There are two sides to Florida’s weather forecast: rainy with a chance of sun and just plain hot and humid. The latter can have quite the impact on your AC. The longer your unit is exposed to the elements without proper maintenance or repair, the more humidity has a chance to creep in a do real damage.
The effects of this moisture may well impact your cold air on the warmest day of the year. Are you willing to take the chance? Consider the ways our native climate can dampen your AC’s cool.
Invasive Mold
Mold and humidity are practically best friends – and they’re your AC’s worst enemy. These rogue elements conspire against your HVAC to wreak havoc on your duct work and more. Know that dirt and dust make excellent breeding materials for mold, especially when humidity is introduced. The best way to defend against this duo is with scheduled cleanings.
You’ll also want to close humidity’s doorways to your system. An AC technician can seal the small cracks and gaps that allow moisture to feed mold over time.
Reduced Overall Air Quality
Harboring mold is one way to get reduced air quality; however, there’s a certain overall unpleasantness that comes with clammy indoor air. AC leaks can cycle damp air through your home, which can contribute to a muggy-feeling interior.
But it’s more than just a feeling. Damp air can settle in your furniture, leading to long-term allergens, or destroy decor like wallpaper and other delicate objects.
Destructive Corrosion
Speaking of leaks, these damaging drips can add enough humidity to cause corrosion, including rust, to both outdoor and indoor AC parts. Since leaks often occur near the drain pan and clean drain line, these parts are especially susceptible to lasting wear.
Humidity needs water to hang around so the longer your leaks go unchecked the better the chance that dampness will lurk around your AC’s metal parts. If the damage is too great, you may need to consider replacing your leaky AC.
Poor Cooling Capability
Believe it or not, all of these issues can affect your unit’s cooling capacity. The parts impacted most by humidity (duct work, drain pan, indoor coils – to name a few) work together to cool your home; if one of them is out of whack, you can expect AC to work extra hard to compensate. This equals a decline in its ability to produce comfortable temperatures as well as it used to.
Your AC is your home’s best dehumidifier. How well you care for it will ensure its facility to fight humidity’s effects on your unit and home.
Are humidity levels rising inside your home? Keep the sticky Florida climate outside where it belongs. Contact Easy AC today for more information on affordable Tampa AC repair. To stay up-to-date on all your warm-weather maintenance, check out our EZ Breezy Club.