Staying cool in the summer is about more than just temperature. If your air conditioner is running but your home feels humid, the issue is often tied to indoor humidity. High humidity doesn’t just make you uncomfortable; it also affects health, raises energy bills, and can cause long-term damage to your home.
Why Is My AC Blowing Humid Air?
For homeowners in Idaho Falls, where dry summers can suddenly be followed by humid days, this issue is noticeable. Let’s explore why your AC is blowing humid air, what you can do to fix it, and when professional HVAC repair or installation is needed.
How Your AC Should Handle Humidity
An air conditioning system is designed to cool the air and reduce indoor humidity. As warm indoor air passes over the cold evaporator coil, moisture from the air condenses and drains away. This lowers the humidity level and helps your home feel comfortable.
If the system isn’t removing humidity, your AC may end up blowing humid air instead of crisp, cool air.
Common Causes of High Humidity with the AC Running
Several issues can cause humidity problems when your AC is running. Some are simple, while others require an HVAC professional.
Incorrect AC Sizing
- An oversized AC unit cools the house too quickly and shuts off before removing enough moisture in the air. This leaves high indoor humidity.
- An undersized unit runs constantly without enough power to manage temperature and humidity.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
When the air filter is dirty, airflow drops. Without good airflow, the evaporator coil cannot absorb heat and condense water vapor. Cleaning or replacing filters is a simple but vital step in humidity control.
Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coils
A frozen or dusty coil prevents the system from pulling humidity from the air. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep coils ready to remove excess moisture.
Refrigerant Problems
Low refrigerant levels reduce the cooling effect and humidity removal. Leaks may cause damage to your system if left untreated, making AC repair essential.
Leaky Ducts
Leaky ducts pull in hot and humid air from attics or crawl spaces, raising indoor humidity levels. Sealing ducts improves air quality and prevents unconditioned air from entering.
Poor Ventilation or Wrong Fan Settings
If the thermostat fan is set to On instead of Auto, the vent keeps blowing air being blown through the ac system, even when it’s not cooling. This can leave the house humid with the AC.
Signs of Excess Humidity in the Home
You may notice:
- Condensation on windows
- Musty or damp odors
- A sticky feeling when the AC is blowing
- Allergy issues from mold growth
- Warped wood or peeling paint
These are indicators that high humidity affects your home’s comfort and structure.
Quick Fixes to Reduce Humidity
Before calling a professional, try:
- Replace the air filter every 1–3 months.
- Check the thermostat fan and set it to Auto.
- Clear the AC drain line during routine cleaning.
- Keep supply vents open for airflow.
These steps may improve humidity control if the problem is minor.
When to Call an HVAC Professional
If your ac doesn’t improve after quick fixes, you need help. Call for service if:
- The ac is running but your home feels humid.
- Ice forms on the evaporator coil.
- Water pools around the air conditioning unit.
- Bills rise due to poor efficiency.
- Indoor humidity levels remain high.
Professional Solutions for Humidity Issues
A licensed technician may recommend:
- Cleaning and repair of coils
- Refrigerant recharge or leak repair
- Duct sealing to prevent outside air from entering
- Installing a whole-home dehumidifier
- Upgrading to the right AC or central air system
These solutions ensure your hvac system works by removing humidity and providing dehumidified air.
Preventing Humidity Problems with Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid humidity issues is through scheduled HVAC maintenance. Routine service helps your AC works efficiently and lasts longer.
A maintenance checklist should include:
- Cleaning coils and drain lines
- Inspecting ducts for leaks
- Testing thermostat operation
- Changing air filters
- Ensuring the system runs long enough to remove moisture from the air
By keeping up with seasonal service, your hvac system will handle heat and humidity better and keep indoor air quality high.
Why Choose Idaho Falls Heating and Cooling?
We specialize in solving humidity control problems and offer:
- 24/7 ac repair services
- Skilled technicians for any installation or repair
- Full solutions for hvac cleaning, repair, and installation
- Local knowledge of Idaho Falls temperature and humidity conditions
When your ac is blowing humid air, our team ensures comfort with same-day service.
Conclusion
If your air conditioning system leaves your home with humid air instead of cool air, don’t ignore it. Excess humidity can harm your property, increase bills, and impact health. While filter changes and cleaning may help, serious problems require professional HVAC repair and installation.
Trust Idaho Falls Heating and Cooling to get your AC back to cooling the air and reducing humidity levels effectively.