7 Reasons Why Your AC Makes Your House More Humid

Updated: February 19, 2024

If you’ve ever stepped out of a cool, air-conditioned room into the sticky summer heat, you know that air conditioners don’t just cool the air; they also remove moisture. But why does it sometimes feel like your AC is making your house more humid and uncomfortable? The answer has to do with how an AC works and the conditions in your home.

1. Freezing Evaporator Coils

If your air conditioner is making your house more humid than usual, it may be because the evaporator coils are frozen. This can happen for several reasons, such as if the coils are dirty or if the air filter is blocked. When the coils are frozen, the AC can’t evaporate the moisture in the air, which leads to higher humidity levels. If you think this might be the problem, check to see if the coils are frosted over. If they are, turn off the AC, and let the coils thaw. Once they’re thawed, clean the coils before turning on the AC.

2. Dirty Air Filter

Your air conditioner’s job is to remove humidity from the air as it cools your home. However, if the air filter is clogged with dust and dirt, it can restrict airflow and prevent the AC from doing its job properly. As a result, your home will feel muggy and uncomfortable. To avoid this problem, be sure to check and clean your air filter on a regular basis. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to replace it every few months.

3. Wrong AC Size

An undersized AC unit will run constantly but never reach the thermostat setting, resulting in humid air being circulated throughout your home. On the other hand, an oversized AC unit will cycle on and off frequently, which can also lead to increased humidity as the unit doesn’t have a chance to properly dehumidify the air. If you’re not sure what size air conditioner you need, be sure to consult with a professional before making a purchase.

4. Leaky Duct Work

When your AC cools, it also removes moisture from the air. This moisture is then supposed to be carried away by the ductwork and released outside. However, if there are leaks in the ductwork, the moisture can escape and enter your home, making it more humid. To fix this problem, you’ll need to seal the leaks in your ductwork.

5. Clogged Drain Line

The air conditioner pulls moisture out of the air to condense on the evaporator coils. This helps to cool the air as it passes over the coils. The water then drains through a small pipe, called the drain line, and into a drain pan. If the drain line becomes clogged, the water will back up into the unit and may cause leaks or other damage. In addition, the humid air will not be able to escape, leading to a build-up of moisture inside your home.

A clogged drain line is, therefore, a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. There are a few ways to clean a clogged drain line, but it is best to consult a professional AC technician for help. They will be able to clean the drain line using the right tools and ensure that it is not clogged again in the future.

Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning today!

6. Blocked Vents

When the vents are blocked, the air inside the AC unit can’t circulate properly. This causes the evaporator coil to get too cold and the condenser to get too hot. As a result, the humidity in the AC unit increases, and this humid air is then circulated into your home. To prevent this from happening, make sure that all the vents in your AC unit are clear and unobstructed.

7. Poor AC Insulation

Poor insulation can cause the AC unit to work harder and use more energy, which in turn can cause humidity problems. Additionally, if the insulation is old or damaged, it might not be doing its job properly anymore and could be letting moisture into the home. If you suspect that your AC unit’s insulation is to blame for your humidity problems, it’s a good idea to have it checked by a professional. They can take a look at the unit and make sure that it’s properly insulated.