Dealing With Furnace Problems

How A Broken Air Conditioner Causes Humidity Issues

19 June 2023 by Eliza Chapman

Do you have high humidity in your home? A broken air conditioner might be to blame. Here's how your air conditioner could be causing humidity issues.

Inadequate Cooling

A broken air conditioner can lead to humidity issues by failing to cool the air properly. One of the primary functions of an air conditioner is to remove moisture from the air, thereby reducing humidity levels indoors.

When the system is malfunctioning, it may not be able to extract moisture effectively. As a result, the air remains saturated with moisture, leading to increased humidity in the space. This can make your home feel damp and uncomfortable until you schedule an air conditioning repair.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

A malfunctioning air conditioner can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up, which can contribute to humidity problems. The evaporator coil plays a crucial role in the cooling process by absorbing heat and moisture from the air. 

When the coil freezes, it becomes ineffective in removing moisture. Excess humidity then remains trapped in the air, making the air feel clammy and sticky. Additionally, a frozen evaporator coil can lead to reduced airflow and poor cooling performance, further causing humidity issues.

Improper Drainage

When an air conditioner extracts moisture from the air during the cooling process, the condensate is typically drained away through a dedicated drainage system. However, a broken AC unit may have a faulty or clogged drainage system, hindering proper moisture removal.

When the drainage system is impaired, the collected condensate may not be effectively drained away. This can result in water pooling inside the air conditioner or leaking into the surrounding area. Besides potential water damage, inadequate drainage can also contribute to elevated humidity levels. The excess moisture that should have been drained away evaporates into your home, leading to increased humidity and potential mold growth.

Short Cycling

When an air conditioner is short cycling, it means that it turns on and off frequently in short intervals. This can have a negative impact on the system's ability to dehumidify the air adequately. To effectively remove moisture, an air conditioner needs to run for longer periods to ensure proper condensation and drainage.

With short cycling, the system does not have enough time to complete the dehumidification process. An air conditioning repair will usually be needed to get your air conditioner back to running on a proper cycle. Once cycling property, your humidity levels should return to normal.

Contact a company like Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating to learn more. 

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