If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my house so humid with the AC on?” you’re not alone. Many homeowners or business owners face the same problem for their AC condition.
A properly functioning air conditioner should reduce indoor humidity, so when it doesn’t, it’s a sign that something might be amiss.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind high humidity in your home with the AC running and provide expert advice on how to resolve it.
Air conditioners are designed to cool and dehumidify the air in your home. However, if your house feels humid even when the AC is running, it indicates that something isn't working as it should.
Several factors can contribute to high humidity in your home, and understanding these will help you identify potential issues.
Your AC's air filter plays a vital role in the system's efficiency, including its ability to dehumidify the air. A clogged or dirty air filter can reduce airflow, forcing the system to work harder to cool your home. This inefficiency can prevent the AC from properly removing moisture from the air, leaving your home feeling humid even when the unit is on.
Solution: Regularly clean or replace the air filter every 1–3 months to ensure proper airflow and dehumidification.
Related Article: How to Unclog Your AC Drain Line and Prevent Future Backups
Air conditioners rely on refrigerants to absorb heat from the air and cool it. If there is a refrigerant leak or if the refrigerant levels are too low, the AC will not be able to cool the air efficiently. This can cause the AC to fail in removing excess humidity from the air, leading to a high humidity level in your home.
Solution: If you suspect low refrigerant, contact an experienced AC repair technician to check for leaks and recharge the refrigerant.
Inadequate insulation or air leaks in your ductwork can lead to warm, humid air entering your home from the outside. Even if your AC is running, the incoming hot air can overwhelm the cooling and dehumidifying process, leaving you with a humid indoor environment.
Solution: Schedule an inspection for your insulation and ducts to identify any leaks. Proper sealing and insulation will improve the AC’s efficiency and help reduce humidity.
If your AC unit is too large or too small for your space, it may not be effectively controlling humidity. An oversized AC unit will cool the space too quickly, preventing it from running long enough to dehumidify the air effectively. On the other hand, an undersized unit may not be able to cool the entire space, leading to high humidity levels.
Solution: If your AC system is too large or small for your home, consider having it replaced with a unit that is properly sized. A professional AC installation service can assess your home’s cooling needs and recommend the right size.
We recommend consulting with Air Masters to determine whether your home requires a central AC system or individual room units (AC by Room). We can provide expert advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Air conditioners remove moisture from the air by collecting condensation in a drainage pan and then expelling it outside. If your AC’s drainage system is clogged or malfunctioning, the moisture may accumulate inside the unit, causing excess humidity in your home.
Solution: Ensure your AC’s drainage system is functioning properly by having it inspected and cleaned regularly. A blocked drain line can also lead to water damage and mold growth.
Sometimes, external weather conditions can exacerbate humidity levels inside your home. If it’s particularly humid outside, even a functioning AC unit may struggle to maintain low indoor humidity. This is common in areas like Oahu, Hawaii, where the tropical climate can contribute to high moisture levels in the air.
Solution: Consider using a dehumidifier in addition to your AC to further reduce indoor humidity. A dehumidifier can help remove excess moisture and make your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still dealing with high humidity in your home despite running the AC, it may be time to consult with a professional AC technician. A certified technician can:
In Oahu, Hawaii, where humidity levels are naturally high, having a properly functioning AC system is especially important. Local experts, like Air Masters, can provide tailored solutions to address high humidity problems specific to Hawaii’s climate.
Dealing with humidity in your home, even when the AC is running, can be a frustrating experience. The key to solving this problem lies in understanding the underlying causes, whether it’s a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, or improperly sized equipment. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to ensure your AC is working at its best, keeping your home cool and comfortable year-round.
If you continue to struggle with high humidity in your house, even with the AC running, consider contacting Air Masters for expert AC repair and installation services in Oahu, Hawaii. With the right support and service, you can enjoy a cooler, drier home and improve your indoor air quality.
With the right approach and professional help, you can keep your home comfortable and free from excess humidity.
Call for booking appointments with Air Masters today!