Humidity can make summer in Bear feel even more uncomfortable. You turn on your AC expecting cool, dry air, but instead, the house still feels sticky. High indoor humidity while your AC is running isn’t just frustrating. It can affect your comfort, indoor air quality, and the condition of your home if left unaddressed.
Homeowners in Bear often think the AC should handle everything. But cooling and dehumidifying can be two different things, especially if your system is not functioning as efficiently as it should. Understanding why this happens can help you take steps to reduce indoor moisture and improve comfort.
Common Causes Of High Humidity Despite Running AC
Several factors can cause your home to feel humid even when your AC is working. Below are the most common sources of the problem.
1. Wrong-Sized AC Unit
An air conditioner that is too large will cool the air quickly without running long enough to remove moisture. If the unit is too small, it may run constantly and still fail to handle both cooling and dehumidification. The size of your AC system plays an important role in balancing both temperature and moisture levels.
2. Poor Ventilation
Homes with limited or blocked airflow experience more trapped humidity. Kitchens without working range hoods or bathrooms without exhaust fans can build up moisture quickly. Older homes in Bear may have structural designs that prevent good air movement, making proper ventilation even more crucial.
3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
4. Refrigerant Problems
5. Outdoor Humidity Levels
Bear has plenty of warm, humid days during the summer. If your home is not sealed properly or if windows and doors are left open, this outdoor humidity can enter and overwhelm your AC system. Even newer systems can lose efficiency under these circumstances.
Any one of these issues may cause unwanted indoor humidity, but in many cases, it’s a combination of factors. Once you determine what is affecting your home, it becomes easier to take targeted action.
Signs Your Home's Humidity Levels Are Too High
High humidity indoors will often present itself in ways that are hard to ignore. Here are several signs that your home may have excess moisture issues.
- Condensation on Surfaces
Seeing water droplets on windows, mirrors, or walls typically means indoor humidity is higher than it should be. This occurs when the warm, moist air touches a cooler surface.
- Musty Smells
If your home smells damp or musty, especially in closed-off areas like closets or basements, that is a warning sign. Lingering odors often signal the start of moisture buildup.
- Mold and Mildew
Black or green spots on ceilings, behind furniture, or near vents signal mold growth, which flourishes in humid conditions. Mildew can also develop on fabrics and carpets.
- Sticky or Clammy Feeling
Even if the temperature seems normal, the environment can feel uncomfortable. You may feel damp or sticky while sitting or lying indoors, even though the air conditioner is on.
If you notice these signs regularly, your home’s air most likely has more moisture than your AC can handle on its own.
Solutions To Combat High Indoor Humidity
Finding the cause is the first step, but solving the issue takes more. Ensuring proper indoor humidity levels keeps your home healthy and comfortable.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
A dedicated dehumidifier helps reduce moisture levels where the AC cannot keep up. These can be placed in problem areas, such as basements or bedrooms, and often work best when paired with your central AC.
2. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Clean filters, healthy coils, and proper refrigerant levels improve your AC’s ability to remove moisture. Having your system serviced by our professionals helps prevent buildup and extends the lifespan of your equipment.
3. Check Your Home’s Ventilation
Use exhaust fans while cooking or taking showers. When the weather allows, open windows to let out moist indoor air. Poor ventilation is one of the most common contributors to trapped humidity.
4. Seal Leaks and Cracks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and crawl spaces allow humid outdoor air inside. Sealing these spots prevents excess moisture from entering your home and supports overall indoor air balance.
5. Get a Professional Assessment
If the humidity problem continues, have our technicians inspect your AC unit and entire ventilation system. Our team can identify multiple small issues that may be combining into a bigger problem.
An example from Bear showed one household dealing with recurring mold in the hallway despite cleaning it several times. After a professional inspection, it was discovered that the attic had a minor water leak and the back area lacked proper ventilation. Once both issues were addressed, the humidity dropped, and the home became more comfortable.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable in Bear
Bear’s muggy conditions during summer mean managing indoor humidity is just as important as keeping your space cool. While your AC works hard to bring down the temperature, it also needs proper maintenance, ventilation support, and a well-sealed home to fully manage moisture levels.
By using a dehumidifier, sealing leaks, and scheduling maintenance checks, you can tackle the causes of high humidity head-on. Knowing what to look out for and acting early will protect your home from long-term damage and keep your indoor air more comfortable all season long.
For homeowners in Bear facing persistent humidity issues despite running their AC, making sure your system is well maintained can make all the difference. Learn more about AC service in Bear and discover how small adjustments in ventilation, filter care, and moisture control can improve your indoor comfort. Trust D&T Heating & Cooling to deliver the expert support you need. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.