Living in a humid climate like Florida can be great, but it can also come with some humidity-related problems. After hearing customers ask us “why is my house so humid?” each summer, we decided to make this guide.
If your home is too humid, you may experience various harmful effects that can damage your home and health. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of high humidity and how to address it.
How Humid Should Your House Be In Florida?
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 45% and 55%, but it is not uncommon for the humidity to exceed 60% in Florida. Humidity can affect personal comfort, and everyone is different. Therefore, referring to humidity as such isn’t technically accurate; Relative Humidity is more appropriate.
Relative Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air expressed as a percentage of the total amount it could contain at a specific temperature. The amount of water vapor in the air changes as the temperature changes; in other words, higher temperatures can result in higher relative humidity. Moisture transfer in buildings will naturally result in moisture, but other factors can contribute to excessive moisture.
- Rainwater or plumbing leaks
- Water absorbed by or passing through building materials
Outside of the ideal humidity range, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even some annoying pests will thrive, causing some concerns.
Why Is My House So Humid With the AC On?
You just got your air conditioner serviced, and it seems to be working fine, but the house is still stifling. What could be wrong? Several things could be contributing to excessive moisture in your home.
The Climate
Florida residents are all too familiar with the high humidity of living in a subtropical climate. Even when it’s not raining, the air is thick with moisture. This increases the chance of condensation and can make it challenging to keep your home comfortable. Unfortunately, there is little homeowners can do to combat excessive humidity this way.
Poor Ventilation
If your home isn’t adequately ventilated, it can cause humidity build-up; this is especially true in homes that have tight seals and aren’t able to breathe. In these cases, circulating the air will help.
Your AC Unit May Be Too Large
Essentially, the evaporator found in most AC units will act as a dehumidifier and pull water out of the air. However, if the unit is too large, it will cool rooms too quickly and shut off; this doesn’t allow for a proper dehumidifying process. Also, since your AC unit is outside the elements, it’s necessary to ensure that it’s protected from heavy rains.
Over time, it can cause corrosion to metal parts leading to a breakdown. Plus, your unit’s condenser often produces enough heat to evaporate the water from the evaporator; however, in heavy rains, your AC’s condenser isn’t getting hot enough. This will lead to clogged pipes and possible water leaks in the walls of your home.
The House Feels Humid With the AC Running
If your home feels humid when the AC is running, this could indicate that the unit isn’t working as efficiently as it should be. In this case, you’ll want to call a professional HVAC technician to come and look at your unit.
However, the unit must remain clean if it’s to run efficiently. Don’t wait for your technician to clean it for you. Keep the HVAC system free of dirt, dust, and debris. For instance, a dirty evaporator coil is less efficient, and a Thermostat fan that is too fast won’t allow the coil to extract as much moisture from the air as possible. However, other potential issues could be:
- Cooking – Every time you cook, whether on the stovetop or in the oven, you release water vapor.
- Overcrowding – It doesn’t matter if your AC unit is running correctly; it will have a hard time keeping up with the humidity if your house is full of people.
The House Gets Humid When It Rains
As we mentioned, the climate significantly affects the conditions inside your home; the outside temperatures will affect it inside your home due to the conditions of your windows and doors. These exits allow the air to circulate throughout your home, so if they have a bad seal, it can cause a build-up of humidity.
What Are the Symptoms of High Humidity in A Home?
Over time, excessively high humidity can cause a range of problems in your living space, leading to health problems or structural damage to the home’s interior. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
- There are chronic or frequent health problems with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
- Mold and mildew growth on walls, ceilings, floors, and other home areas.
- Condensation on windows.
How To Make My House Less Humid
Controlling humidity in your home can be a daunting task, but you need to take action to reduce the health risks and damage that can be caused by high humidity. Here are some tips for reducing humidity in your home:
- Reduce indoor humidity by ventilating with outside air when the weather permits. For example, use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove water vapor from the air.
While the above tips are helpful for short-term control of excess humidity, effective management requires more comprehensive solutions. You may need to get your HVAC unit serviced, but it is more likely that your home isn’t ready for the summer season.
Insulating your windows is a surefire way to control humidity levels. Cracks and broken seals allow increased moisture transfer, ensuring these are all adequately fixed. Check for leaks in plumbing and repair any leaks. It’s essential to hire a professional to inspect your windows; it’s possible to determine the best window insulation materials to use.
The most effective way to control relative humidity and temperature in your home is to update the insulation. While adding to current insulation in your attic and various living spaces is possible, it’s best to consult a professional. There are insulation requirements when removing and installing insulation in existing homes and insulating a new construction.
Insulating materials are graded by R-values,
Who Can Help Me With Humidity Problems?
Controlling humidity is necessary for a state like Florida, so if you’re having trouble keeping your home at a comfortable level, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can call us directly at 855-928-8123.
Our team at Wattson Home Solutions is always happy to provide a free consultation to help you determine the best way to keep your home comfortable all year long.
Contact us to set up an appointment!
