How Humidity Affects Your AC System and Power Bill

In Clearwater, FL, the summer humidity is quite oppressive at times. If you own a home here, you should know that high humidity has a huge effect on your air conditioner. Here’s why high humidity affects AC system performance and increases power bills.

Humid Air Feels Hotter

Our bodies rely on the evaporation of sweat from our skin to cool down on hot days. However, humid air prevents that process and makes us feel like it’s even hotter than the temperature indicates. This leads many homeowners to lower their thermostats to cope, leading to higher power bills.

AC Systems Work Harder on Humid Days

As your home’s AC system extracts heat from the air and cools your home, it also extracts moisture from the air. So, the more humid the air is, the harder your AC system must work to cool the air in your home. That means your air conditioner will run for longer on humid days, resulting in higher operating costs.

Humidity Increases Wear and Tear

Since your AC system has to work harder for longer in humid conditions, it’ll also be more prone to breakdowns. That can translate into more frequent AC repair visits and higher air conditioning maintenance costs. It could also lead you to need a new air conditioning system sooner than you would have otherwise needed it.

At the end of the day, high humidity translates into higher cooling bills. It’ll also shorten the lifespan of your AC system. So homeowners in Clearwater, FL, should consider installing a dehumidifier or some additional ventilation to combat the high humidity.

You could save even more on your energy costs by upgrading your home’s AC system. A newer model might be more efficient, regardless of the humidity levels. To find out more, call our experts at Arctic Air Systems to inquire about a new AC installation today.

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