A.S.R.S., Inc. has been helping homeowners throughout the Low Country and Coastal Empire since 1982, which means our technicians have seen more than enough HVAC units affected by the unique weather conditions of the area. Our summers are long, and they are wet and humid. Anyone who has lived in the region has heard that familiar statement from neighbors: “That humidity is killer!”
For an HVAC unit, that sentiment is more accurate than you’d think. HVAC units in humid climates are susceptible to a number of different issues that aren’t as common in drier areas. Managing that humidity is a key factor in maintaining the longevity of your HVAC unit. For homeowners and business owners seeking to extend the lifespan of their HVAC system, we recommend keeping an eye out for some common issues that HVAC units face in humid climates.
Organic Growth
Organic growth in HVAC units can be a serious concern for residents within humid climates. An HVAC unit is meant to filter and circulate air within your home. Sometimes, when condensation is allowed to build up in a system, the water buildup can combine with dust and debris to create the perfect environment for organic growth. If your HVAC unit has organic growth, you may discover an increase in respiratory issues and allergy symptoms that could develop into much more serious problems. If you notice your family has been suffering from unexplained respiratory illnesses again and again, it may be time to call on a certified HVAC technician to check for organic growth.
Clogged Air Filters
Your air filter is your barrier against the dust, dirt, and debris that can build up in the air and cause you to feel sick. A properly functioning air filter can improve your health and the efficiency of your machine, which is why frequent air filter replacements can be so crucial to the longevity of your HVAC unit. However, in humid climates, dust, dirt, and debris buildup can stick together and cause a filter to clog much sooner than it would in standard conditions. A clogged air filter may lead to increased strain on your machine, which might cause breakdowns if not properly managed. Especially during the summertime, homeowners and business owners are encouraged to invest in frequent air filter replacements to protect against clogged air filters.
Increased Wear & Tear
Humidity can increase the discomfort caused by hot weather and may even make you feel even hotter than the ambient temperature. This discomfort is caused by your body’s inability to cool you down because the sweat build-up on your skin isn’t evaporating. As a result, your HVAC system will need to work harder as you push the thermostat lower to maintain your ideal comfort level. When combined with a clogged air filter, this can lead to your HVAC unit being taxed beyond its limits. Without proper maintenance to address any worn-down parts, it might even lead to total failure.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
When the weather is as hot as it is, the idea of anything being frozen can seem impossible. However, when airflow within your HVAC system is restricted due to the humid climate causing a malfunction, this can lead to condensation build-up and temperatures plummeting on the evaporator coil. Your evaporator coil, which is meant to absorb the heat and moisture within the air, can no longer perform its job as intended. In the event you notice hot air blowing from your AC, it may be an indication that your evaporator coil has frozen and is unable to do its job.
Corrosion
Moisture and metal do not get along with each other. While your AC unit is built to handle some degree of humidity, an increase in that humidity can push it past its limits. Without proper cleaning and disposal of built-up water, the moisture in your system can begin to corrode your machine. It may cause issues with wiring or even rust. Repairing corrosion can be costly and, if severe enough, may even require an HVAC unit replacement.
Increased Humidity
It may seem like a no-brainer, but in humid climates, the risk of an AC unit actually making the problem worse is far more common than you’d think. When an HVAC unit is worn down through repeated stress, its ability to remove the moisture in the air decreases. This decrease in efficiency can exacerbate an environmental humidity issue, causing you discomfort and making your machine break down faster as you push the thermostat lower.
How to Combat the Effect of Humidity on Your Home
As a responsible home or business owner, it’s your responsibility to monitor your HVAC unit for problems. One of the best ways you can make that happen is through the scheduling of routine preventative maintenance checks. At A.S.R.S., Inc., we offer residential and commercial preventive maintenance plans to ensure your system can handle the humid summers and chaotic winters of the Low Country and Coastal Empire. Our licensed HVAC technicians will clean and thoroughly examine your unit to address any concerns, so you can enjoy the comfort of a well-maintained HVAC system.
If you’re interested in our services for both residential and commercial properties, contact us today to schedule an appointment. A.S.R.S., Inc.’s service area includes Georgia and South Carolina. If you need professional HVAC services in Bulloch, Liberty, Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, McIntosh, Glynn, Jasper, or Beaufort Counties, we’re happy to assist.
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