Why isn’t my Air-Conditioning Cooling Properly?

Phew, it’s been a hot one so far this year in Cyprus!

This year, temperatures in Paphos have remained fairly consistent compared to previous years. However, the humidity has made the weather feel much more oppressive—something many residents have noticed. Unlike the usual stretch of clear blue skies, we've experienced frequent cloud cover throughout the summer. This contributes to the muggy conditions. But how does this shift in humidity and cloudiness affect your air conditioning systems? Let's explore what these changes mean for your home's comfort and your AC's performance.

Phew it's Hot

So Why Isn’t My Air Conditioning Cooling Properly?

A customer once mentioned that her air conditioning didn’t seem to work as effectively as the units she’d used in Saudi Arabia. After a thorough check to confirm her AC was functioning properly, I explained that humidity plays a significant role in how cool a room feels. Unlike the typically dry climate in many parts of Saudi Arabia, higher humidity levels make it harder for air conditioners to remove moisture from the air. This can make cooling feel less efficient, even when the system is working correctly.

Why Does Humidity Have This Effect?

Humidity affects cooling because of a phenomenon known as "latent heat," sometimes referred to as "hidden heat." When water evaporates, it absorbs energy from its surroundings. This energy is stored in the resulting water vapor. In humid conditions, there’s already a lot of water vapor in the air. This means your air conditioner has to work harder—not only to lower the temperature but also to remove this excess moisture. As a result, the cooling process becomes less efficient, and the indoor air feels warmer and stickier.

To illustrate this with a simple example: imagine you fill your kettle for your morning cup of tea. It takes 1000 watts of electricity and five minutes to bring the water to a boil. That energy is stored in the hot water until it cools down. However, if you kept the kettle boiling until all the water evaporated, it would take about ten times as much energy and time to turn all the water into steam. The energy used in this process doesn’t just disappear; it’s stored in the steam as latent heat and only released when the vapor condenses back into water. This is similar to what happens with humidity in the air: air conditioners have to work much harder to remove this “hidden” heat, making cooling less efficient in humid conditions.

How Come My Thermometer Doesn't Read This?

Latent heat isn’t something you can measure with a thermometer, but your body definitely feels its effects—often as persistent sweating and discomfort. The heat is still present in the air as moisture. That’s why stepping into an air-conditioned room feels so refreshing: the AC removes both the excess heat and the humidity, providing real relief from that sticky, clammy feeling.

Where Does the Heat Within Humidity Come From in Cyprus?

Cyprus is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, which absorbs a lot of the sun’s energy during the summer. This significantly contributes to the region’s humidity. While the sun is the main driver, humidity also comes from various other sources. These include man-made engines, plants and animals releasing moisture, and even occasional volcanic activity. All these factors add moisture to the air, making summers in Cyprus feel especially humid. This impacts how comfortable we feel and how hard our air conditioning systems need to work.

Why Does This Affect My Air Conditioning?

Your AC unit actually has two jobs: first, it removes humidity from the air, and only then can it effectively cool your room. Remember from the kettle example—it takes about ten times more energy to turn water into steam (humidity). Your air conditioner also needs to use a lot of energy to extract that moisture and turn it back into water. That’s why your AC can feel less efficient on humid days, as it’s working hard to tackle both heat and moisture before you feel truly comfortable.

Will Servicing Help?

Yes, a proper AC service can definitely help! We’re often called out to fix units that are leaking water from the front. This is actually a sign your AC is working well at removing humidity—but that water should be draining away, not running down your walls. A professionally installed and properly serviced unit will ensure condensation is directed safely down a drain. Unfortunately, many so-called "service engineers" just brush the filters and spray some antibacterial cleaner (which you could easily do yourself for much less). A true engineer, however, will check and clear the drain line as part of the service. A really good one will even add a drain treatment to prevent future blockages—saving you from unnecessary call-out fees down the line.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit is crucial. Not only does it ensure efficient cooling, but it also prolongs the lifespan of your system. A well-maintained AC unit can save you money on energy bills. It can also prevent costly repairs in the future. Schedule a service at least once a year to keep your system running smoothly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re wondering, “Why isn’t my air conditioning cooling properly?” there can be many reasons—from poor servicing to complete breakdowns. However, one of the biggest and often overlooked factors is humidity. High humidity significantly impacts your AC’s performance, leading to less effective cooling, increased power consumption, and more water being produced. Your unit must first remove this excess moisture before it can truly cool your space. Therefore, keeping your system well-serviced is essential for efficient operation. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!

By Steve Holloway on behalf of Cyprus HomeCare for Cyprus living magazine