Don’t Let Houston Humidity Ruin Your System: Essential AC Repair Signs
Most homeowners are very cognizant of how air conditioning keeps a home cool in some of the most extreme heat in the country. A secondary, though no less important, function is dehumidification of indoor spaces. In Houston, we need to escape from the heat AND humidity of summertime. Air conditioners keep the indoor relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent, compared to relative humidity in the 80s and 90s outdoors. Removing excess humidity keeps our skin and surfaces drier to the touch. It also reduces the chance of mold and mildew growth.
The high humidity of our region combines with local environmental factors to attack the very devices that we use to keep the heat and humidity from our homes. When you hear of the AC repair required due to these factors, perhaps you will recognize their presence in your own air conditioning system, now or in the future.
5 Ways Houston Summertime Humidity Forces Premature AC Repair
The Hidden Danger of a Dirty Outdoor Condenser
Poor performance from the outdoor condenser unit. The job of the condenser is to release heat from inside the home to the outside. The walls are made of a network of aluminum tubes and fins, much like a car radiator. A large central fan pulls air through the network. How do environmental factors hinder condenser performance? The air contains pollen, which is sticky and collects other particles. The high humidity ensures that the pollen stays moist and sticky all cooling season long. The collection insulates the tubes and keeps the heat inside. This collection can cause catastrophic damage if not cleaned away regularly. All it takes is a garden hose (a power washer has too much pressure).
How Coastal Air and Airborne Pollution Trigger Premature AC Repair
Airborne particles lead to more corrosion than we know. We are familiar with rust that can happen to unprotected iron, but the same process happens to other metals as well. Salt air from the Gulf and industrial waste, while in small quantities, react with copper and aluminum, especially wiring and components in the condenser, since it is outdoors 24/7. The design of the condenser protects vital electronics from water damage, but airborne particles can still reach into protected areas. It is common for capacitors and contactors to fail prematurely in these conditions. Replacement is the solution.
Why Microscopic Pitting and Formicary Corrosion Mean Total Replacement, Not Just AC Repair
The same cocktail of humidity, industrial contaminants, and organic compounds creates corrosion and pitting on the aluminum tubing: this corrosion is called formicary corrosion. The damage is microscopic and pervasive: look for evidence of pitting on the condenser fan. Unfortunately, there is no repair for this. It will eventually lead to condenser replacement, since the pitting can be pervasive and impossible to detect.
Why Changing Your Air Filter Protects Your Evaporator Coil From High Humidity
Humidity can contribute to poor cooling performance at the evaporator coil as well. High humidity will call for increased cooling cycles, causing excess moisture to condense on the coil structure. This is not a problem unless . . . dirt bypasses the air filter and collects on the tubes of the coil. Just like the condenser coil, this collection tends to insulate the tubes and prevents the free flow of heat from the home to the coil. Add a dirty, clogged air filter and the careful equilibrium of the air conditioner evaporator coil. In some cases, the insulation effect can cause ice to develop on the coil, which will inhibit cooling inside the house. Keeping the air filter changed regularly, at least every three months, goes a long way toward preventing this problem.
Preventing Bacteria and Sludge Clogs in Your AC Drain Pan
Humidity and airborne organic material contribute to clogged drain lines from the evaporator chamber. The condensation mentioned above must be eliminated. It collects in a drain pan below the evaporator coil and exits through a drain line. However, mold spores, algae, and bacteria create a slimy growth in the drainpipe that blocks the flow of water and creates a big mess. The solution is simple—vacuum the water and slim plug with a wet/dry shop vac and add vinegar to the drain pan to inhibit growth.
Schedule Your Professional AC Repair Today
Don’t wait for a minor humidity issue to turn into a catastrophic system failure. If you notice ice on your coils, water leaking from your drain line, or a sudden drop in cooling performance, your system is likely suffering from climate-induced wear and tear. Contact Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating right now at 713-683-9474 to schedule your AC repair appointment and restore your home’s comfort and efficiency.