Air conditioners are not designed specifically to combat humidity (although some models have dehumidifiers built into them). However, through their action of absorbing heat from the indoors of a home or building, they also remove some moisture from the air, and this can assist with lowering high humidity levels—and sometimes making a home too dry during periods of low humidity. Even without a dehumidifier, an AC will assist with making a humid Florida summer a bit easier to bear.
But the sometimes extreme levels of humidity in our state can mean problems for an air conditioner, as we’ll look at in this post. When you experience problems due to excess moisture in your air conditioning in Daytona Beach, FL, or any other AC repair need, call AC Designs Inc. right away. You can reach us 24 hours a day, every day.
The Trouble With High Humidity and an Air Conditioning System
Although your first instinct when thinking about what could go wrong because of humidity in an AV is probably “rust,” that’s rarely a problem with the rust-resistant components of an air conditioner. Corrosion in an AC usually happens due to household chemicals in the air.
The true problem with humidity extremes occurs in the drip pan, or condensate pan. The moisture from the air forms along the indoor evaporator coil in the air conditioner as it draws heat onto the coil. This moisture then drips down into the pan below, where a condensate pump draws it down a drain and safely into the wastewater system.
But huge amounts of moisture can contribute to the growth of algae inside the drain or the drain line, possibly even affecting the pump. When any of this happens, the drain with turn slow or clog completely. Because the drip pan is shallow, it will not take long for it to overflow and begin to spill water inside your house if the drain clogs or the pump malfunctions. This will lead to expensive water damage, mold and mildew growth, and a rise in the indoor humidity.
Should you spot water pooling around your air conditioner’s cabinet, call for repairs right away. Technicians will remove the pan and clean and repair the drain or pump, replacing components as necessary. They may also recommend installing a dehumidifier to combat the problem and alleviate some of your discomfort.
At AC Designs Inc., we not only handle repairs for air conditioning in Daytona Beach, FL, but we handle indoor air quality care with dehumidifiers and air purifiers. For the maximum comfort this summer for your home, call our team today.