Air conditioning affects humidity by removing moisture from the air. Part of the cooling process itself is the removal of moisture from the air. This is why water is a byproduct of running the air conditioner. In fact, your air conditioner can produce as much as 9 gallons of water per day. You have probably noticed that water drains from your AC system when it is running. During humid days, more water is extracted from the air. The water drains through the condensate drain, which carries the water to the home’s drainage system or outside the house.

The Condensate Drain

The condensate drain can become clogged with debris and algae, or the lines may become bent or kinked. If the drain line is compromised, the water can leak into the home, damaging ceilings and walls. When you have your yearly AC tune-up, the HVAC technician checks and cleans the condensate tray and drain. If your condensate drain becomes clogged between maintenance visits, you can vacuum and clean the drain line yourself or call a professional to resolve the issue for you.
AC and Dehumidification

Your air conditioning unit acts as a dehumidifier during the warm weather. As your air conditioner extracts moisture from the air, the air feels lighter and cooler. You can evaluate the humidity levels in your home with an inexpensive gadget known as a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device with a humidity sensor that provides a reading of humidity levels displayed as a percentage. This percentage is known as the “relative humidity.” HVAC professionals recommend that the ideal humidity level in residential homes is between 40 and 50 percent relative humidity.
In very humid climates, the air conditioner may not adequately remove the humidity from the air. If your home is humid even when the air conditioner is running at full blast, you may benefit from a dehumidifier in your home. A dehumidifier gives the air conditioning system an assist for removing moisture from the air. With a dehumidifier, your AC unit is not required to work as hard to cool your home. Your system will run less frequently and conserve energy with the help of a dehumidifier.
Signs That Humidity Levels are Too High

With the humid climate in Lafayette LA, many homeowners may suspect that the humidity levels in their homes are too high. A few signs that your home is too humid include:
Moisture on Windows
Water Stains on Ceilings and Walls
Mold Under Sinks and in the Bathroom
Musty Odor
Symptoms of Allergies
To learn more about how to reduce your Lafayette LA home’s humidity levels, call Lee’s Air Conditioning Company. We can show you how to stabilize the humidity levels in your home with a whole-house humidification system. Lee’s is a Daikin Factory Authorized Dealer and a full service HVAC company.