Why Is Indoor Humidity So High in My House?

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HVAC Maintenance

If you live on the Texas Coast, you already know humidity is not just a weather condition. It is a lifestyle. Sticky skin, foggy windows, musty smells, and that “heavy air” feeling can sneak into your home even when your AC is blasting. At Highland AC – Coastal Bend, we hear this question all the time: Why is the humidity inside my house so high?

Let’s break down what’s really going on and how you can finally get dry, comfortable air again.

1. Coastal Climate = Constant Moisture

Here in Port Aransas, humidity levels outdoors regularly sit between 70 and 90 percent. Your home is constantly battling moisture from the air, the ground, and even the saltwater breeze. Even the best AC system works harder in this climate because it is trying to cool your home while also removing gallons of moisture every day.

If your AC is not sized correctly or isn’t running long enough to dehumidify the air, that sticky feeling settles in fast.

2. Your AC May Be Oversized

Believe it or not, too much AC power can cause humidity problems. Oversized systems cool the home so quickly that they shut off before they have time to remove moisture. The result? A cool house that still feels damp and uncomfortable.

Proper sizing is especially important in coastal Texas where humidity control is just as important as cooling.

3. Poor Ventilation or Air Leaks

Humidity sneaks through the smallest places. Common culprits include:

  • Leaky doors and windows
  • Gaps around attic access points
  • Poorly sealed ductwork
  • Crawlspace moisture creeping up into the home

Warm, damp air finds every opening it can, especially during stormy or windy coastal days.

4. Your Home May Need a Dehumidifier

AC units remove some moisture naturally, but in the Coastal Bend, it is often not enough. Whole-home dehumidifiers work alongside your HVAC system to pull out excess moisture before it spreads into your walls, furniture, and belongings.

If your indoor humidity is staying above 55 percent, a dehumidifier can be a game-changing solution.

5. Dirty Coils or Filters Can Reduce Moisture Removal

Your AC relies on clean airflow to properly dehumidify your home. When airflow is restricted, humidity control drops fast.

Dirty filters, clogged condensate lines, and dusty evaporator coils all prevent your system from removing moisture the way it should.

Routine maintenance is essential, especially for coastal homes that deal with salt, sand, and heavy moisture buildup.

6. Your Thermostat Settings May Be Working Against You

If your home is too cool or your fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” humidity can rise indoors. When the fan runs constantly, it blows moisture from the coils back into the house before it can drain out.

A simple setting adjustment can make a noticeable difference in indoor comfort.

7. Everyday Activities Add Moisture

Coastal air is humid, but so is daily life. Cooking, showering, laundry, and even breathing add moisture to your home. If ventilation fans are weak or not used regularly, humidity will climb quickly.

How Highland AC – Coastal Bend Can Help

Humidity in your home is not just annoying. It can lead to mold growth, wood swelling, AC damage, and higher energy bills. At Highland AC – Coastal Bend, we specialize in humidity control solutions designed for coastal living.

Our team can:

  • Inspect your HVAC system for sizing or airflow issues
  • Seal ductwork and identify air leaks
  • Recommend whole-home dehumidifiers
  • Maintain and clean your AC to restore proper moisture removal
  • Evaluate your home’s ventilation and thermostat settings

We understand how coastal humidity affects HVAC systems because we work with it every day.

Take Back Control of Your Indoor Comfort

You don’t have to live with sticky air, foggy windows, or that damp feeling in your home. With the right HVAC adjustments and humidity control tools, your home can feel cool, fresh, and comfortable all year long.

Ready to breathe easier?
Call Highland AC – Coastal Bend today and let our Port Aransas humidity experts get your home back to balanced, healthy air.