Many homeowners don't think about humidity in relation to their HVAC system. In fact, humidity plays a role in temperature control and the overall conditioning of the air in your home. All systems come with their own humidity regulators. Depending on where you live, though, you may have to pinpoint your home's humidity needs and add on to your existing HVAC.

Discover what you need to know about humidity and your HVAC system.

Dangers of Too Much Humidity

Some locales are naturally high in humidity. As such, that humidity tends to enter the home. During the winter, an excess of humidity isn't much of an issue. In the summer, though, excess humidity can cause problems in your home. For one, glass surfaces can become foggy. Humid air can also warp wood. If your home becomes humid enough, your home may even develop mold and mildew.

The above issues can affect your health. However, they also impact your HVAC system. During the summer, the air conditioner removes both heat and humidity to cool your home. If your home is too humid, the system has to work harder. Its cooling capacity is negatively impacted, so your home won't feel as comfortable.

Dehumidifiers and Your HVAC System

The dehumidification properties of your air conditioner aren't as strong as a dedicated dehumidifier. If you live in a humid area, you may need your HVAC technicians to install an additional dehumidifier in your home. The technicians install the appliance before the air conditioner's intake valve. It removes moisture from the air before it even enters your AC unit.

Dangers of Too Little Humidity

Some locations are more arid in climate, which can lead to dryness in the house. What's more, even humid locales can suffer from a dearth of air moisture in the winter. According to experts, arid conditions are responsible for the following negative health effects:

• Dry skin and throat
• Sinus congestion
• Bloody noses
• Dry cough
• Irritated vocal cords

Low humidity also impacts your HVAC system, in the opposite way to high humidity. When a home is too dry, the heater will have a hard time making the air in your home feel warm. The arid conditions will make the air feel persistently cool.

Humidifiers and Your HVAC System

If your home suffers from arid conditions, you may need to have a whole-home humidifier installed. You have three main types. Drum systems work by passing over a water reservoir. Flow through systems blow air through a pad with dripping water. Spray humidifiers produce a mist that the unit blows through your house via a fan.

Talk to your local HVAC specialists about your home's humidity needs. 

For more information, reach out to HVAC companies.