What is the impact of high relative humidity on an HVAC system's performance?

High relative humidity can significantly decrease the cooling efficiency of an HVAC system. When the humidity levels are elevated, the air contains a larger amount of moisture. This added moisture makes it harder for the HVAC system to effectively extract heat from the air because humid air holds more heat than dry air. As a result, the system has to work harder to cool the interior space, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased overall efficiency.

In addition, higher humidity levels can contribute to discomfort, as the body's ability to regulate temperature relies on evaporation of sweat. When humidity is high, evaporation is slowed down, making it feel warmer than it actually is. Thus, not only does the HVAC system struggle to maintain the desired temperature, but occupants may also find that their comfort is compromised, prompting the system to run longer and use more energy. This scenario illustrates the direct negative impact of high relative humidity on the performance and efficiency of HVAC systems.