On a hot summer day, the first thing many of us want to do is stay indoors to escape the searing heat. But when that hot summer day adds some next-level humidity to that heat, you’re instead hit with sticky air that clings to your skin and makes you feel far from comfortable.
High humidity makes even the coolest spaces feel heavy and stuffy. This is why the trusty air conditioner is such a godsend on these muggy days. But how does your aircon help with humidity and keep you feeling fresh? Whether you’re dealing with muggy afternoons or trying to prevent mould, understanding how air conditioners manage moisture levels can make all the difference in creating a cool and comfortable indoor living environment.
What Is Humidity and Why Does It Matter Indoors?
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapour present in the air. It significantly affects your general comfort levels whether you’re busy being physically active or just watching TV.
When humidity levels are high inside your home, the air can feel heavy, sticky, and oppressive, making it harder for your sweat to evaporate and cool your body. This can have numerous effects on you and your home, including:
- Discomfort
- Mould growth
- Damage to your furniture, walls, or other household surfaces
But if you think the negative effects of high humidity mean that low humidity must therefore be good, well that’s not quite on the mark either. Low humidity can dry out your skin, lips, and sinuses, leaving you feeling irritated. What you need is to find that ideal sweet spot between the two extremes; strike the right balance of humidity and you’ll enjoy a cosy, healthy, and well-maintained home.
How Do Traditional Air Conditioners Reduce Humidity?
Traditional air conditioners do more than just cool the air; they’re also pretty good at reducing humidity levels inside your home.
As warm, humid air passes over the evaporator coil inside your air conditioner, the coil’s cool surface causes the moisture in the air to condense into water droplets. These droplets then drain away, leaving the air drier and more comfortable.
This process helps manage sticky conditions and prevents mould and mildew from taking hold in your home. Metropolitan Air Conditioning recommends choosing the right sized unit to ensure it balances cooling and dehumidifying for your home.
Dehumidification in Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners
An effective cooling solution for the summer is one thing, but for a year-round heating and cooling system, a reverse-cycle air conditioner ticks the necessary boxes. Not only do they cool in summer and heat in winter, but they also manage humidity in both modes.
During cooling, they remove excess moisture from the air and leave your home feeling fresher and less sticky. In winter they maintain a balanced level of humidity so the air doesn’t get too dry.
By combining temperature control with humidity management, reverse cycle air conditioners create a comfortable and healthy indoor space whatever the season or climate.
Do Evaporative Coolers Help With Humidity?
So what about homes with evaporative cooling systems instead of traditional refrigerated air conditioners?
Evaporative coolers work differently from conventional air conditioning systems. Instead of removing moisture, they actually add it to the air by using water-soaked pads to cool the air as it passes through the system. For homes in dry climate areas, they’re great as they increase humidity and deliver a cool breeze. But in areas with already levels of high humidity, they can make conditions feel even stickier and less comfortable. They’re climate dependent so not ideal for managing humidity in tropical or coastal regions.
When it comes to choosing between a refrigerated air conditioner or an evaporative cooler, knowing your environment is key to choosing the right cooling system.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Humidity Control
Choosing the right air conditioner makes a big difference in managing humidity.
- Look for models with built-in dehumidification features which are designed to tackle excess moisture in the air.
- Energy efficient systems with advanced climate control allow you to fine-tune temperature and humidity for ultimate comfort.
- Smart air conditioners with sensors can even adjust automatically based on room conditions.
- Choose the right size for your space. If it’s too small, the system will struggle to maintain performance. Too big and it won’t dehumidify properly.
Professional installation ensures everything runs smoothly from day one.
When Do You Need a Dehumidifier With an Air Conditioner?
In some situations, you may find that an air conditioner alone won’t be enough to manage high humidity. This is particularly true for homes in tropical climates or for poorly ventilated spaces like basements.
If you notice dampness, musty smells or mould growth in the home, even when your air conditioner is running, you may need to add a dehumidifier. This could be a great addition to your home; one that removes excess moisture from the air directly and complements your air conditioner’s cooling. They’re especially useful during extreme humidity or in rooms where humidity lingers.
Using both devices together will help you to create a fresher healthier environment. You’ll be able to keep your home comfortable, even on the most humid days.
Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Managing Humidity?
If your air conditioner isn’t pulling its weight and keeping your home feeling fresh, chances are it’s not able to manage humidity as well as it perhaps should. Here are the signs to look out for:
- The air feels damp or sticky even when the temperature is cool.
- Mould or mildew is forming on walls, ceilings or furniture.
- Musty smells are present in the air, especially in closed-off rooms.
- Your windows fog up even in warm weather.
- The system runs nonstop but doesn’t feel any better.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to book your aircon in for a service.
A Humidity-Free Home
The air conditioner can be the best ally in your corner when it comes to managing indoor humidity and creating a healthier more comfortable home.
Whether it’s a reverse cycle system or an evaporative cooler, the right air conditioner will cool your home and keep the sticky damp conditions at bay. Pairing your system with proper maintenance and professional advice will have it running smoothly all year round.
By knowing what your home needs, you can choose a unit specifically designed for humidity control. This will create a fresher, more balanced environment that feels just right, no matter how humid it is outside.