Let’s talk about indoor humidity.
Yep, that invisible, clingy, often-sweaty part of your home life that you never think about until your windows fog up in July and your hair starts staging a frizz-filled rebellion. If you live in Florida — where the humidity can make you forget what being dry even is — you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Indoor humidity can make or break your comfort, your health, and even the structural integrity of your house. It’s not just about being sticky and miserable, although that’s definitely part of it. Left unchecked, humidity can warp wood, grow mold, mess with your electronics, and generally turn your lovely home into a damp and gloomy swamp.
But don’t worry — we’re here to help you regain control over your air.
In this post, we’ll walk through what indoor humidity actually is, why it’s particularly challenging in the Sunshine State, and how to manage it like a pro. You’ll also learn about the critical role your HVAC system plays in controlling indoor humidity and the importance of making sure it is regularly maintained and functioning correctly.
What is Indoor Humidity, Anyway?
Indoor humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air inside your home. It’s typically measured as relative humidity — that is, how much water vapor is in the air compared to how much it could hold at a given temperature.
Warm air holds more moisture, which is why things feel more muggy in the summer. The ideal range for indoor humidity is usually between 30% and 50%. Any lower, and you’re dealing with dry skin and nosebleeds. Any higher, and you’ve basically invited a fungus to crash on your couch rent-free.
Why Indoor Humidity Is a Big Deal in Florida
If you live in the state of Florida, you know that there’s definitely a fair share of ups and downs. Beautiful beaches? Check. Sunshine? Check. Alligators casually sunbathing in backyards? Double check.
But also: relentless, soul-melting humidity.
Florida’s climate is subtropical, which is basically a polite way of saying that the air will feel like a literal sauna 10 months out of the year. Thanks to high temperatures and abundant rainfall, indoor humidity is a year-round issue in many parts of the state.
Here’s why that matters:
- Comfort: High indoor humidity makes your home feel hotter than it actually is. You’ll sweat more, sleep worse, and basically feel like you’re living inside a gym sock.
- Health: Mold and mildew love moist environments. And once they move in, they’re hard to evict. Excess humidity can also make allergies worse and aggravate asthma.
- Damage: Moisture can warp wood floors, peel paint, rot drywall, and create condensation on windows. It’s like watching your house slowly melt.
- Electronics: Computers, TVs, and other electronics don’t play nice with humidity. High moisture levels can corrode internal components or cause short circuits. Indoor humidity can kill your laptop — and your Wi-Fi streaming dreams.
Managing indoor humidity in Florida isn’t just a good idea — it’s a survival strategy.
How Your HVAC System Helps Manage Indoor Humidity
You might be surprised to learn that your air conditioner isn’t just there to chill the air and create that glorious “ahhh” feeling when you walk through the front door.
Your HVAC system plays a huge role in controlling indoor humidity.
When your AC cools the air, it also removes moisture through condensation. It’s kind of like how a cold soda sweats on a hot day — only in this case, the system is pulling water out of the air and draining it away. Modern HVAC units are designed to maintain both temperature and humidity levels, but they can only do their job well if they’re properly sized, maintained, and used correctly.
If your AC is too big for your home, for example, it might cool the air so quickly that it doesn’t run long enough to remove much moisture. This is what’s known as short cycling, and it’s basically the HVAC equivalent of someone half-heartedly wiping a spill with a napkin before walking away.
How to Manage Indoor Humidity to Stay Cool and Dry
Okay, now for the good stuff. Here are some practical steps you can take to tame your indoor humidity, even if Florida’s weather seems determined to sabotage you.
1. Set Your AC Correctly
Let’s start with the MVP: your air conditioner. Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, usually around 74 to 78°F, but resist the urge to crank it down to “Antarctica” settings. Lowering the temperature too much won’t necessarily lower humidity and can overwork your system.
If your AC has a “dry” or “dehumidify” mode, try using it. And make sure your unit is correctly sized for your space — too big or too small, and it won’t be able to manage indoor humidity effectively.
