Air Conditioning Humidity Control

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Humidity Control in Sarasota

Sarasota HVAC Company with Over 25 Years of Experience

If you live in Sarasota or Manatee County during the hot months, you know how sticky things get. You also know how important your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is for keeping your home’s humidity in check. However, what if you’re not at your home all the time? How do you keep the humidity in your home under control while you’re gone?

A dehumidistat is an energy-saving device that is designed to control the humidity and mildew as efficiently as possible during summer. They are generally used in homes where residents are seasonal. Your air conditioning system can work as a dehumidifier in a sense. A dehumidistat controls your AC system in a way that keeps the house as dry as necessary when it is not occupied. When your house is being occupied, the dehumidistat should not be used and should be left in the “on” position. It will not affect the operation of your HVAC system.

At Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer top-of-the-line humidity control and indoor air quality services. Our EPA-certified, factory-trained technicians can help you select the right humidistat and then install it!

Tips to Reduce Humidity in Your Home

Keeping humidity levels low in your home will help both your overall health, as well as the health of your home. Depending on how serious the problem is, you could be risking costly home repairs for stains, rotten wood, mold/mildew, and more. Ventilation is important to reduce humidity. This is especially crucial in areas that generate moisture—i.e., the kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom. Just four to six pints of water can actually increase the humidity level indoors, in a 1000 square-foot area, from 15% to 60%.

Here are some ways to lower humidity in your home:

  • Increase ventilation using ceiling fans.
  • Keep your AC filters clean; you should check them monthly in season.
  • Have a trained technician install a dehumidistat, especially if you are not a full time resident, to ensure your house maintains proper humidity levels when you are not here.
  • Make sure your attic is properly insulated.
  • Use a shower head with a low flow.
  • Stay aware of the temperature in your home as opposed to the temperature outside.
  • Check your roof for loose shingles/flashings and leaks.
  • When cooking, keep food covered as much as possible and utilize the exhaust fans.
  • Keep drip pans and drain lines for your air conditioning system clean and unblocked.
  • Consider using a dehumidifier.
  • Consider weather stripping and caulking around windows.
  • Have a trained technician install a programmable thermostat.
  • Treat your foundation with Hydroclay.
  • Insulate tubing/pipes around your house.
  • Consider adding an ultraviolet light to your indoor coil to keep it free of restrictions.
  • Have your system serviced annually to ensure peak performance.

Operation of the Dehumidistat When You Are Away

If you are using your dehumidistat when you are away from home, set the thermostat to “auto fan,” “cool” and set the temperature at 75 degrees. This does not mean that the temperature in your house will be at 75 degrees.

This is merely a setting that will allow the dehumidistat to function properly under any weather condition. Set the dehumidistat between 60% and 70%. The lower the number, the drier it will keep your home. Setting it at 65% is generally adequate to prevent mildew growth. If you wish to keep your home drier, you can set the number to a lower setting, but keep in mind the lower the setting, the higher your electric bill will be.

Operation of the Dehumidistat When You Are Home

If you are using the dehumidistat when you are at home, turn your dehumidistat all the way to the “on” position. Set the thermostat to “auto fan,” “cool” and set the temperature control to the desired temperature. At this setting, your dehumidistat should not affect the operation of your system.

Normal Operation

If you want to see if the dehumidistat is functioning, set your thermostat to 65 degrees “cool” and “auto fan.” Turn the dehumidistat to the “on” position. Your air conditioner should be running at this time. Check to see that the cool air is coming through your air ducts. If it is working, turn the dehumidistat all the way in the opposite direction. Your air conditioner should shut off.

If your AC system does not shut off right away, wait about one 1-2 minutes. (Many of the newer systems will delay shutting the blower fan off.) When the system shuts off, you know that your dehumidistat is functioning properly. Wait 5-6 minutes and then return the settings to normal.

We serve homeowners, providers of new construction, homeowner associations, property management companies, and commercial clients. Contact Airrific Air Conditioning and Heating today if you have questions about how dehumidistats work, or if wish to have one installed. We offer free estimates, as well as discounts for soldiers and senior citizens!

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