One of the ways that your air conditioner cools the air is by drawing moisture out of it. That means that when the humidity is high, your air conditioner has to work harder than usual to combat the temperatures. This can lead to inconsistent temperatures in your house and excessive air conditioner operation. Here are some things to consider to help your home's AC system combat the humidity this summer.

Consider Replacing Your AC Unit

Many homeowners opt for the largest, most powerful air conditioning unit they can afford when they decide to install central air conditioning. However, doing this can actually make it harder for your air conditioner to combat humidity because it won't need to run very long.

When the air conditioner is sized on the larger end of the scale for the space it is cooling, it will typically only need to run in brief cycles to maintain the temperature setting in the house. While this is great for your energy bills, it's not so great for eliminating the humidity in the air. The unit needs to be able to run for a while to effectively draw out moisture, especially when the humidity is high.

Talk with your local air conditioning contractor about the size of your air conditioner relative to the size of your house. If it is on the larger end of the scale, consider replacing it with a smaller, newer model. You'll get the newest efficiency benefits, and the unit will run longer, drawing more of the humidity away from your home's interior.

Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

An air conditioner that isn't well-maintained isn't going to work as effectively as it should. Keeping up with annual inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and other needs will help ensure that your unit is running at its best.

In addition, make sure you keep the outside condenser area clean. Don't let leaves and debris build up around it, because that can hinder air flow, affecting the efficiency of the system. Finally, make sure to keep the air intake filters clean by changing them regularly. That way they don't get dirty and clogged.

Install A Dehumidifier

If you live in an area that is known for high humidity levels, such as the southeast, you may actually want to consider helping your air conditioner out by installing a whole-home dehumidifier. These units work in conjunction with your air conditioner to draw moisture out of the air in your home, and they run quietly and efficiently.

When you add a dehumidifier to your home, you reduce the demand on your air conditioning system. This can help you to ease the wear and tear on the unit, potentially prolonging its usable life.

For more information, contact local HVAC services.