During Edmonton’s hot and humid summers, having an air conditioning system that cools and controls moisture levels is key to keeping your home comfortable. If your indoor air feels sticky or damp even with the AC running, the system may not be doing its job correctly. This goes beyond comfort—it also affects air quality, energy use, and the overall health of your HVAC system.
When an AC system is not dehumidifying properly, it can lead to ongoing discomfort, higher humidity levels indoors, condensation on windows, and musty odours. Excess moisture can also encourage mould growth. Identifying the reasons why your AC is struggling with humidity control is a key step in restoring proper indoor comfort.
Common Causes Of AC Dehumidification Issues
A central cooling system should manage both room temperature and indoor humidity levels. When that balance is missing, homeowners tend to notice. Rooms may feel warmer than the thermostat indicates, or the air may feel persistently damp.
Here are common reasons why your AC might be failing to control humidity in your Edmonton home:
1. Dirty or clogged air filters: When filters are filled with dust and debris, they restrict airflow across the coils that handle moisture. This limitation lowers the system’s ability to dehumidify efficiently and adds extra strain on other components.
2. Incorrect AC size: If your system is too large, it cools the air quickly and then shuts off, without running long enough to remove moisture. A unit that is too small, on the other hand, will struggle to cool or dehumidify effectively, running constantly and wearing out sooner.
3. Low refrigerant levels: Refrigerant plays an essential role in removing heat and moisture from your home. If levels are low due to leaks or poor maintenance, your AC will not perform dehumidification as it should.
4. Fan setting on ‘on’ instead of ‘auto’: When the fan is constantly running, moisture collected on coils can be blown back into the living space. Using the ‘auto’ setting enables the system to remove moisture more effectively during each cooling cycle.
5. Blocked drainage or dirty coils: If the condensate drain is clogged or coils are dirty, water cannot drain properly. This results in retained moisture inside the unit and raises indoor humidity. It can also eventually cause water damage.
One Edmonton homeowner noticed that their main living space remained humid no matter how long the AC was on. Our technicians discovered that the unit was oversized, and poor ductwork airflow was preventing even cooling. After resizing the unit and providing a tune-up, the results were immediate—cooler air and noticeably reduced indoor moisture.
These issues can develop gradually or show up suddenly, depending on how well the system has been maintained. Finding the cause early is the best way to prevent permanent damage and restore effective cooling in your home.
The Importance Of Regular AC Maintenance
Routine maintenance allows minor issues to be addressed before they become more serious. Homeowners in Edmonton who schedule AC inspections and tune-ups each year tend to avoid damp indoor conditions or overly frequent cycling.
An AC tune-up provides several maintenance tasks that enhance dehumidification, including:
– Replacing or cleaning air filters
– Checking refrigerant pressure and correcting any leaks
– Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
– Testing fan function and setting controls
– Flushing the drainage line to ensure water flows out of the system
These tasks directly improve the system’s ability to control moisture indoors. They also help improve energy efficiency and reduce repair costs. In Edmonton’s climate, where warm weather often comes with humidity, a thorough tune-up makes a noticeable difference. Keeping your AC in cleaner, more efficient condition provides consistent performance through the summer months.
When To Call The Professionals
Some signs point to a need for more than basic maintenance. If your home still feels humid after filter changes or thermostat adjustments, it may be time for expert help.
Warning signs to look out for include:
– Rooms that feel damp or sticky even though they are cool
– Sounds from the AC unit like rattling, buzzing, or clicking
– Leaks or pooled water around your indoor unit
– The system constantly running but never effectively cooling the space
– Persistent musty odours or signs of mould around vents
Our technicians can inspect your AC system thoroughly to see if there are blocked coils, refrigerant leaks, drainage problems, or airflow issues. They are trained to diagnose and fix faults accurately, without guesswork.
An AC tune-up in Edmonton includes checks tailored to the regional climate. With a deeper understanding of the local temperature shifts and humidity spikes, our professionals make adjustments that go beyond cleaning. This often includes measuring refrigerant pressure, checking duct performance, and cleaning areas often overlooked during casual inspections.
It is safer and more effective to have our professionals assess and service the unit rather than attempt to fix more complex interactions on your own. Diagnosing hidden issues behind a dehumidification problem helps return your system to full performance faster—and avoids damage along the way.
Preventative Measures For Homeowners
Staying on top of your AC system’s health helps avoid humidity problems before they start. Simple tasks and habits help reduce wear and ensure better airflow throughout your home.
Follow these practical steps to keep your system operating well:
- Change air filters every 1 to 3 months, especially during the hottest parts of summer.
- Keep vents free from blockage by clearing furniture and décor that might restrict airflow.
- Watch for condensation on vents or ducts, and report anything unusual.
- Use the “auto” setting on your fan to allow your AC time to effectively reduce humidity.
- Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans during showers and cooking to ease the rise in humidity.
- Close windows and doors when the AC is on to prevent outdoor moisture from entering.
- Book a professional AC tune-up annually to manage conditions you cannot fix on your own.
Preventative action helps avoid breakdowns and reduces the risk of mould or water-related issues indoors. Given how common humidity can be during the Edmonton summer, keeping your AC at peak capacity protects both your comfort and indoor air quality.
Ensuring Your Home’s Comfort
A properly maintained AC has two main jobs—keeping the air cool and maintaining indoor humidity at a comfortable level. When either task is handled poorly, you feel it right away. Sticky indoor air, strong odours, or poor cooling all affect daily life and hint at a larger problem with your system.
Humidity issues often start small and increase over time. Catching these early keeps your HVAC system from wearing out faster and helps your home stay dry. Waiting too long can lead to water damage, higher repair costs, and discomfort for the whole household.
Regular inspections, filter changes, and professional servicing go a long way in preventing moisture issues from developing. Keeping your AC tuned and properly calibrated helps maintain healthier, cooler indoor air all summer long.
If your Edmonton home is showing signs of excess moisture, now is the time to act.
Ensure your home stays cool and free from excess moisture by booking an AC tune-up in Edmonton tailored to address common humidity problems before they escalate. Trust Acclaimed! Heating, Cooling & Furnace Cleaning to keep your system running efficiently through expert care and reliable service. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.