The subtropical climate in Raleigh, NC makes for hot summers and mild winters. Humidity tends to be a concern throughout the year. High levels of humidity in your home can negatively impact the performance of your HVAC system as well as your comfort level. We here at Dawson's Electric & Air can assist you with the installation of new HVAC equipment, routine maintenance and modifications that can protect your heating and cooling system while supporting optimal comfort.
Understanding North Carolina Humidity
Because North Carolina is next to the Atlantic Ocean, humidity levels tend to remain high regardless of the temperature or other weather conditions. This increases the humidity in your home as air sneaks in through gaps and cracks around windows, doors and your foundation. As you open and close doors, humid air can enter. There are also ways that you can increase the relative humidity in your home, such as when bathing, cooking or cleaning.
The relative humidity level in your residence should remain between 35% and 50%. When humidity rises, your home can feel warmer than it is. The air may feel uncomfortable, making it hard to breathe. You may even notice mold and mildew growth in your residence, greatly impacting your indoor air quality in a negative manner.
The Relationship Between Humidity and HVAC Performance
When humidity is high in your home, your HVAC system must work harder to condition the air as well as remove water vapor. In areas with high humidity, there is a greater cooling load on an HVAC system than in drier areas. This can result in longer runtimes. Over time, this can lead to strain on your HVAC components, more frequent repairs and higher energy bills. You may find that you need to replace your heating or cooling equipment earlier than the expected life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.
Considering the Size of Your Equipment
It’s very important that your heating and cooling equipment is properly sized according to the square footage of your home and your needs. We perform a load calculation when helping clients choose new equipment. This includes thinking about your insulation levels, how many people live in your home, how many windows you have and the climate where you live. If your unit is too big or too small and attempting to function in humid conditions, this can lead to short cycling. This wastes energy and causes equipment wear and tear.
The Importance of Routine Maintenance
Because there is greater potential for HVAC strain in a humid climate, it’s important to schedule routine heater and AC inspections and maintenance at least once per year. This process includes checking a variety of interior components for damage. We can make repairs and replacements before you experience a problem with your heating or cooling equipment. We also clean interior components, lubricate moving parts and tighten any loose connections. This can also boost the overall efficiency of your system and lengthen its life expectancy.
We can also perform a ductwork inspection. This process looks for any signs of corrosion or damage that may allow humid air to enter your ducting and throughout your home. This inspection should take place once every three to five years or if you suspect a problem exists. We can seal your ducting to address any openings.
High Humidity and Your Health
When the air is humid, this impacts your body’s ability to cool itself down through the process of sweating. Sweat evaporates slowly when humidity is high, making you feel uncomfortable. If you suffer from allergies or chronic health issues, your comfort is incredibly important for your well-being.
The Basics of Thermal Comfort
Thermal comfort levels in a home consider things like the temperature of the air, radiant temperature, the velocity of the air moving through your residence and humidity levels. Moisture content directly impacts your comfort index. Some HVAC systems are equipped with advanced technology and controls that can adjust your humidity and temperature. Whole-home dehumidifiers and variable-speed fans are just two options that help maintain optimal relative humidity and distribute air.
Some HVAC systems feature variable refrigerant flow, which adjusts refrigerant levels. Inverter-driven compressors can adjust speed to operate more efficiently. If you live in a very humid climate, it may be worth considering spending a little more money on your next HVAC installation to utilize some of these features.
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)
Heat recovery ventilators, or HRVs for short, can exchange indoor air with fresh air from outdoors. However, during this process, energy is recovered, reducing the load placed on your system from dehumidification. You can also use a whole-home dehumidification unit to remove moisture from your indoor air. This equipment is installed directly onto your HVAC system and runs when your heating or cooling equipment is on. This prevents you from having to overuse your heating and cooling equipment to adjust relative humidity.
Upgrading Home Ventilation
Recirculating air through your HVAC system can help control your indoor temperature and humidity levels. Because the air outside in North Carolina is humid, moisture must be removed from the air being brought in. Most homeowners find that a combination of ventilation equipment and dehumidification is ideal.
Using Smart Technology and Controls
There are many developments in smart technology that can make it easy to monitor indoor humidity levels and control your different types of humidity-controlling equipment. If you don’t already have one, consider the installation of a smart thermostat. Many of these units come with a built-in hygrometer that will monitor your indoor relative humidity. If you have a whole-home dehumidifier on your HVAC setup, you can monitor and control its use using your smart device. You can also use a smart thermostat to monitor temperature and indoor air quality, making adjustments when necessary.
The Rising Energy Demand in North Carolina
We are seeing changes in how manufacturers are developing their equipment, prioritizing humidity control while minimizing the amount of energy that’s being used. This can lower homeowners’ energy bills and protect HVAC equipment longevity.
Also, we’re striving to achieve greener and more renewable options to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment. We may be able to retrofit your old HVAC equipment to incorporate dehumidification and energy-recovery features. When this isn’t possible and humidity is a major concern, we may recommend upgrading your heating or cooling equipment.
Other Options for Humidity Control
There are other ways that you can support the dehumidification ability of your HVAC system, reducing its load. The amount of insulation in your home can determine what your average relative humidity is. Also, the placement of your windows can make a profound impact. The goal is to create a stable home environment that is efficient and affordable to maintain.
Dawson's Electric & Air is a heating and cooling services team in Raleigh can assist with controlling the humidity in your home so that you experience better comfort and performance. This includes the installation of new heating and cooling equipment, a whole-house dehumidifier, a smart thermostat and more. We can also provide routine maintenance and emergency repairs when necessary.
Reach out to Dawson's Electric & Air in Raleigh today to find out more or to schedule an appointment.
