measuring humidity & AC temp, plus VA design temp?

[rfbcville]

Is there some kind of device to measure humidity as well as air temp of AC that’s consumer grade – ie not costing an arm and a leg? I’m having problems with 2 yr old AC/gas furnace system not cooling like it should. I am trying to do some troubleshooting before calling them out again.

Also, do you know what the design temp for Charlottesville, Va (Central Virginia) is? Summer humidity is the problem here - can be 80 degrees outside at 8pm but still need cooling inside.

Thanks

[BigJon3475]

http://www.cheaphumidors.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?&Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=hygrometers



it might help us figure out why your system isn't cooling as it should if you posted model numbers. Have you been changing your filter? Just asking.




This link will help someone answer your design Q.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/VA/Charlottesville.html
http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/DisplayNORMS.asp?AirportCode=KCHO&SafeCityName=Charlottesville&StateCode=VA&Units=none&IATA=CHO

[rfbcville]

thanks Big John - does this mean I need to start smoking cigars, too?:) As far as "design temp", sorry for being dumb, is that an average based on historical temps? (ie on weather link you sent, it gave current temps and history)

Re system:
Main floor of 1250 sq ft and same amount of unfinished block wall basement: Bryant Split System AC with Puron refrigerant 13 SEER Model CK5PXW030017ABA - Cooling Coil and Outdoor unit 550ANX030 In basement, Bryant model 352 MAV Series C 2 stage direct vent condensing gas furnace 352MAV036080 Thermostat Honeywell Focus Pro 5000 TH522OD

I don't know how to tell if/when 2nd stage comes on - saw a thread on watching electric meter and seeing temp drop a degree or two, but couldn't see anything with meter. As far as temp drop, tstat will show a degree or 2 drop when not at peak load (ie 2-7pm).

Thanks

[catmanacman]

call the installing contractor most all the parts are still in warranty

[rfbcville]

catmanacman - install company is due out next week for "Spring tune-up". Unfortunately, after install 2 summers ago they couldn't find anything wrong - temps and pressures were fine according to their checklist. Same thing happened last summer, and I wasn't sure what else to do. FYI, we keep tstat at 77 degrees during summer, but usually around 3-5pm if outside is more than 85-90 degrees, it can't keep up.

I found this forum recently and am trying to be more proactive. Summer heat and humidity is problem here; winter heat is fine. I recently read on another thread about 2 stage vs 1 stage and it started me thinking that I don't know how to tell what a 2 stage condensing gas furnace means to the AC side of things - is that the blower/air handler part of system?

[dan sw fl]

Is there some kind of device to measure humidity as well as air temp of AC that’s consumer grade – ie not costing an arm and a leg?

Lowe's ... outdoor section ... $24.97

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=205229-53948-EB313HGA&lpage=none