How Humidity Affects Air Conditioning This Holiday Season

As the Gold Coast moves into the holiday period, long lunches, big family gatherings, stormy afternoons, and that classic coastal stickiness: there’s one thing most homeowners don’t consider: humidity.

People often think temperature alone determines how well their air conditioner cools the home. But the truth is, humidity affects your air conditioner more than anything else, especially in November and December when humidity levels spike across the Coast.

High moisture in the air forces your system to work harder, cool less efficiently, and wear out faster - all while increasing your power bill. In this guide, EvidiAir, your local Gold Coast air conditioning specialists, breaks down why humidity rises during the holiday season, how it impacts your AC’s performance, and what you can do to protect your home comfort.

How Humidity Affects Your Air Conditioner

1. Your home feels hotter even when the AC is running

Warm, humid air holds onto moisture and that moisture traps heat. That’s why 25°C with high humidity feels more like 30°C. Your AC senses the higher “feels like” temperature and increases its workload to compensate.

This leads to:

• longer run times

• slower cooling

• harder strain on the compressor

2. Your AC runs longer and uses more power

Most homeowners don’t realise that an air conditioner cools both temperature and moisture. That means removing humidity is just as important as dropping degrees.

High humidity causes:

• extended cooling cycles

• higher electricity bills

• increased energy consumption

• decreased AC performance during peak holiday gatherings

When humidity spikes, your system works twice as hard to make the room comfortable.

3. Cooling becomes inconsistent across rooms

Humidity pockets build up in rooms like:

• kitchens

• bathrooms

• laundries

• open-plan areas

These rooms will feel warmer and stickier compared to bedrooms or living spaces. Because the AC must fight moisture levels, consistency across the home becomes more difficult, especially in older homes around Arundel, Helensvale, Hollywell, Hope Island and Coomera.

4. Increased wear and tear on your system

Excess moisture removes efficiency from your AC components, causing:

• frozen evaporator coils

• clogged drain lines

• overheating compressors

• short cycling

• more frequent repairs

• shortened system lifespan

On the Gold Coast, humidity-related breakdowns spike right before Christmas, exactly when you need the AC most.

5. Mould growth and poor indoor air quality

Humidity is the perfect breeding ground for:

• mould inside ducts

• fungal growth on coils

• algae in the drain line

• musty smells

• increased dust mites and allergens

With more people indoors during the festive season, poor air quality becomes a bigger health risk, especially for kids, elderly family members, or anyone with asthma.

Causes of High Humidity Inside Homes With Air Conditioning

1. Oversized air conditioning systems

If the unit is too big, it cools too fast and shuts off before removing moisture, a problem known as short cycling. This is extremely common in older Gold Coast homes with older ducted systems.

2. Single-speed or older AC units

Older split systems only run at full power or turn off completely. They rarely stay on long enough to properly dehumidify the home.

3. Negative air pressure

Poor ventilation design can pull outdoor humid air into the home. During storms or wet weather, humidity sneaks in faster than the AC can remove it.

4. Using the Fan mode too often

Fan Mode recirculates air without cooling it - pushing previously removed humidity right back into the room.

5. Poor maintenance and dirty components

Humidity problems skyrocket when:

• filters are dirty

• coils are dusty

• drain lines are blocked

• outdoor units haven’t been cleaned

A poorly maintained AC has to work twice as hard to dehumidify.

Switch Your AC to Dry Mode to Protect Your System

When humidity levels stay high, even a well-maintained air conditioner can struggle. This is when Dry Mode (Dehumidifier Mode) becomes a lifesaver.

Dry Mode:

• gently removes moisture

• reduces pressure on the compressor

• improves comfort instantly

• lowers energy usage

• prevents mould growth

• protects walls, timber floors and furniture

Use Dry Mode during:

• humid mornings

• after storms

• while cooking for family gatherings

• when the house feels sticky even if Cool Mode is running

If your windows fog, your skin feels clammy, or your home smells musty - switch to Dry Mode.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Humidity Ruin Your Holiday Comfort

Humidity affects your air conditioner just as much as heat does. If your home feels sticky, your AC is struggling, or cooling seems uneven, humidity may be the hidden culprit.

A simple tune-up, better settings, or using Dry Mode can transform your comfort and protect your system from holiday breakdowns.

Beat the humidity this holiday season.

Book your AC service or humidity check with EvidiAir today.

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