Sometimes, Air Conditioning can Cause Dry Air in your Home
When it comes to your air conditioning unit, the most common problem you will encounter is that you experience too much humidity. That is because AC units work through a system of evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant that cycles through them.
However, even though your air conditioning unit is not specifically designed to operate as a dehumidifier, it does contain some dehumidifying properties. Consider that the humidity level outside won’t necessarily reflect that within your home, especially not when you operate your AC unit much of the day.
Also, because we have a very dry climate in the Tri-Cities, we are more susceptible to the air in our homes being dry as well, making it more likely that treated air from the air conditioner could leave your indoor air even dryer.
The dry air inside your home can actually be harmful if the humidity levels drop below 30 percent.
How Does Your AC Unit Affect the Dry Air?
Air conditioners do remove humidity, and that is known as water vapor, from the air. It is an inherent occurrence when your air conditioner treats your air. As soon as the air comes into contact with the cold evaporator coil inside of the air handler, the air conditioner makes the humidity condense on the coil and drain into the pipe that escapes outdoors.
The only way to stop this condensation process is to shut off your AC unit or turn up the temperature. Warmer air contains more humidity, and unless you supplement that by bathing or using the stove, or with a humidifier, the humidity level will keep dropping as long as you operate your furnace or AC unit.
Signs of Your Dry Air in your Home
Keep in mind that while your air conditioning unit is supposed to cool your home, it should not significantly dehumidify the indoor air. Nonetheless, the AC unit does expel a certain amount of humidity from the air in your home as it treats the air. As mentioned above, Tri-Cities residents already experience a dry climate, so it would not be unusual for your indoor air to become dry quickly when you run your air conditioner for a considerable amount of time.
There are some indicators that will tell you that your air is too dry. For example, if you or anyone in your residence experience frequent sore throats or bloody noses, this could clue you in that your indoor air is too dry. When you encounter instances of static shocks, in addition to issues with splitting wooden floorboards or furniture, and chipped paint, these are all signs that you might have very dry air.
Again, a humidifier could resolve the too-dry-air problem.
Ways to Increase Humidity in Your Home
The good news is that you can increase the humidity levels in your home and still be able to be cool and comfortable inside during the hot summer months in the Tri-Cities. Avoid turning on the kitchen and bathroom fans if possible. This will work even better if you reside in a small house and cook often.
Also, distribute bowls of water throughout your home. Putting water around your home will add moisture to the indoor dry air. You could also try leaving the water in the tub after a bath. Using a humidifier will get the job done with the greatest efficiency. Among the different types of humidifiers are portable ones or whole-house humidifiers.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert HVAC Maintenance
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
