Living in Brevard County means sunshine, sea breezes, and year-round warmth, but it also means dealing with heavy humidity nearly every day. And while your air conditioner is built to keep you cool, it’s also your first line of defense against Florida’s thick, sticky air.
Here’s the truth: even the best AC system can struggle with high humidity if it’s not adequately maintained or correctly sized. That muggy feeling in your home isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s a sign your system may be overworking or falling short.
At American Air & Plumbing, we don’t just explain how humidity affects your AC; we fix the root of the problem with expert maintenance, calibrations, and repairs.
Let’s break down what’s happening, how it impacts your comfort and energy bills, and how to optimize your AC to work with the weather, not against it.
Did You Know?
- Florida is one of the top five most humid states in the U.S.
- AC systems that short cycle due to humidity can wear out up to 30% faster
- Humid indoor air can make your thermostat setting feel up to 5 degrees warmer
- Excess moisture raises indoor allergen levels and worsens respiratory symptoms
- Keeping indoor humidity between 45% and 55% is ideal for comfort and health
Is humidity holding your system back? Book a tune-up today and stay cool, dry, and comfortable all season long.
Why Florida Homes Feel Muggy, Even with the AC On
Humidity is simply the amount of moisture in the air. In cooler climates, it’s not much of a concern. However, in Florida, where the air feels damp for most of the year, high humidity becomes a significant issue for both comfort and system performance.
Even if your home’s temperature reads 72 degrees, too much humidity can still make it feel:
- Warmer than it is
- Heavier or harder to breathe
- Sticky or damp on surfaces
- Musty or stale-smelling
That’s because your AC doesn’t just cool; it also dehumidifies. When it can’t keep up, your home becomes uncomfortable and inefficient, even when it “technically” reaches your set temperature.
Need help? Our team is here to assist you!
How Your AC Removes Humidity
As warm air from your home passes over your system’s evaporator coil, the coil cools it down and pulls moisture out of the air. That moisture then drains out through a condensate line.
In ideal conditions, this process maintains both your temperature and humidity levels. However, in Brevard County, where the outdoor air is consistently humid, the system may struggle to remove sufficient moisture. And when things go wrong, like dirty coils, short cycling, or an undersized unit, the dehumidifying process stops working efficiently.
5 Ways Humidity Hurts AC Performance
1. Longer Cooling Cycles
High humidity forces your AC to work longer to reach the same comfort level. Moist air holds heat, so your system must run extended cycles to make a difference.
The result:
- Increased energy usage
- Higher power bills
- More wear and tear on your components
2. Short Cycling from Oversized Systems
Ironically, a system that’s too powerful can also be a problem. Oversized AC units cool the air quickly but don’t run long enough to remove moisture.
The result:
- The house cools rapidly but still feels damp
- The system turns on and off constantly
- Parts wear out faster due to frequent cycling
- Indoor humidity rises, creating discomfort
3. Clogged or Slow Drain Lines
As your system pulls moisture from the air, that water needs somewhere to go. If the condensate drain line is clogged or slow, moisture can back up, reducing the system’s ability to dehumidify.
The result:
- Poor humidity control
- Water leaks or water around the indoor unit
- Potential for mold and mildew growth
4. Dirty Coils Reduce Moisture Removal
Your evaporator coil needs to be clean to remove moisture from the air effectively. A dirty coil acts like a sponge that can’t absorb, and your comfort suffers.
The result:
- Reduced cooling and dehumidification
- Musty air smell
- Higher indoor humidity and inconsistent temperatures
5. Increased Mold and Indoor Air Quality Issues
When humidity builds up inside your ductwork or around the unit, it creates a perfect environment for mold and bacteria. And once those spores are in your system, they’re circulating through your entire home.
The result:
- Allergy flare-ups and respiratory discomfort
- Stale, musty smells
- Dust and moisture buildup around vents
How to Help Your AC Handle the Humidity
With a few smart habits and the right professional care, you can help your system stay efficient, reduce moisture buildup, and keep your home feeling cool and dry even on the stickiest days.
Keep Air Filters Clean
Clogged filters restrict airflow, making it harder for your system to remove moisture. Change your filter every 30–60 days more often if you have pets or allergies.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Our 23-point tune-up includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant, inspecting the drain line, and testing system performance. These steps ensure your AC can both cool and dehumidify properly.
Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Calibrated
If your thermostat isn’t reading indoor temperatures accurately, your AC may not run long enough to remove humidity. We offer professional thermostat calibration to help you stay in control.
Have Your Ducts Inspected
Leaky ductwork pulls hot, humid air from your attic or crawlspace and spreads it through your home. Sealing and repairing ducts makes a huge difference in moisture control.
Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier (If Needed)
In some homes, especially older ones, your AC alone may not be enough. If humidity remains a constant problem, we can recommend options for integrated whole-home dehumidifiers.
How Our Team Keeps Humidity in Check
At American Air & Plumbing, we understand how Florida’s coastal climate affects your cooling system. Our trained technicians are equipped to:
- Inspect and clean coils
- Check and clear condensate lines
- Calibrate thermostats
- Inspect for mold and moisture buildup
- Seal ducts to prevent humid air from entering
- Diagnose oversized or short-cycling systems
Whether your AC is underperforming or your home feels muggy, we’ll find the root of the issue and fix it fast without guesswork.
Routine Maintenance Keeps Moisture Problems Away
Humidity isn’t going anywhere, but with regular care, your AC can handle it like a pro. Our Platinum Pledge Membership is designed to keep Brevard County homeowners ahead of humidity-related issues.
Platinum Pledge Members receive:
- Two annual tune-ups
- Priority scheduling during peak season
- Discounts on repairs and parts
- No trip fees, even after-hours
- Peace of mind that your system is ready for whatever Florida throws at it
Stay Cool, Dry, and Comfortable — All Year Long
High humidity isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s a threat to your AC system’s performance, your air quality, and your monthly energy bills. The longer it goes unchecked, the harder your system has to work.
Let us help you take control of humidity so your home stays cool, clean, and comfortable even on the stickiest summer days.
