Anyone who has visited Hawaii knows how spectacular the islands are and how comfortable the climate can be. But there’s one consistent struggle that many Hawaii residents face: humidity.
Humidity in Hawaii is often relatively high—an unavoidable reality for islanders in such a hot climate. Humidity is caused by excess water vapor in the air. And, being surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on all sides, humidity in Hawaii will always be higher than in most places. While this is a small price to pay for residing in Hawaii, it’s still a challenge for many people.
Everyone knows that high humidity levels can be uncomfortable, particularly on hot days. But you may be less aware of the problems humidity can cause for your home HVAC system.
Air Conditioning in Hawaii
Air conditioning in Hawaii is essential for much of the year. But consistently high humidity levels can cause wear and tear on your AC unit. Humidity can also cause mold and mildew to build up inside your unit, which is a problem for several reasons.
Fortunately for Hawaii residents, you don’t need to leave your air conditioner unprotected from excessive humidity. While it’s important to monitor the weather in Hawaii, there are steps you can take to help your AC handle it. Here are some solutions to help your AC unit withstand Hawaii humidity levels.
AC Tips for Hawaii Humidity
1) Make Sure Your AC Unit is the Right Size
One of the key components of any air conditioning system is the evaporator coils. These coils help cool the air by removing excess moisture. However, when a unit is too big, its cooling cycle will run too quickly.
When a cooling cycle isn’t complete, the evaporator coils don’t have enough time to remove all of the moisture from the air. You’ll be left with higher humidity indoors because your AC unit can’t run efficiently.
On the other hand, a unit that’s too small won’t be powerful enough to remove all the moisture. An undersized unit will be unable to cool your home entirely and won’t have the capacity to reduce humidity sufficiently.
If your air conditioner struggles to regulate the temperature and humidity, make sure it fits your home. Your professional air conditioner installer should be able to provide feedback on this, and they can also help you choose the best replacement unit.
2) Add a Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier is the most direct way to combat Hawaii humidity (or humidity anywhere). An independent dehumidifier unit can remove water vapor from the air, and this keeps the home more comfortable and protects your HVAC system.
But did you know that many Hawaii air conditioning installers offer dehumidifiers installed directly into your system?
This can be an extremely efficient way to combat humidity, keep your home comfortable, and protect your HVAC in one. An integrated dehumidifier can help keep the humidity levels in the preferred range of 40-60% at all times. If this option is available, it’s probably the most efficient way to combat humidity in Hawaii at home.
3) Check Your Air Filters
The all-purpose DIY HVAC maintenance tip is to take care of your air filters. Your air filters are the first defense against hindrances to your AC and heating systems.
Clean air filters keep all kinds of impurities out of the system. This, in turn, keeps the system running efficiently, which reduces all types of damage from other sources. Even if filters don’t protect the unit from moisture, they do protect other components from harm.
4) Keep Air Ducts Clean
Even when you take precautions against humidity, it’s unavoidable that some excess moisture will get into the system. Because of this, air conditioners in Hawaii need to be cleaned and maintained routinely.
No matter what you do, moisture will build up inside your air ducts. Because of this, it’s essential to clean your ducts regularly. An annual duct cleaning from a professional can benefit Hawaii residents. Even if your AC is not running during the winter months, moisture can still build up.
Your vents are at risk of growing mold or mildew whenever humidity levels are high. Many prefer to clean their ducts early in the warmer season or shortly before it.
Signs that your air ducts need to be cleaned include a musty smell from the vents and foggy windows. If you notice any odor coming from your AC unit, it’s likely a sign that something is wrong. But a musty smell usually points to excessive moisture build-up in the vents.
If your windows are consistently foggy or covered in condensation, it could mean your AC is not evaporating moisture as it should. If you notice either of these signs, it may be time to schedule an AC cleaning service.
5) Clean Evaporator Coils
Similar to duct cleaning, it’s important to have your unit’s evaporator coils cleaned routinely. We’ve already discussed the importance of evaporator coils in controlling humidity. But if your evaporator coils are dirty, they’ll have trouble working at peak efficiency.
If you’re attempting to clean your evaporator coils on your own, make sure the unit isn’t connected to a power source. This precaution is for your safety, as these are electrical components. For DIY HVAC maintenance, you should always ensure you’re operating safely and responsibly. If you’re unsure about the safety of any procedures, it’s always best to contact an HVAC professional for help.
6) Move Household Appliances
Many people neglect to consider how interior design can impact their HVAC system. When it comes to humid months in Hawaii, you want to ensure that moisture-producing appliances aren’t located near your AC. Showers, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers can all produce moisture. If these appliances are too close to air conditioning units, they can cause excessive moisture to build up inside them.
When you’re already dealing with high humidity levels in Hawaii, this can worsen existing problems. Pay attention to the layout of your AC units and these appliances. And, if you can, try to keep the moisture levels from household appliances as low as possible.
Best Service for Air Conditioning Hawaii Has to Offer
When you live in Hawaii, air conditioning is necessary, and Hawaii residents need an air conditioning service they can trust. The unique challenges of air conditioning installation in the state of Hawaii require an expert’s touch.
If you need help with your AC in Hawaii, Island Comfort is the name you can trust. We have the expertise to help combat humidity in Hawaii and provide perfect comfort in your home. We specialize in both central air conditioning and split systems.
At Island Comfort, we appreciate the beauty of the Hawaiian islands. Our mission is to help residents experience the islands in maximum comfort. With multiple locations on the islands of Oahu and Kauai, we can serve a wide range of Hawaiian residents. Contact us today to schedule a service or learn more about how we can help you!
