Summer in Virginia Beach brings scorching heat and sticky air that can make even the most efficient air conditioning system struggle. Many homeowners focus solely on temperature settings, but humidity plays an equally crucial role in your comfort and cooling costs. Understanding this relationship can transform how effectively your HVAC system operates and significantly impact your energy bills.
At Galactic Air, we offer professional indoor air quality services in Virginia Beach, and the surrounding areas. Here’s what you should know about the connection between humidity and summer cooling—and how to keep both under control for maximum comfort and efficiency.
How Humidity Affects Your Comfort Level
Humidity directly impacts how warm or cool your home feels. Even if the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, excess moisture in the air can make it feel several degrees hotter.
When indoor humidity rises above 50%:
- Your body’s natural cooling method—sweating—becomes less effective.
- The air feels sticky and uncomfortable, prompting you to lower the thermostat unnecessarily.
- Your air conditioner runs longer cycles, driving up energy costs without actually solving the problem.
Maintaining humidity between 30% and 50% keeps your home comfortable while allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher, which helps reduce energy consumption and strain on your AC system.
The Hidden Energy Costs of High Humidity
Excess humidity forces your HVAC system to work overtime in ways you might not realize. When moisture levels are high, your air conditioner must remove both heat and humidity from the air—a double workload that increases energy consumption significantly.
High humidity also affects how efficiently your system operates. Moisture in the air makes it feel warmer, causing you to lower your thermostat settings. Every degree you lower your thermostat can increase your energy costs by 6-8%. Over a Virginia Beach summer, this can add hundreds of dollars to your utility bills.
Additionally, humid air takes more energy to cool than dry air. Your system’s evaporator coils must work harder to condense moisture while simultaneously lowering air temperature. This increased workload not only raises your energy bills but can also lead to premature system wear and more frequent repair needs.
Humidity’s Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Beyond comfort and energy efficiency, humidity significantly affects your home’s indoor air quality. High humidity creates ideal breeding conditions for mold, mildew, and dust mites—common allergens that can trigger respiratory issues and other health problems.
Excessive moisture also promotes bacterial growth and can cause musty odors throughout your home. These issues are particularly problematic in Virginia Beach’s coastal environment, where natural humidity levels already run high.
Conversely, humidity levels that are too low can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory discomfort. Finding the right balance is essential for maintaining healthy indoor air quality and protecting your family’s well-being.
Our professional HVAC technicians can assess your home’s humidity levels and recommend solutions to maintain optimal indoor air quality year-round. This might include upgrading your system’s dehumidification capabilities or installing additional humidity control equipment.
Effective Humidity Control Solutions
Several proven strategies can help you manage humidity levels in your Virginia Beach home. The most effective approach often combines multiple solutions tailored to your specific needs and home characteristics.
Upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioning system provides superior humidity control compared to single-speed units. These systems run longer at lower speeds, allowing more time to remove moisture from the air while maintaining consistent temperatures.
Whole-house dehumidifiers work alongside your existing HVAC system to maintain optimal humidity levels throughout your home. These units are particularly effective in coastal areas like Virginia Beach, where high outdoor humidity constantly challenges your indoor comfort.
Proper ventilation also plays a crucial role in humidity control. Ensuring your home has adequate air circulation prevents moisture buildup in problem areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Exhaust fans, properly sized ductwork, and regular filter changes all contribute to better humidity management.
Professional Assessment Makes the Difference
Every home faces unique humidity challenges based on factors like size, construction, insulation, and location. What works perfectly for your neighbor might not be the best solution for your specific situation.
Our technicians have the tools and expertise to accurately measure your home’s humidity levels and identify the root causes of moisture problems. They can recommend the most cost-effective solutions for your specific needs, whether that’s system upgrades, additional equipment, or simple maintenance improvements.
Regular maintenance of your existing system also improves its humidity control capabilities. Clean coils, proper refrigerant levels, and correctly calibrated components all contribute to better moisture removal and overall system efficiency.
Ready to Improve Your Home’s Comfort?
Don’t let humidity control your summer comfort or energy bills. Our team can assess your current system’s humidity control capabilities and recommend solutions that will keep you comfortable while reducing your energy costs.
Call Galactic Air today at (757) 280-2609 to schedule your humidity assessment and discover how proper moisture control can transform your Virginia Beach home’s comfort and efficiency this summer.
Looking to improve your home’s air quality? Get 10% off IAQ products like the Reme Halo Purifier when you schedule service today.
