Indoor ambient (dry bulb) temperature on the temperature humidity meter.

Scenario: Single stage residential cooling equipment. Homeowner complains that humidity is too high at their desired thermostat setting.

Observations: Ranch house. Air handler and ductwork in attic. Slab construction. Carpeted floors. Thermostat setting 74°F. System installed last summer and load calculations were based on ACCA best practices for “mixed/humid” temperature zone.

Actions: You think this is too easy. Probably a system-related problem (dirty filter, low charge, dirty condenser; the usual stuff). But you also realize that it’s been a little cooler than most summers. You measure the indoor temperature and relative humidity and find that it is 74.5°, 68 percent relative humidity (rh), 66° wet bulb temperature, and 63.3° dew point temperature.

Indoor wet bulb temperature.

You are concerned because with a cooler than normal summer, operating times are less (less moisture removal), and carpet over concrete slab can hide moisture problems and create an environment for fungal growth. You wonder if there is a moisture-holding sand layer between the vapor barrier and the slab, which would exacerbate moisture problems under the carpet.

With your infrared thermometer pointed at the carpeted floor, you measure 68°. This is above dew point and your psychrometric chart tells you the vapor pressure is greater in the carpet than in the air, so moisture will travel from the carpet to the air. This is good for the carpet, but contributes to higher rh in the occupied space. This is good because it’s easier to deal with rh issues than floor moisture issues.

You ask the homeowner if any remodeling changes have occurred to the house. They say, “No. Wait. We had a new roof installed. Does that count?” You ask, “Same composition roof?” They say, “Yes, but we changed the color from dark green to white.” You say, “Thanks. I also noticed that you run your fan continuously. Is there a reason for that?” They say, “We think it keeps the air moving and makes it feel more comfortable.” You think you’ll comment on that later after you have finished gathering data.

Indoor dew point temperature.

Outdoors, your relative humidity meter tells you it is 80°, 76 percent rh, 74° wet bulb temperature, 71.8° dew point temperature. The dew point has you worried as you think about the attic. You check the condensing unit. It’s a model you respect and is operating properly (based on the indoor 66° wet bulb temperature and outdoor 80° dew point temperature, your fixed restrictor charging chart tells you the suction line superheat should be 18°. You verify this with your pipe clamp probe).

You move back indoors. As you climb into the attic to check the air handler (80 AFUE gas furnace), you’re thinking about the reduced attic temperature and heat gain from a light colored roof compared to a dark one. This not only will contribute to reduced operating times, but cooler attic temperatures increase the chances of condensation on the supply duct and air handler, especially with a 72° dew point temperature. The attic is 108°. Good. Not too cool. You look at the ductwork, furnace, and horizontal evaporator. You scan the foil faced duct wrap with your infrared thermometer. You are relieved to see it is an average of 76°. Wait. About 6 feet from the air handler your infrared measures 72° and on closer inspection, it feels damp.

Outdoor ambient (dry bulb) temperature on the temperature humidity meter.

You cut open the insulation and find one duct joint wasn’t properly sealed. This explains the reduced temperature at this location. You seal the duct, rewrap the insulation and re-seal the vapor barrier. Now that this small problem was corrected before it could turn into a bigger issue, you are confident that the foil facing will remain above dew point and turn your attention back to the indoor rh complaint.

The filter is relatively clean. You replace it and inspect the evaporator. It too is clean, but is not level and water is higher on the backside of the pan than the front where the drain is located. You’re in luck. The furnace and evaporator were hung using turn buckles. You adjust the turn buckles for best drainage. That will help reduce re-absorption of moisture into the air stream during the off cycle, but you wish the evaporator used a TXV rather than a fixed restrictor metering device because you know a TXV will offer better performance at part load conditions.

OPTIONS

Outdoor wet bulb temperature.

Now you are ready to decide what the options are to improve performance at part load conditions.

1. First improvement already accomplished by re-leveling condensate pan for better drainage.

2. Advise homeowners to operate fan in “auto” to reduce moisture regain during off cycles.

3. You noticed they got a best quality electronic thermostat that allows adjustment of the differential setting. You decide to change it from a 1° to a 1.5° differential for longer on times resulting in more steady state moisture removal time.

Outdoor dew point temperature.

4. Delta-T across the evaporator was 18° that you measured with your DMM and two general purpose temperature probes. You could lower the blower speed, but not sure of result of duct surface temperature at other operating conditions.

5. Replace fixed restrictor with TXV.

6. Replace ripple edged fin evaporator with straight fins and wider fin spacing because ripple edged fins tend to hold more water, and closer spaced fins hold more water.

Options 1, 2, and 3 are implemented. Since the equipment is not oversized, you think it will result in the desired effect. Option 4 makes you nervous, so you decide if further improvement is needed later, you can try it then. You don’t want to bring up options 5 and 6 due to the inevitable cost discussion.

SO NOW IT’S TIME FOR YOUR PRESENTATION TO THE HOMEOWNER...

“The high humidity you have been experiencing indoors is a result of lower outdoor temperatures that result in less operating time. Less operating time means less moisture removal. Running the fan continuously allows moisture remaining on the evaporator and in the drain pan to be re-absorbed into the air stream and keeps the humidity above comfort levels.

“I strongly recommend a thermostat ‘Fan Auto’ setting for overall comfort. I was able to make an adjustment to the condensate pan for better drainage, which will help. And I’ve adjusted your thermostat for better moisture control. For increased comfort at night when there is no solar heat gain, I recommend a thermostat setting 1 to 2 degrees lower than during the daytime.

“There are additional things that can be done, but I don’t think the expense of these modifications would be cost effective for you at this time. I believe the low cost changes I have made for you will result in the humidity levels you are seeking. If time should prove me wrong, then we can address the other options at that time, but again, I believe you are going to be happy with the adjustments I have made.”

Reprinted with permission from the Fluke Application Note “Investigating residential humidity complaints.” For more information, visit www.fluke.com.

Publication date: 05/18/2009