Does it feel hot and humid in your house all the time, even with the AC on? Indoor humidity is a common problem in Maryland and Delaware, especially near the coast. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it every summer.
At Total Home Performance, we help our customers find the root cause of indoor humidity problems and solve them for good. Here’s what we see most often and, more importantly, how to fix it.
What Causes Indoor Humidity?
There are a few common issues that can lead to excessive humidity in your house.
1. Vented Crawl Space
A vented crawl space draws in outdoor air, especially during the summer. That humid air rises into your home, making your living spaces feel humid and musty. Crawl space humidity can affect your entire house, leading to mold, indoor air quality problems, and even structural damage.
2. Air Leaks & Bad Insulation
If your house hasn’t been air sealed, there are likely a lot of small gaps in your attic and foundation. These gaps aren’t usually noticeable, but they can cause big problems. During the summer, they let hot, humid air seep into your house. That puts extra strain on your AC, which may not be able to keep up.
3. Air Conditioning Issues
Your air conditioner or heat pump doesn’t just cool off your house. It also dehumidifies it. If your house is humid even with the AC on, you might have a problem with your cooling system, which could be:
- System Age – Older cooling systems lose efficiency over time and may no longer have the capacity to properly dehumidify your home.
- Lack of Maintenance – A dirty or neglected system can’t operate at peak performance. Regular cleaning and tune-ups help ensure your cooling system can effectively remove moisture from the air.
- Incorrect Sizing – A unit that’s too small won’t have enough power to cool and dehumidify your entire home. A system that’s too large cools the space too quickly and shuts off before it has time to remove humidity.
4. Moisture Problems in Your Basement or Crawl Space
Standing water, leaks, or poor drainage around your foundation can raise indoor humidity levels. Mold, mildew, and musty smells often follow if the problem isn’t addressed at the source.
5. Insufficient Ventilation
Without proper ventilation, moisture from cooking and showering can get trapped inside. If you’re dealing with excessive moisture and humidity in your bathrooms or kitchen specifically, you probably need better ventilation.
How to Lower Humidity Levels in Your House
The best way to lower indoor humidity depends on what’s actually causing the problem. That’s why it’s so important to look at everything, not just one system.
At Total Home Performance, we don’t assume the issue is your air conditioner just because your house feels humid. Sometimes the AC is the problem, but other times, it’s something else, like a vented crawl space pulling in humid air.
If you only focus on the cooling system, you risk missing the root cause and spending money on a solution that doesn’t actually solve the problem.
Best Solutions for Reducing Indoor Humidity
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulating your crawl space seals it off from outside air and moisture, preventing humid air from entering your home.
Air Sealing & Insulation Upgrades
Upgrading your insulation and sealing air leaks helps keep humid outdoor air from seeping inside.
AC or Heat Pump Replacement
Replacing an old or improperly sized air conditioner or heat pump with a new, efficient unit ensures your home is cooled and dehumidified effectively.
Whole-Home Dehumidification
A whole-home dehumidifier works alongside your HVAC system to manage humidity levels throughout your entire house.
Crawl Space or Basement Waterproofing
Waterproofing your crawl space or basement stops leaks and standing water that can contribute to high indoor humidity.
Improved Ventilation
Better ventilation helps remove excess moisture from daily activities like cooking and showering.
Find the Right Humidity Control for Your Home
High indoor humidity isn’t just uncomfortable: it can also lead to mold, poor air quality, and higher energy bills.
At Total Home Performance, we address the root cause of excess humidity so the problem never comes back. If you’re ready to find a solution that works for your home, reach out to us! We’ve been serving homeowners in Delaware and Maryland for over 16 years and know what works for local homes.