How Houston Humidity Affects Your HVAC System

When living in the fourth-largest city in the US like Houston, people will be faced with some very high temperatures but the bigger issue might actually be the humidity. Houston is known for long humid summers, humidity in the air and storms. Most homeowners focus on temperature only, whereas humidity places a huge load on an HVAC system daily. 

Let’s take a look at how humidity in the Houston area affects your HVAC system and how you can fix it.

1. Your AC Works Harder 

Not only cools the air; but, also removes moisture from the air when cooling. 

How humidity impacts your air conditioning system: 

- Longer run cycles

- More electricity to run the air conditioning system

- Cooling period seems to be longer 

- Air inside your home feels "sticky"

The more work that your air conditioning system does equals more wear and tear put on components like the compressor and blower motor over the long term.

2. Increase The Amount Of Your Energy Bill 

Increased moisture will cause:

- The air conditioning system to operate more frequently

- The air conditioning system not to reach the desired setpoint of your thermostat

- The length of the cooling cycles to be longer; thus leading to higher utility bills than previously due to longer run cycles and therefore more consumption. 

During the extended cooling season of Houston (typical March through October), this creates additional wear and tear on the HVAC system.

3. Mold/Mildew Risk

Humid conditions create an ideal environment for mold to grow. Moisture in your HVAC system creates a breeding ground for mold to grow.

Moisture can accumulate in these areas of your HVAC system:

Ducts

Condenser coils

Drain pans

This moisture can lead to:

Musty Odors

Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Health Issues

Properly maintained HVAC systems minimize moisture accumulation and keep your system clean through regular maintenance.

HVAC systems have shorter life spans in humid temperature areas than in mild temperature areas. HVAC systems in Houston typically last about 10-15. However, in other areas, HVAC systems can last from 15-20. High humidity causes stress to electrical components, increases corrosion and accelerates wear. Preventative maintenance will reduce premature HVAC breakdowns.

Poor Comfort Levels In Your Home

There are three things that high humidity does to make your home uncomfortable.

First, high humidity causes uneven cooling of your entire home and makes on-room cold, yet damp.

Second, high humidity creates an uncomfortable sticky feel in your home.

Third, high humidity causes homeowners to lower the temperature setting on their thermostats creating additional demand on their HVAC system.

The proper size and maintenance of the HVAC system will help to keep the humidity levels in the home at comfortable levels.

How To Protect Your HVAC System In Houston From Humidity

There are five ways you can prevent damage to your HVAC system in Houston by following those simple steps:

➥ Schedule HVAC Maintenance Annually (best schedule is bi-annually)

➥ Routinely Change Your Air Filters

➥ Use Proper Drainage

➥ Use A Whole House Dehumidifier

➥ Inspect Coils And Ductwork

Humidity in Houston doesn't merely make it uncomfortable to live in the city, but also directly affects how well your HVAC system works, how long the system will last, and the quality of the service being provided by the system. As the level of moisture in the air increases, the workload on your system increases. Routine maintenance is a necessity in this type of climate, not just an option.

If you feel like your HVAC unit runs forever, your house feels musty or damp, or your electric bill has gone up, increased humidity could be the culprit. Looking for a Company That Provides HVAC Maintenance Services within the Houston Area? Anchor HVAC 360 has HVAC services that are able to meet your needs through a variety of inspection programs, maintenance programs, and performance evaluation programs specifically for the Houston Climate. Don't allow the humidity in the air to cause decreased service life to your HVAC system.

Contact Anchor HVAC 360 to schedule service, which will provide a cool and comfortable atmosphere throughout your home on an ongoing basis.