How to Control Humidity With Your HVAC System

If your home feels muggy in the summer and overly dry in the winter, the issue might not be your thermostat, it could be your home’s humidity levels. Most people think of their heating and cooling system as just controlling the temperature – in reality it also plays a key role in managing indoor moisture. When humidity levels are out of balance they can make your home feel uncomfortable no matter what the temperature says.

What is the Ideal Humidity Level in a Home?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the ideal home humidity level falls between 30% and 50%. Staying within this range helps reduce the growth of mold, dust mites, and structural issues like warped wood or peeling paint.

During warmer months of the year indoor moisture levels tend to rise. The best humidity level for a home in the summer is still within the 30-50% range, though closer to 40% is ideal for comfort and efficiency.

Why Humidity Matters in Everyday Life

When your humidity levels are too high, your home can feel hotter than it actually is and it creates an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow. On the other hand, if your home is too dry you may experience static, dry skin, irritated sinuses, or even damage to wood furniture and flooring.

Understanding what your home’s humidity levels should be gives you a better sense on how to achieve better home comfort.

How HVAC Systems Help Regulate Humidity

Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in managing your home humidity levels, especially in summer. Here’s how:

• Dehumidification: Standard air conditioners naturally remove some moisture while cooling. In areas with consistently high humidity, adding a dedicated whole home dehumidifier can make a big difference in your comfort.
• Smart Thermostats: Some smart thermostats track humidity levels and certain ones are able to control humidity levels.
• Proper Sizing: HVAC systems that are too big for your home cool your home quickly, making the system shut off before removing enough moisture.

Signs Your System Might Not Be Handling Humidity Well

• The air feels damp or “sticky” even when the AC is running
• Fogged-up windows or visible condensation indoors
• A persistent musty or mildew-like smell
• Mold spots in corners or on ceilings
• Your home feels warm and uncomfortable despite a low thermostat setting

These are all indicators that your system may not be keeping good humidity levels in your home.

What You Can Do to Improve Indoor Humidity

If you’re struggling to maintain a comfortable humidity level at home, try the following:

• Schedule routine HVAC Maintenance: Cleaning coils, clearing drain lines, and checking for airflow issues can improve moisture removal.
• Upgrade Your System or Add a Dehumidifier: Especially in humid climates, a supplemental dehumidifier can offer better moisture control.
• Adjust Your Thermostat Settings: Set your fan to “Auto” instead of “On” to allow your AC time to remove moisture during each cycle.

What This Means for You

The ideal humidity in your home isn’t just about how the air feels, it affects your energy costs, indoor air quality, and even the longevity of your HVAC system. If your AC is running but the air still feels damp or stale, it may be time to look closer at how your system is handling moisture in the air. With the right setup, your HVAC can help maintain a balanced and more comfortable home environment.