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

If your Rheem central air conditioner is not removing humidity, the most likely cause is a clogged air filter. Restricted airflow can reduce cooling, cause the evaporator coil to frost over, and prevent the system from dehumidifying the home. Replace the air filter at least twice a year, or more often in dusty homes or homes with pets. A dirty condenser coil is another highly likely cause. Debris prevents the coil from releasing heat, making the compressor run longer while the air conditioner still struggles with a house humid with AC running. If your air conditioner is not dehumidifying, the temperature control thermostat may be shutting the system off too soon. A faulty thermistor, which sends temperature readings to the control board, is less common, while a failed control board is least likely after other parts are checked. These issues can cause AC not removing humidity, home humidity too high with AC on, or uneven cooling. You can safely inspect or replace the air filter and clean accessible coils according to the owner's manual. Turn off power before servicing, and leave 240-volt electrical testing, control board diagnosis, and any sealed-system or refrigerant repair to a qualified technician. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your Rheem central air conditioner.

01 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 - Rheem 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 Rheem central air conditioner not removing humidity?
Can a clogged air filter cause high humidity or a frozen evaporator coil?
How do I test the Rheem thermostat or thermistor when my AC is not dehumidifying?
Could a Rheem central air conditioner control board cause high humidity?
How do I find the correct Rheem central air conditioner replacement part?

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