Dehumidification?

As your HVAC system cools the air, it draws out moisture. The evaporator coil lowers the temperature of incoming warm air, causing humidity to condense on the coil’s surface and collect as water droplets. This moisture is then drained away, leaving the air drier and cooler as it circulates.

The process is also influenced by the system’s refrigerant. As warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat, cooling the air and reducing moisture.

What Causes Dehumidification Problems in an HVAC Unit?

If your system is struggling, you’ll notice higher humidity indoors or a clammy feeling in the air pretty quickly. Issues with dehumidification can occur when there are problems with airflow, refrigerant levels, or other components like the evaporator coil.

For example, if the evaporator coil becomes dirty, it won’t cool the air enough for moisture to condense properly, leaving the air damp as it circulates. This is uncomfortable and puts excess strain on your unit.

Here are some other common causes:

• Inadequate airflow: Blocked vents or dirty air filters restrict airflow, reducing your system’s dehumidification efficiency.
• Low refrigerant levels: Insufficient refrigerant means the evaporator coil won’t cool effectively, impacting moisture removal.
• An oversized HVAC unit: A unit that’s too large for your space cools the air too quickly without enough runtime to dehumidify properly.
• A faulty humidistat: If the humidistat malfunctions, it may not signal your system to adjust humidity levels accurately.
• Improper thermostat settings: Settings like “fan only” mode can disrupt dehumidification, as air circulates without cooling and condensing moisture.

How Do You Troubleshoot HVAC Dehumidification Problems?

Are you noticing your system continues to leave the air feeling damp and uncomfortable despite regular filter changes and basic maintenance? Perhaps you’re even starting to notice condensation forming on your windows and walls, or your system cycles on and off and struggles to reach the temperatures you set.

Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to address problems with your HVAC’s dehumidification:

• Check and change the air filter: A clean filter ensures proper airflow.
• Inspect the thermostat settings: Ensure it’s set to “cool” or “auto” mode instead of “fan only”.
• Adjust fan speed: Lower fan speeds can improve dehumidification by allowing air more time to cool and condense on the evaporator coil.
• Check the drain lines for clogs: A blocked drain line can prevent water from exiting the system, causing high humidity.

If these solutions fail, it could be that your HVAC system has a more complex issue requiring repair. In these cases, you can have your unit assessed. Repairs may include replacing the evaporator coil, recharging the refrigerant, or replacing a faulty thermostat.

What HVAC System Upgrades Improve Dehumidification?

To maintain effective dehumidification and ensure your HVAC system keeps your home comfortable, regular upkeep is essential. Consistent maintenance helps control humidity and improves overall system performance and energy efficiency.

However, if maintenance doesn’t effectively resolve moisture control issues, you may want to start exploring the potential for an HVAC system upgrade or adjustments to specific components.

Some HVAC system upgrades that can improve dehumidification include:

• Adding a dedicated dehumidifier: Adding a dedicated dehumidifier can provide additional support for moisture control, especially in areas with consistently high humidity.
• Upgrading to a variable-speed system: Upgrading to a variable-speed system allows for better regulation of humidity by adjusting airflow and cooling speed based on real-time conditions.
• Installing a new humidistat: Installing a new humidistat can improve the monitoring and control of indoor humidity levels, ensuring that your system responds more accurately to changing conditions.
• Replacing undersized ductwork: Replacing undersized ductwork enhances airflow throughout your home, which improves both cooling and dehumidification performance.

Why Is Humidity Load Important in HVAC Installation?

Humidity load refers to the amount of moisture an HVAC system must remove from indoor air to maintain comfortable and balanced humidity levels. This load varies typically depending on factors like climate, building size, and indoor activities that generate moisture, such as cooking and showering.

When your system is well-suited to your space’s humidity demands, it can control moisture effectively without excessive energy use. However, if the humidity load is too high for your system’s capacity, it may struggle to dehumidify adequately, leading to discomfort and potential humidity-related issues.

Humidity load is an important consideration before upgrading or installing a new unit. Along with proper sizing, which involves evaluating your space’s square footage, insulation, and air leakage, understanding the humidity demands ensures your system functions optimally.

Optimize Your Indoor Comfort With Our HVAC Services

How effectively your system manages humidity depends on proper sizing, maintenance, and the right components. If you’re experiencing issues with indoor comfort and any of the quick fixes you’ve tried haven’t worked, Pro Price Heating And Cooling LLC’s technicians can assess and optimize your system.

Schedule HVAC services with us today at (702) 742-3310 and maximize the comfort and efficiency of your indoor environment.