Spring on the Gulf Coast brings great weather, but mild temperatures and high dew points lead to humidity problems in many homes. “Air conditioning does more than keep us cool. It also dehumidifies the air,” says building performance consultant Anna Miller, owner of Keen Living LLC. “Perfect outdoor temperatures mean air conditioners run for shorter time periods, removing less moisture from the air. This allows indoor relative humidity to rise.”

Humid air is not only uncomfortable, it fuels mold growth and intensifies volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping indoor relative humidity between 30 and 60 percent to reduce indoor air quality risks.

To lower relative humidity at home, check for bulk water issues like plumbing leaks or gutter failures. It’s also essential that HVAC systems are properly sized to ensure longer run times. Even with correct sizing, supplemental dehumidification is often necessary. Miller recommends the use of ventilating dehumidifiers. “They keep relative humidity low year-round, provide fresh air and can deliver effective filtration with the use of high MERV filters.”

Keen Living offers third-party HVAC design services for system replacements and new homes. “It takes the guesswork out of the process,” Miller says.