Summer can get surprisingly unbearable in Maryland. This is especially true in regions with a humid subtropical climate, influenced by the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and Atlantic Ocean. The season can bring a temperature that exceeds 100 degrees and a relative humidity (RH) of nearly 100%. Let’s explore some of the strategies and upgrades available to help you beat these conditions that often lead to poor indoor air quality.
Sun Shading
Natural illumination can beautify a home, but it can also work against your comfort efforts during the summer. Sunlight can increase the temperature in a room by several degrees or more. That can lead to uneven cooling throughout your home. Consider using blinds, shades, and/or curtains that are effective at blocking out the heat. That will keep the room’s air cooler, and cooler air holds less moisture. There are also smart window treatments that can open and close on their own for greater convenience.
High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioning
Many experts recommend central AC as the best option for Maryland’s climate. It provides a comfortable temperature and RH efficiently and consistently throughout an entire home. In older houses without ducts, a mini-split is a strong alternative. A mini-split is vastly superior to window units and portable ACs that don’t handle high humidity well. When it’s time to upgrade your AC, consider a high-efficiency model. High-SEER2 ACs provide even better humidity control than their standard counterparts.
Variable-Speed Blower
Traditional blowers run at a constant speed. Variable-speed blowers ramp up and down, which allows a cooling system to be even more efficient. There are also humidity advantages to a longer cooling cycle at a lower speed. It results in a longer exposure time for the air, and more dehumidification occurs because of it.
HVAC Zoning
Zone control is a compartmentalized approach to AC. It saves considerable energy by avoiding unnecessary expenditure in areas you’re not currently using. The compartmentalization also lends itself to better air quality. Volatile organic compounds originating in the kitchen, for instance, won’t make their way into the other living areas.
Mini-Splits as Supplemental Cooling
You can add a mini-split to a home that already has a central AC system. It lets you improve comfort in hard-to-cool areas, such as sunrooms, without excessively taxing the main system. It’s also a cost-effective way to add zone control to an existing system. You won’t need a variable-speed blower, duct dampers, or other upgrades.
Whole-House Dehumidifier
Experts recommend an RH between 40% and 50%. If you have trouble reaching your preferred target through AC alone, a whole-home humidity control system is the solution. You’ll be able to set a target RH. The system will then remove water vapor from the air until it reaches that level. In addition, all that condensation will drain outside the home automatically.
Whole-House vs. Portable Dehumidifiers
Portable dehumidifiers can be effective in your immediate space, but they are not practical to achieve home-wide benefits. They’re cheaper, but the whole-house system will actually be more cost-effective over the life of the equipment. Portable dehumidifiers are also a lot less convenient. You have to empty them regularly as a full dehumidifier will stop working. It’s also important to sanitize them regularly because they can otherwise make you very sick.
Duct Services
Poorly-maintained ductwork can undermine your air quality as well. Dust can build up in the ducts and contribute to indoor air pollution. Your ducts can also leak, which can cause uneven cooling and elevated RH while introducing more pollutants. Homeowners should schedule a duct camera inspection every several years at minimum. Technicians can use industrial-grade vacuums when duct cleaning is necessary. Non-toxic aerosol-based duct sealing is an effective way to eliminate leakage. Replacing mounting hardware, adding insulation, and other duct repairs are also options.
Seasonal AC Tune-Ups
Your cooling system requires annual maintenance. The best time to schedule it is in the early spring before you need to run your AC. There are many reasons it’s good advice. Most HVAC warranties require it, and it lowers operating costs and prevents repairs. An important consideration with ACs is that they have an evaporator and condenser coil that can accumulate grime over time. That buildup serves as an insulator and makes the refrigeration process less efficient. It can result in elevated humidity levels in the home.
HVAC Filters
An HVAC filter protects your AC and improves air quality by trapping particulates. The industry measures filter effectiveness with the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration. Still, don’t use a MERV rating beyond your AC’s limit. It will decrease airflow, impacting energy efficiency, humidity, and more. Check your filter at least once a month, as a clogged filter will cause a similar effect. Replace your filter when you can see dust caked on the outer surface or hear a whistling sound.
Air Purification
Your AC provides some air filtration, but it’s limited due to the nature of the system. Homeowners can improve air cleaning with an in-duct air purifier. They operate on the return side of the system and can thus provide a much higher level of filtration. Air purifiers are effective at trapping particulates and adsorbing gases and chemicals. You can also add an in-duct germicidal light to neutralize bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
Avoid Outdoor Condenser Unit Obstructions
Proper airflow through your system’s outdoor unit is imperative for optimal cooling and humidity control. Maintain at least a 1-foot perimeter around it free of grass, overhanging branches, and other flora. Throughout the season, ensure it’s reasonably clear of leaves and other debris, and clean it out as needed.
Enhanced Circulation
Adequate circulation is crucial to air quality and home comfort in the summer. It helps to ensure even cooling and reduces RH and the concentration levels of pollutants. Experts recommend installing ceiling fans in most rooms. For summer, run them at the highest fan speed and in a counterclockwise direction. Use room air circulators where ceiling fans aren’t practical. If you have a traditional single-zone AC system, keep all vents open at all times. Keep as many of your interior doors open as well.
Better Ventilation
Most AC systems recycle the air in your home. Many homes don’t get enough fresh air, which is helpful in lowering humidity and pollution levels. An attic fan can improve air quality through an influx of fresh air. It can also improve energy efficiency by normalizing the temperature and humidity in the attic. There are also advanced mechanical ventilation systems that you can continue to run no matter how hot and humid it gets. Those include heat and energy recovery ventilators, which are able to precool the incoming fresh air.
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality in Southern Maryland
Southern Pride Service is an HVAC company that’s served La Plata, MD and the neighboring communities for over 30 years. We are a customer-focused team that takes great pride in helping area households breathe easier. Our team installs and service cooling technologies, dehumidifiers, and ventilation systems. We also provide tune-ups and a full range of duct services, including cleaning and sealing.
Contact us today to learn more about these products and services.
