No one enjoys high humidity that much, especially when accompanied by high temperatures. Whether it is hot 
or cool outside high humidity is something that does effect your central air system. During summer months in Houston this can be particularly noticeable because Houston is one of the most humid cities in the U.S. One purpose of having an air conditioning unit is to remove excess moisture from the air in your home to keep it more comfortable. When humidity levels are high it causes your unit to work harder to keep the moisture level and temperature in your home at a comfortable level. This not only puts wear on your system but can increase your energy bills as well. If you are noticing that you have more moisture in your home than usual, foggy windows, or even areas of your home that have a musty smell you may need to get your system checked out. It could be that something is not functioning properly or it could be that your system is not the right size for your home or business. One way to combat excess humidity is to have the professionals install a dehumidifier into your central air system to aid in the removal of excess moisture. Long exposure to excess moisture can lead to other problems such as mold growth in your duct system and even window sills. The key is to pay attention to the air quality in your home so that you can detect changes quickly and act to keep your system performing at its best year round.
Articles for September 2014
September Houston Area Weather Facts
Houston is considered #10 on the most humid cities in America list, with an average humidity level of 75%.
It ranks #8 in the top 10 most uncomfortable cities for combinations of summer heat and humidity. The average September temperature is 89 degrees for the high and 69 degrees for the low. Average September rainfall is 4.33 inches.
Sugarland averages 5.10 inches of rain in September. Average temperatures for September are 91 for the high and 71 for the low.
Energy use goes up significantly during the summer months in the Houston area due to high heat and humidity, which puts a great deal of pressure on electric companies to have enough energy to keep the largest city in Texas cool.
What to Expect with an A/C Check-Up
In Houston hot days outnumber the cool ones so it is important to call a professional once a year to give your a/c system a check-up. Here are some of the things you can expect when you decide to get it done.
1: The technician will measure your systems airflow to determine what adjustments can be made to keep 
your system performing at maximum capacity.
2: They will take a good look at your outside condenser unit, clean it and remove debris to ensure it is all working properly.
3: They will clean they cooling coils on the inside unit, even with timely filter changes, dust and dirt can build up on the coils and reduce efficiency, a good cleaning will keep the entire system running smoother longer.
4: The tech will also check or even replace your filter and give you guidelines on how often you should be replacing it.
5: They will also use special tools to measure the inside and outside conditions of your home to make sure your thermostat is working correctly. This will also help them determine if any refrigerant needs to be added to your system.
All of these things can make a big difference in how well your air conditioning unit will perform each year and will help to prolong the life of your system. Keeping this habit up yearly will also save you money on energy costs each year. Give the pros a call and get your check-up scheduled.
Keeping an Eye on Your Outside Unit
There is plenty you can do to keep your a/c unit clean and working properly longer including keeping an eye on the parts of your unit that are outside of your home. 
The compressor/condenser unit is usually located outside in your back or side yard area. In most cases it should be about 2 feet away from your home’s foundation. A great way to keep this part of your a/c unit healthy is to keep it free from obstructions.
Many people do not realize how easy it is for these units to be compromised by weeds, grass and debris. Make sure that you check it out at least every two weeks to see if there are any obstructions to do away with. For the best performance try to keep a 2 foot radius of clear space around the compressor, and also trim back trees or bushes that overhang.
Another thing to pay attention to is the duct system that is in your attic and crawl space, this is where a lot of heat can build up throughout the day. Try to get a good look at the areas you can at least 2 times each year to see if there is any tearing in the insulation or seals. Ensuring that these ducts are insulated well will keep the air traveling through them much cooler. Also, looking for any leaks in these ducts can help you save money and not waste cool air in spaces where it is not needed.