2. Keep the Air Moving
Stagnant air equals sticky air. Ceiling fans and box fans help circulate air and encourage evaporation, which makes you feel cooler and helps lower perceived humidity. Just make sure fans are turning counterclockwise in the summer to push air downward.
Bonus: You can feel a little like a rock star with your hair blowing in the breeze.
3. Check for Leaks and Seal Them
Even the best HVAC system can’t win a humidity battle if water is sneaking in through cracks, leaks, or poorly sealed windows.
- Inspect your roof and attic for signs of leaks.
- Check around windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.
- Seal gaps and cracks with weatherstripping or caulk.
Stopping moisture at the source is one of the most powerful ways to control indoor humidity.
4. Use Exhaust Fans — Even That Loud One in the Bathroom
Exhaust fans aren’t just background noise — they actually serve a purpose! Use them in the kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while showering to vent moist air outside instead of letting it linger.
Pro tip: Let the fan run for 10 to 15 minutes after a steamy shower. Yes, even if it sounds like a jet engine.
5. Add a Dehumidifier — Your Secret Weapon
Sometimes, your HVAC system needs a little backup. That’s where a dehumidifier comes in. These handy appliances pull moisture directly from the air, helping to keep indoor humidity at optimal levels.
- Portable dehumidifiers are great for bedrooms, basements, and problem areas.
- Whole-house dehumidifiers can be installed as part of your HVAC system for serious moisture control.
Get one with a built-in hygrometer so you can keep an eye on humidity levels. Shoot for that sweet spot between 40% and 50%.
6. Watch Your Houseplants
Love your indoor jungle? We get it — plants are soothing for the soul, pretty to look at, and good for air quality. But too many of them, especially the tropical variety, can increase indoor humidity. If you’re battling moisture, consider moving some plants outside or switching to varieties that don’t release much moisture into the air.
Sorry, monstera. It’s not you, it’s the dew point.
7. Dry Clothes Properly
Hanging wet clothes inside might save on dryer costs, but it adds a ton of moisture to your air. If you’re already struggling with indoor humidity, consider using a clothes dryer with a proper exhaust vent — or at least hang things outside when possible. Your walls and your nostrils will thank you.
Signs Your Indoor Humidity Is Too High (or Too Low)
So how do you know if your indoor humidity is out of whack? Here are a few clues.
Signs that your indoor humidity is too high:
- Condensation on windows
- Musty smells
- Warped wood or peeling paint
- Mold spots on walls or ceilings
- You wake up sweaty, even with the AC blasting
Signs that your indoor humidity is too low (yes, it can happen in winter):
- Dry, itchy skin
- Static electricity shocks
- Cracking wood furniture
- Chapped lips and bloody noses
A modestly priced hygrometer from a hardware store or online can help you monitor your levels and keep things in check.
Keep Calm and Dehumidify
Managing indoor humidity isn’t exactly glamorous, but it’s one of those behind-the-scenes heroes that can make a huge difference in how comfortable and healthy your home feels. This is especially true if you’re battling the moisture monster known as Florida weather.
By using your HVAC system wisely, staying on top of maintenance, and knowing when to bring in the dehumidifier cavalry, you can win the war on humidity without breaking a sweat.
So go ahead — reclaim your cool, protect your home, and stop your electronics from melting into goo. Your indoor humidity might be invisible, but once you get it under control, you’ll definitely feel the difference.
Call Complete Air Mechanical for AC Service in Orlando
Have questions about indoor humidity and your HVAC system? Complete Air Mechanical can help. Our family-owned and operated team has been serving Central Florida since 1992, providing expert HVAC services from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. No matter if you’re dealing with a unit that’s too large, a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or simply need a good cleaning and inspection, we’ve got you covered!
If you live in Longwood, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, or Volusia, contact us today to schedule your service.
Schedule Service Online or call us at (407) 915-0144.