Summers in Pensacola can be rough, and not always because of the heat. The high humidity in Florida can make anyone feel uncomfortable, even on a relatively cool day. At its worst, high humidity can promote mold growth and damage your home over time. While there’s nothing you can do about the humidity outdoors, there are things that you can do to reduce humidity levels in your home.
1. Reduce Humidity With a Dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier is the most efficient way of reducing your home’s humidity levels. Smaller portable units can be effective if you only need to dehumidify a smaller space. However, having us install a whole-home dehumidifier is a more comprehensive solution. It can be integrated with your current HVAC system to remove moisture every time your air conditioner runs. We will also connect the unit to your plumbing so that you can avoid the hassle of emptying the collection tray, like you have to with portable models.
2. Improve Ventilation Throughout Your Home
Proper ventilation will help reduce your home’s humidity levels. Make sure you have proper airflow from your supply vents and that they aren’t blocked by furniture. You should also turn on your ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout your home. Also, make sure to turn on the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom when you use these spaces.
3. Keep Showers Short and Skip the Oven on Muggy Days
A long, hot, steamy shower feels good, but it will definitely raise the humidity in your home. During the muggiest days, keep your showers under 10 minutes in length. You can also avoid doing laundry and cooking in the oven during the hottest days. These activities add moisture to your home’s air.
4. Seal Your Windows and Doors
Gaps around your windows are easy entry points for humid air, so seal them as you find them. Weather stripping and caulking both work wonders to keep humidity out of your home. Well-sealed windows may also reduce your cooling costs.
5. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
While sealing your windows and doors is important when it comes to keeping out humid air, it doesn’t do much good if you always leave your doors and windows open. Keep your windows and doors closed as often as you can if it’s a particularly humid day outside.
6. Update Your Insulation
Proper insulation doesn’t just regulate temperature. It also helps control indoor humidity by limiting moisture transfer between your living space and the outdoors. While insulation can last for decades, it may settle or degrade over time. If your home feels unusually hot or humid during the summer, it might be time to replace or reinforce the insulation in your attic, crawl spaces, or walls. Adding vapor barriers in unconditioned areas can also block moisture from entering your home and raising indoor humidity levels.
7. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Once a Year
Your air conditioner does more than just cool the air. It also plays a key role in managing indoor humidity. On the muggiest days, a central air conditioning system can remove up to 25 gallons of moisture from your home’s air. But to work efficiently, your system needs regular care. Schedule at least one AC tune-up each year, ideally in early spring before the peak cooling season begins. During a tune-up, we clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect drainage lines, and test system performance to make sure your AC is ready to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
8. Make Sure Your AC Is Right for Your Home
The size of your air conditioner has a big impact on how well it manages both temperature and humidity. An oversized unit may cool your home too quickly and shut off before it has time to remove enough moisture, while an undersized system might run nonstop without keeping up. Both situations can leave your home feeling muggy and uncomfortable. We can assess your current system, check its sizing, and recommend an upgrade to ensure balanced, efficient cooling throughout your home.
Contact Your Local Cooling Experts
If high humidity is making your Pensacola home uncomfortable, our team at Bluewater Heating & Air is here to help. We offer a full range of cooling services, including AC maintenance, system repairs, new HVAC installations, and whole-home dehumidifier solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians for indoor air quality services.
