How Humidity Affects Your HVAC System and Home Comfort

Humidity plays a bigger role in your home comfort than you might realize. If you’ve ever felt clammy indoors on a hot day—or bone dry during the winter—you’ve experienced firsthand how moisture in the air can make or break your comfort levels.

At Van Bremen’s Heat & Air, we’re here to explain how humidity affects both your HVAC system and indoor living environment, and what you can do to keep it under control.

The Ideal Indoor Humidity Range

For optimal comfort and efficiency, indoor humidity should stay between 30% and 50%. Levels above or below that range can cause issues for both your HVAC system and your home.

Too Much Humidity in the Summer

Your A/C Has to Work Harder

When your home is too humid, your air conditioner must work overtime to cool the air and remove moisture. This puts added stress on your system and can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear.

You’ll Feel Sticky and Uncomfortable

High humidity prevents sweat from evaporating off your skin, making you feel hotter than the thermostat says. Even if your A/C is set to 72°F, you might feel like it’s 80°F due to excess moisture in the air.

Mold and Air Quality Problems

Excess moisture creates a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites—all of which can reduce indoor air quality and trigger allergies or respiratory issues.

Too Little Humidity in the Winter

Dry Air, Dry Skin, Dry Everything

In colder months, dry indoor air can lead to cracked skin, static electricity, dry throats, and irritated sinuses. It’s uncomfortable—and unnecessary.

Your Home Can Suffer Too

Low humidity can cause wood floors and furniture to shrink or crack, and paint or wallpaper may peel over time.

Furnace Efficiency May Drop

When indoor air is too dry, it can make your home feel colder than it really is, which means your furnace has to run longer to keep things warm.

How to Balance Indoor Humidity

1.Use a Whole-Home Dehumidifier or Humidifier

Van Bremen’s can install a whole-home humidity control system that integrates with your HVAC to regulate moisture levels automatically.

2.Keep Your HVAC Maintained

Regular maintenance helps your system handle moisture properly. Clogged filters, dirty coils, and blocked drains can all interfere with humidity control.

3.Upgrade to a Variable-Speed System

Modern HVAC units with variable-speed blowers are more effective at managing humidity compared to older single-speed systems.

Let Van Bremen’s Help You Stay Comfortable Year-Round

Humidity control is a key part of total home comfort—and we’re here to help you master it. Whether you need a tune-up, upgraded equipment, or a humidity solution, Van Bremen’s Heat & Air is your trusted HVAC partner in Western PA.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or system inspection!