Is Humidity Affected by Air Conditioning?

Home air conditioning units, either window-mounted or central, are designed to remove moisture from inside a house or apartment. This ability is especially important in moist climates or homes near bodies of water. In Middletown, residences close to the Wallkill River may feel higher indoor dampness during the summer months.

HVAC contractors know the signs of an air conditioner not adequately removing humidity. Some telltale signs include:

- Ceiling or walls with water stains

- Fogged-up windows

- Musty smells

- Mold buildup, especially in bathrooms or near sinks

Improper AC sizing for a home's square footage can also lead to humidity problems. Air conditioners must work harder on humid days, and an AC unit with too-small cooling capacity will not remove moisture properly. Ironically, an excessively large unit may cool quickly but not optimally remove humidity.

Other reasons for underperformance include a clogged condensate drain allowing water to back up into the home as well as a built-in dehumidifier that may have stopped working.

It's critical to have a trained HVAC contractor check air conditioners annually to find problems before they arise. Since all homes are different, correct sizing of new HVAC equipment is critical. Only specially trained HVAC contractors have the right tools to perform this evaluation properly.