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HomeRepair HelpA/C RepairAir conditioner - home's humidity is too high Repair
Air conditioner - home's humidity is too high
If your air conditioner is not removing humidity and the home humidity is too high, start with airflow. A clogged air filter is the most likely cause because restricted air movement reduces cooling capacity and can let the evaporator coil frost over, which keeps the system from pulling moisture out of the air. Clean the air filter if it is washable, or replace it if it is packed with debris or damaged. Next, check the condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils cannot release heat properly, so the AC may run longer, cool poorly, and still leave the room damp. If airflow and coils look good, the problem may be a temperature control thermostat that shuts the unit off too soon, or a faulty thermistor sending bad temperature readings to the control board. Less commonly, an AC not dehumidifying can point to a sealed system leak or restriction, which should be handled by a qualified technician. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact air filter, thermostat, thermistor, or other replacement part for your specific air conditioner.
01 - Clogged Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over and not be able to remove moisture from the air. To remove debris from the air filter, try cleaning the filter. If it is not possible to clean the air filter, replace it. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Top Solution
02 - Air Conditioner Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner and cause higher humidity in the home. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over. Most air filters used in stand-alone air conditioners can be cleaned with soap and water. Only filters that are extremely clogged with debris or damaged will need to be replaced.
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Highly Likely
03 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to remove the moisture from the air and maintain the proper temperature, resulting in the compressor running continuously in an attempt to cool the room. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Highly Likely
04 - Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, the air conditioner may not stay running long enough to remove the moisture in the air and cool properly. To determine if the temperature control thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, or is shutting off too soon, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three...
Common
05 - Air Conditioner Thermistor
The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the thermistor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. To determine if the thermistor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the thermistor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the thermistor. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try checking your user’s manual.)
Less Common
06 - Sealed System Problem
If the unit has good air flow, the evaporator and condensing unit coils are clean, the fans and compressor are running, but there is still not enough cooling, or moisture being removed from the air, it is likely there is a leak or restriction in the sealed system. Since diagnosing and repairing a sealed system takes specialized tools and knowledge, a qualified service technician should diagnosis and repair the unit.
Less Common
07 - Dirty Evaporator Coil
Proper air flow is critical for the air conditioner to work properly. The evaporator needs sufficient air flow to keep the condensing water from freezing. If the evaporator coil, air filter or blower wheel gets clogged, air flow will be reduced and ice can start forming on the evaporator coils, eventually freezing them up and preventing the unit from removing moisture from the air. It is recommended to replace the air filter routinely. Refer to owner's manual for air filter replacement frequency recommendations and for evaporator coil cleaning instructions.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my air conditioner not removing humidity from the house?
Can dirty condenser coils cause home humidity to stay too high?
Why does my AC not dehumidify even though it turns on?
Can frozen evaporator coils make an air conditioner stop removing moisture?
How do I find the right air filter, thermostat, or thermistor for my air conditioner?
When does high indoor humidity point to a sealed system problem?