Summers in the Roanoke Valley are known for more than just high temperatures. The combination of heat and heavy humidity creates unique challenges for homeowners, particularly when it comes to comfort inside your home.
Many of the area’s residents notice that even when the AC is running, their home can still feel damp, sticky, or unevenly cooled. What’s often to blame? High humidity levels and an HVAC system that’s struggling to keep up.
Understanding how humidity affects your home comfort and what your HVAC system can do about it, can help you stay more comfortable this summer, reduce energy bills, and extend the life of your system.
Air conditioners do more than just cool your home; they also remove moisture from the air. This process is essential to keeping you comfortable in humid climates like ours.
When humidity levels spike, your AC has to work much harder to do both jobs effectively. If your system is older, not properly maintained, or improperly sized, it may:
In other words, your AC may seem like it’s working, but you still feel uncomfortable and your system is wearing itself out trying to catch up.
If your air conditioner is having trouble managing the summer humidity, you might notice:
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, your HVAC system may need service or you may benefit from humidity control upgrades.
There are several effective ways to improve comfort and system performance during the summer months:
A professional tune-up ensures your system is running at peak efficiency. At Bower Heating & Air, we check refrigerant levels, clean condenser coils, and inspect components that directly affect both cooling and dehumidification.
Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns, improves performance, and lowers your utility bills.
A dirty air filter can block airflow, reducing your system’s ability to remove moisture. We recommend changing filters every 30 days during peak usage.
If humidity remains a problem, a dedicated dehumidifier can work alongside your HVAC system to pull excess moisture from the air. These systems are especially useful in basements or older homes with poor insulation.
Newer AC systems with variable-speed blowers adjust airflow automatically based on real-time needs. This allows them to run longer at lower speeds, perfect for efficiently removing humidity without overcooling your space.
Whether you’re in Roanoke, Salem, or Smith Mountain Lake, summer humidity can be too much to take on alone. But it shouldn’t interfere with your comfort, or your budget.
At Bower Heating & Air, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your comfort system. Whether it’s seasonal maintenance, a system upgrade, or expert advice on how to improve air quality, we’re ready to serve as your trusted partner.
If your HVAC system is struggling to keep up with the summer heat, now is the time to act. Small improvements can lead to big results, and a more comfortable home. We want to help you today!
