3 Ways Humidity Impacts Your HVAC

Here in the Mt. Vernon, Texas, area, the humidity levels tend to stay fairly high throughout the year. Increased humidity can have an impact on the efficiency and operation of your HVAC system in a variety of ways.

Decreased Efficiency

When the air is too moist, the heating and cooling systems have to work a lot harder to keep the temperature at the set level. Conversely, air that’s too dry will also cause decreased efficiency. This is a problem that occurs more frequently during the winter, since the heating system has to operate for longer periods of time to heat the cold, dry air. Using a humidifier during the winter can help reduce energy costs, especially if you install a whole-home humidifier that adds moisture to every room.

Increased Utility Costs 

One of the most expensive aspects of home ownership comes in the form of utility bills that arrive every month. During the summertime, you’re probably running your air conditioner more often, causing the cooling bills to shoot up. Humidity makes it difficult to keep the temperature low within a home or office building, so you’ll continue to lower the thermostat setting to get to a comfortable level. You can combat this during the summertime by running a dehumidifier to keep the moisture in the air more stable. 

Mold Growth

Excessive humidity may also cause mold to grow in the ducts and other areas where air flows in the heating and cooling systems. This can lead to health problems like congestion, sore throats, and headaches, which occur as the result of allergies to mold. It also decreases the indoor air quality in your home, so it’s important to have it cleaned out and removed as soon as possible. 

Humidity can cause several problems for your heating and cooling systems. If you’re struggling to maintain the humidity level in your home in Mt. Vernon, contact our HVAC specialists at Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing Inc. at 903-285-6550.

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