If you want better humidity control you need a system such as the Carrier Infinity. I had this in my previous home. It features a 2-speed compressor and variable speed air handler. Essentially, it will ramp down the compressor speed and reduces the air handler fan speed so that air is in contact with the coil for a longer period of time and more moisture can be removed. It was very effective at maintaining the humidity set point on less than hot days. The Carrier systems that are installed by the developer do not have a variable speed air handler so humidity control is difficult. The best it can do is cool below the temperature set point in an attempt to increase the run time so as to remove more moisture.
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Originally Posted by ggnlars
Your AC unit is a great dehumidifier. However, there are situations during the day and seasons where it does not run for long periods of time. The most obvious is when the outside temperature is below your setting. During that time, the humidity level inside is going up towards the outside level. When that happens, you feel increased warmth when the temperature has hardly changed.
With the availability of advanced electronics, the manufacturers are offering advanced comfort systems. These are basically like Toymeister indicated. They bring the humidity level into the control arena. Most of this is handled with advanced theromostat electronics, basically specific computers. Fundamentally, when the humidity goes up, it will run the system to reduce it. Usually that will reduce the temperature below your desired setting. To lesson this the manufacture is adding "stages" to the system. As with everything, these are higher priced units today. I find that they work very good and will likely become more mainstream systems. This should reduce the cost somewhat. The cost savings to the owner comes from living in a higher temperature humidity controlled environment. Most of the complexity is in the electronics which is very reliable today, so it could actually extend the HVAC hardware life.
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