Colorado, Air Conditioners, and Humidity: How The Three Fit Together

Most people laugh if you mention Colorado and humidity in the same sentence. If you’ve been here for any length of time, you realize just how dry Colorado can be. 

A 98 degree day in June may have relative humidity at 18 percent. Compare that to a similar day in New Orleans, where relative humidity would be closer to 60 percent. You’ll feel the difference. 

Lower humidity impacts everything from your living space to your health. But what does that mean for your home? How can your air conditioner help?

Humidity impacts comfort

Humidity makes the air feel warmer. That’s why a 98 degree day in Denver will feel much cooler than a 98 degree day in New Orleans. It’s an air conditioner’s job to ensure proper humidity levels to keep you feeling comfortable without the stickiness that goes along with too much. 

Too much humidity

Bringing too much humid air into your home means there’s an abundance of moisture. That can be a breeding ground for mold, which can impact your family’s health. It can also damage your home, cause wood floors and furniture to swell as it absorbs moisture. This can cause costly repairs. 

Guidelines show that comfort comes from keeping relative humidity levels between 35 and 50 percent. This is where you’ll feel your best, and keep the inside of your home safe from contaminants. 

How an air conditioner helps with humidity levels

If you find your home isn’t maintaining proper humidity levels in the summer months, it’s time to take action. Your air conditioner needs a little TLC. A quality, functioning air conditioner will pull moisture out of the air, monitor it and keep it at an acceptable level. 

Anything too high or too low is a sign it’s time for maintenance. 

Too much humidity can show up as:

• Condensation on the windows
• Wet stains on walls or ceiling
• Mold or mildew 
• An increase in allergy symptoms, especially as you spend more time at home

A whole-house humidifier offers hands-free humidity control, ensuring you have proper humidity levels year round. No more feeling dry in the winter, or sticky and hot in the summer. For some homeowners, it’s the perfect addition to their HVAC system, to keep them more comfortable year round. 

How comfortable is your home?