In Northeast Ohio, warm summer temperatures and humidity often go hand in hand, creating an uncomfortable, muggy feeling. But you don’t have to wait for autumn for relief. If your AC is running but humidity is still high, you may benefit from a whole-house dehumidifier installation. Integrated with your HVAC system, a built-in dehumidifier removes excess moisture from indoor air, so you can enjoy dry, cool comfort until the last days of summer.
Why Your AC Is Running But Humidity Is High
Many Greater Cleveland residents rely on their AC to beat summer temperatures. As long as your air conditioner works properly, it will remove some moisture along with heat. However, humidity control isn’t an AC’s primary purpose, so your home could still feel humid.
If your AC is functioning normally, but you’re feeling sticky and uncomfortable, a dehumidifier can help manage humidity levels. Portable units can be effective if the humidity is high in one room or area of the house, while whole-house units dehumidify air throughout your entire living space.
Built-in HVAC humidity control solutions connect to your ductwork and work alongside your existing heating or cooling system. A whole-house dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air. By comparison, a whole-house humidifier installation can add moisture when the air is too dry.
Understanding Your Home’s Humidity Levels
It’s important to know what the humidity should be in your house. A hygrometer or humidity sensor can measure your home’s relative humidity (RH). Some thermostats also display humidity levels.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor relative humidity levels should fall between 30% and 50% for your comfort and to protect your home. Lower humidity may cause irritation, such as dry skin and a scratchy throat. Higher humidity creates moist conditions that may encourage mildew growth.
You may notice RH fluctuates with the seasons. For example, Cleveland summers are naturally humid, so your indoor RH will likely climb toward the higher end of the range in warmer months.
Should You Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier?
If your AC is running but humidity is high, a dehumidifier could help. To ensure it’s the best solution for your needs, take a closer look at what’s going on in your house.
Monitor Indoor Humidity Levels
Keep an eye on your home’s actual RH levels. RH might temporarily rise during a heat wave or on a hot, rainy day, but humidity levels are mainly a concern if they’re consistently above the EPA’s recommended 50% threshold.
Consider where the RH in your home is high. A whole-house dehumidifier can be a good option if you want to manage humidity throughout your living space. If high humidity is confined to one area, such as a basement, a standalone dehumidifier may be enough.
Confirm Your AC Is Working Properly
When your cooling system works as it should, it removes heat and moisture from the air. But if your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, it may struggle to extract moisture. Frequent cycling, weak airflow and warm air are signs you may need an air conditioner tune-up or repair. Once you resolve the AC issues, monitor humidity levels to see if they improve.
Check for Moisture Sources
Daily activities such as cooking, showering and hanging clothes to dry indoors can add to humid conditions, especially if your home isn’t well-ventilated. Use bathroom and stovetop exhaust fans, and ensure they vent outdoors. Look for plumbing leaks, improperly sealed windows and doors and other potential moisture sources. Resolving these issues may help get humidity under control.
How a Whole-Home Dehumidifier Can Help
Still can’t escape Greater Cleveland’s relentless summer humidity? If your AC is working properly and you’ve checked for possible moisture issues, it may be time to invest in a whole-home dehumidifier. These systems are installed as part of your HVAC to dehumidify air throughout your house. Humid air is pulled into your ductwork and flows over cold coils. As the air cools, the moisture condenses into water droplets that are drained away. The dehumidified air is returned to your living space.
Benefits of a whole-house dehumidifier installation include:
- Improves indoor comfort. The moisture in hot, humid air can make temperatures feel warmer than they are and create a heavy, stuffy feeling. Dehumidified air feels lighter and fresher.
- Maintains consistent humidity. While you could opt for a standalone dehumidifier in a bedroom or basement, a whole-home system can provide consistent RH from room to room.
- Reduces dampness. High humidity creates damp conditions that may encourage mold growth and musty odors. By helping to keep humidity levels within the recommended range, a dehumidifier can improve air quality and make your home more comfortable.
- Streamlines humidity management. A whole-home system offers a simple approach to humidity control. You choose your desired humidity level and the system does the rest, monitoring RH and automatically removing enough moisture to keep humidity within the set range.
- Automates drainage. Unlike a portable dehumidifier that collects water in a tank, a whole-home dehumidifier is typically connected to a drain. Moisture removed from the air can drain away automatically, so you don’t have to check whether the water tank is full or remember to empty it.
Choosing an HVAC Humidity Control System
A whole-home dehumidifier can be a simple way to manage moisture levels when your AC is running but humidity levels remain high. Because the system is integrated into your HVAC, you’ll need a unit that’s properly sized for your home and existing setup. Correct installation is essential to ensure the dehumidifier is properly connected to your home’s ductwork and drainage.
To get started, find an HVAC company that can provide trusted whole-house dehumidifier or humidifier installation near you. For homeowners in Greater Cleveland, including Mentor, Warrensville Heights, Brunswick, Chesterland and Cuyahoga Falls, our experienced team at Anderson HVAC can assess your home and install the right humidity control solutions for your year-round comfort.
