Florida's humidity is legendary and brutal on your air conditioning system. With average humidity levels between 70 to 90% throughout Pasco and Hernando Counties, your AC works overtime not just cooling your home, but removing moisture from the air. Here is how to help your system handle the challenge.
Understanding the Humidity Challenge
Your air conditioner does two jobs: cooling the air and dehumidifying it. In places like Port Richey and Spring Hill, that second job is just as important as the first. When humidity is high, your AC runs longer and works harder, leading to higher energy bills and more wear on components.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
This is the simplest thing you can do, and many homeowners neglect it. In Florida's humid environment, a dirty filter restricts airflow and can contribute to mold growth. Check your filter monthly and replace it every 1 to 3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies.
Set a recurring reminder on your phone for the first of every month to check your filter. It takes 30 seconds and can prevent hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Keep Your Condensate Drain Line Clear
Your AC removes gallons of moisture from the air every day and all that water has to go somewhere. It drains through a condensate line, and in humid Florida, algae and mold can clog this line quickly. Pour a cup of white vinegar or diluted bleach down the drain line monthly to keep it flowing freely.
Check Your Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils inside your indoor unit are where moisture condenses. Dirty coils cannot dehumidify effectively and can develop mold. While you can visually inspect them, professional cleaning during annual maintenance ensures they are working at peak efficiency. Check out our maintenance plan for regular professional care.
Consider a Dehumidifier
If your home still feels humid even with the AC running, a whole home dehumidifier can help. These work alongside your AC to remove excess moisture without overcooling your home. They are particularly beneficial in older homes in areas like Hudson and New Port Richey where some homes have less efficient ductwork.
Seal Your Ductwork
Leaky ducts allow humid attic air to enter your system, making your AC work harder and reducing its dehumidification ability. If you notice rooms that are harder to cool or higher humidity in certain areas, you may have duct issues. Professional duct sealing can improve efficiency by 20% or more.
Use Your Fan Setting Wisely
Keep your thermostat fan set to AUTO rather than ON. When set to ON, the fan runs continuously, and moisture that collected on the evaporator coils can evaporate back into your home before it drains away. The AUTO setting allows proper dehumidification between cooling cycles.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Annual maintenance before our peak summer season ensures your system is ready to handle the humidity load. A technician will clean coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect the drain line, and identify potential issues before they become expensive problems.
Signs Your AC Is Not Handling Humidity Well
Living in Florida means learning to work with the humidity rather than against it. With proper maintenance and a few smart habits, your AC can keep your home comfortable even on the most oppressive summer days. If you are experiencing humidity issues or want to schedule maintenance, call Farrell Air Conditioning at 727-327-7355.
