How Humidity Affects Air Conditioning Systems

Condensation Drainage

• Because air conditioners dehumidify the air, that moisture moves from the room air to inside the air conditioning system. There, it transforms into condensation. As a result, the air conditioning system needs to drain out before the condensation floods the air conditioner and causes damage. That's why you notice water dripping from the backs of window air conditioners or from small drain pipes near an outside condenser on the ground. When humidity is higher, more water drips from the air conditioning system.

Sticking Debris

• Also, because the air conditioner removes dust particles along with excess moisture from the room air, the moisture causes the dust and debris to cling to different parts within the air conditioner. This causes the need for routine maintenance, such as cleaning off the system's evaporator coils with a vacuum cleaner. Also, this dust sticks to the filter inside the air conditioning system. Inspect the filter at least once a month or more often if air is more humid. Rinse dirty filters with water or replace them with new filters of the same size.

Air Conditioner Size

• The amount of humidity you normally have inside a room or home, or region, affects the size of the air conditioning unit you install. In less-humid regions, choose an air conditioning system mostly based on the size of the area to be cooled. For areas with higher humidity levels, study different systems and choose one that removes moisture better than others. Bigger does not necessarily mean better as one that's too big simply cools the air and cycles off before removing the humidity. Choose an air conditioner able to maintain the proper indoor humidity level while adequately cooling the entire space.

Added Humidity and Air Conditioners

• If you have a whole-house humidifier installed directly on the central air conditioning system, it should be shut down during more humid times of the year. If not, you will be contributing humidity to the house air while the system is working to remove it. Normal daily activities also add to the humidity level and make the air conditioning system work twice as hard to remove this excessive humidity. Activities such as cooking, washing dishes, laundry and showering add moisture to the air.