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Carrier Central air conditioner - home's humidity is too high

If your Carrier central air conditioner is not removing humidity, or your house stays humid with AC running, start with the air filter. A clogged Carrier air filter or other blocked filter restricts airflow, can cause the evaporator coil to frost over, and prevents the system from dehumidifying effectively. Next, inspect the condenser coil for dirt and debris. Dirty condenser coils cannot release heat properly, so the compressor works harder and the air conditioner may fail to cool and control moisture. A faulty temperature-control thermostat is another common cause if it shuts the system off too soon, before the indoor air is dry. Less common causes include a defective thermistor, which sends incorrect temperature readings to the control board, or a failing control board that does not regulate the compressor and fan motor correctly. Replace a dirty filter and clean accessible coils only with power disconnected. Testing or replacing a thermostat, thermistor, or control board can involve 240-volt wiring, so use a qualified technician if you are not comfortable with electrical work. Any refrigerant or sealed-system repair requires EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Carrier air conditioner.

01 - Carrier Central Air Conditioner Air Filter

If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the air conditioner. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over. Check and replace the air filter at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments or if there is a pet in the home.
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Highly Likely

02 - Clogged Air Filter

If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the home's venting system. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over and not be able to remove moisture from the air. The air filter should be checked and replaced at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Highly Likely

03 - Condenser Coils are Dirty

The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to remove the moisture from the air and maintain the proper temperature, resulting in the compressor running continuously in an attempt to cool the room. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Highly Likely

04 - Carrier Central Air Conditioner Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is a sensor which monitors the temperature of the air and activates a switch to provide power to the fan and compressor when the air temperature drops below a set point. If the thermostat isn’t working properly, the air conditioner may not stay running long enough to remove the moisture in the air and cool properly. To determine if the temperature control thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, or is shutting off too soon, replace it. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three... terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.)
Common

05 - Carrier Central Air Conditioner Thermistor

The thermistor is a sensor connected to the control board that detects the temperature of the air. The resistance value of the thermistor changes in conjunction with the air temperature. If the air temperature rises, the resistance value will decrease. To determine if the thermistor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermistor does not have continuity, or if the resistance of the thermistor does not change with a change in temperature, replace the thermistor. (To find specific temperature and resistance values, try checking your user’s manual.)
Less Common

06 - Carrier Central Air Conditioner Control Board

The main control board regulates the voltage to the compressor and the fan motor. If the control board fails, some components will not function properly or will not work at all. Control boards are often misdiagnosed; make sure to check more commonly defective parts first before replacing the control board.
Less Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my home humidity too high with the Carrier central air conditioner running?
Can a thermostat cause my air conditioner not to remove humidity or cool properly?
Can a frozen evaporator coil cause high humidity with the AC on?
What should I check before replacing a compressor or control board when my AC runs constantly?
How do I find the correct Carrier central air conditioner replacement part?

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