During the hottest months of the year, there’s nothing better than walking into an air-conditioned room to escape the outdoor heat. As a result, issues with your AC during these months could threaten your comfort. For example, when heat and humidity increase, you might start to notice mist coming from your air conditioner.
You may worry, “Why is my air conditioner blowing mist?” Discovering the reasons why mist forms and how to reduce an AC moisture problem can give you peace of mind.
If you’re dealing with HVAC moisture issues, call Tulsa’s expert AC repair from Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our licensed and insured HVAC professionals can keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable year-round. Call today to schedule a service consultation.
How Air Conditioner Mist Forms
During air cooling cycles, your HVAC unit cycles air throughout your property, removing heat and humidity in the process. When cooler air interacts with warmer, humid air, it’s not uncommon for mist to form. However, it’s only condensed water vapor resulting from the interaction of the cooler and less cool air.
The amount of mist formed depends on the dew point of the room. The dew point is the temperature at which water condensation and mist can form.
On particularly hot days when your indoor spaces could become more humid, it would not be uncommon to see a good amount of mist as your air conditioner powers on. While this mist is not usually indicative of an issue, it might be wise to get your system checked.
Smoke vs. Mist From Air Conditioning
While asking the question, “Why is my air conditioner blowing mist?” it’s essential to consider the difference between mist and smoke. If smoke comes from your AC unit, call professionals immediately, as you could be dealing with a dangerous issue.
Odor provides the first indicator of whether you’re dealing with a mist or a smoke problem. Mist coming from your AC unit shouldn’t have any smell whatsoever. When smoke is blowing from your air vents, you’ll know immediately by the charred, burning smell.
Although mist should have no smell, a musty scent could indicate a mold problem. In these cases, call professionals to inspect your unit. Otherwise, mist formation probably does not indicate an AC cooling problem requiring attention.
Reasons for an AC Mist Issue
There are many reasons an AC mist issue might occur. However, these reasons typically all relate to seasonal weather changes that create the environment for more mist to form as air conditioners power up.
Temperature Changes
As the temperature increases during the summer months, it’s not uncommon for there to be more moisture in the air. Additionally, hotter days and temperatures mean that cold air will interact with warmer air more significantly. Mist could increase during these periods as the heat makes it easier to form.
Humidity Levels Increase
Increasing indoor humidity levels are another main culprit for mist coming from an AC unit. When there is more moisture in the air, there is a higher chance of mist forming. Pay attention to your indoor humidity levels, knowing that there is no cause for concern when humid days yield greater mist.
Excess Water Buildup
Like increased humidity, water buildup within your air conditioner will invariably cause more mist formation upon operation. Condensation in AC units can occur from many different sources, some problematic and others not. However, if you notice any frost or leaks, you might need to get your system checked for water buildup.
Ways To Stop Mist Formation
While mist is typically a nonissue for air conditioners, it’s essential to know how to stop mist formation. These are the six main ways of decreasing mist formation.
Variable Speed Air Conditioner
Variable speed air conditioners automatically vary fan speeds to optimize indoor cooling, limit mist, and reduce energy costs. Variable speed units can increase and decrease fan speeds to achieve ideal temperatures more quickly and give the unit breaks that limit energy use. Investing in one of these units could offer more benefits than just limiting mist.
Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters offer another explanation for excess mist formation. As air cycles through your system to cool your home, it brings with it dust and grime from the air filters. Excessively dirty air filters can seemingly create more mist, as cooler air contains more dust particles.
Keep AC Powered on While Out
Most people think they’ll save money by turning off their air conditioner every time they leave home. However, keeping your air conditioner powered on while you’re gone can provide both energy savings and mist reduction. Because your home won’t have time to heat up, keeping your unit on could resolve mist.
Get a Dehumidifier
Removing humidity from the air will immediately limit mist. Investing in a dehumidifier can make your home more comfortable and dry while limiting mist.
Ensure You Have a Properly Sized Unit
Any residential or commercial space that has an improperly sized air conditioner will experience issues. Among these problems, mist formation might be at the top of the list. Thus, excessive mist might indicate that your air conditioner is not the proper size for your space.
Call Professionals for an Inspection
If mist formation is causing concern, call professionals for an inspection. HVAC experts from Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can check your entire system to see if there are problems that require professional attention.
Fortify Your AC Unit With Top-Rated Professionals From Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Have you noticed that your house is colder than the thermostat setting? Mist offers one sign of temperature regulation issues and moisture problems for your HVAC unit that may require professional attention.
When you’re ready to address your AC cooling problem or moisture issue, call HVAC experts from Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With over 20 years of experience, we’re the best local professionals to optimize your HVAC system.
So why is my air conditioner blowing mist? Learn more about your AC moisture problem by calling 918-276-7151 and consulting top-rated HVAC professionals from Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.