Excessive humidity in a property can have a serious impact on both the building and the people inside. In homes and workplaces, it is important to find the source of the problem and deal with it as quickly as possible. Many people open windows, use dehumidifiers or try to reduce the amount of hot water they use. But did you know that a properly specified air conditioning system can also help to reduce humidity and make indoor spaces more comfortable?
Why Is Humidity Bad?
Humidity is the percentage of water vapour in the air. It is affected by several factors, including the surrounding climate, leaking pipes, rising damp in building materials and faulty seals around doors and windows. Too much moisture in the air inside your property can cause condensation, mould growth and mildew, as well as potential slip hazards and damage to furniture and décor.
If damp is left for too long, these conditions can start to affect the structure of a building, causing corrosion, decay and damage to finishes. If you are already seeing signs of mould or damp patches, it may also be a good time to review the condition and maintenance of your air conditioning system to ensure it is working as efficiently as possible.
How Does an Air Conditioner Help?
Air conditioners are designed to reduce the ambient temperature in a room, but they also naturally remove moisture from the air as part of the cooling process. Warm, humid air holds on to heat far more effectively than dry air. By cooling and drying the air at the same time, an air conditioner can make a room feel noticeably more comfortable.
In simple terms, this is how the process works:
- The air conditioner draws in the warm, humid air from the room.
- As this air passes over the cold evaporator coils, the water vapour condenses into liquid droplets.
- This condensation is collected and safely drained away from the system.
- The cooled, drier air is then blown back into the room.
This process happens every time you turn your air conditioner on. Not only does it help to create a more comfortable indoor environment, but it also supports the long-term condition of your property by reducing moisture levels. If you would like to understand this in more depth, our guide to how air conditioning works explains the process step by step.
Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner Work Efficiently
Modern systems are highly efficient, but there are several simple steps you can take to help your air conditioner remove humidity more effectively and keep running costs under control.
- Keep the evaporator coil clean. Dust, dirt and debris on the indoor coil act as insulation and make it harder for your system to remove heat and moisture. Regular servicing will help to keep key components clean and working efficiently.
- Use a moderate fan speed. Keeping the fan at a mid-level speed allows enough contact time between the humid air and the cold coil. This helps the system to remove more moisture without overworking the unit.
- Consider a TXV (thermal expansion valve). A TXV can improve the effective capacity of the evaporator coil, helping the system to maintain the correct refrigerant flow and support both cooling and dehumidification performance.
- Choose the right size unit. An oversized unit may cool the air very quickly, but switch off before it has had time to remove much moisture. An undersized unit may struggle to cope on warmer, more humid days. Our guide on what size air conditioning unit you need is a helpful starting point.
Air Conditioning and Humidity Control in Your Property
If you are looking to improve comfort at home, a well-designed home air conditioning installation can provide both cooling and practical humidity control in key rooms such as bedrooms, lounges and loft conversions. For businesses, carefully specified commercial air conditioning installations help to protect equipment, stock and finishes, while creating a more pleasant environment for staff and customers.
Here at Controlled Climate, we provide full-service air conditioning packages to both residential and commercial clients across Bristol and the South West. Our systems help to reduce indoor heat, lower humidity and maintain a stable, comfortable climate all year round. To arrange a survey or to speak directly with a member of our expert team, please contact us today.