Sensible vs latent load

Sensible heat is what a thermometer shows. Latent heat is the energy tied up in water vapor; removing moisture from air means condensing that vapor on a cold coil. A cooling system's sensible heat ratio is the share of its capacity spent lowering temperature rather than removing moisture.

Buildings in humid climates, densely occupied spaces, kitchens, pools and very airtight homes can have high latent loads relative to sensible ones. An oversized system that satisfies the thermostat quickly and shuts off doesn't run long enough to remove moisture, leaving the space cold and clammy.

Controls help: variable-speed equipment running longer at lower speed, reduced airflow in a dehumidification mode, and humidity sensing alongside temperature.