Have you ever found yourself sweating in your living room even though the thermostat says it’s a cool 71 degrees? You’re not alone — and it’s not your imagination. What you’re feeling isn’t just heat… it’s humidity, and it plays a major role in your indoor comfort.
The Hidden Culprit: High Indoor Humidity
Even though your thermostat is set correctly and your air conditioner is running, your home can still feel muggy and uncomfortable. That sticky feeling is a sign that the humidity level in your home is too high — often upwards of 70%. At that point, it starts to feel warmer than it actually is.
Think of it like this: Would you rather spend a 90-degree summer day in humid New Jersey or 90- degrees in dry Las Vegas? The temperature may be the same, but the comfort level is drastically different. The same principle applies in your home.
What Causes High Indoor Humidity?
One of the most common (and often overlooked) causes of high humidity in the home is duct leakage — especially when your ductwork runs through unconditioned spaces like:
- Hot attics (which can reach 140°F or more)
- Garages
- Crawl spaces
- Exterior wall cavities
When your ducts have leaks or aren’t sealed properly, they pull in hot, humid air from these areas. This overwhelms your AC system, which is designed to cool and dehumidify only the air inside your living space — not air from sweltering attics.
Why Your AC Can’t Keep Up
Your air conditioner’s evaporator (EVAP) coil is built to handle normal indoor air conditions. But when it’s forced to cool 140°F air full of moisture being drawn in from attic leaks, it simply can’t remove enough heat or humidity before sending air into your home.
So while your thermostat may read 71°, your humidity level might be 63% or higher, making it feel more like 78° or 80°. That’s why you’re hot, sticky, and uncomfortable.
What You Can Do
If this sounds familiar, don’t just keep lowering your thermostat — that won’t solve the problem and will only run up your energy bill. Instead, take action:
- Have your ductwork inspected for leaks or poorly sealed joints.
- Seal and insulate ducts that run through unconditioned spaces.
- Consider a whole-home dehumidifier if high humidity is persistent.
- Get a professional HVAC assessment to ensure your system is sized and functioning correctly.
Comfort Isn’t Just About Temperature
Humidity is just as important as temperature when it comes to your comfort. At Advanced Air Duct Cleaning, we help homeowners identify the hidden issues in their ductwork that lead to high humidity, energy waste, and discomfort. If your thermostat says 71 but it still feels hot, sticky, and uncomfortable — it’s time to look beyond the thermostat. Let us help you reclaim your comfort. Contact us today for a ductwork inspection or indoor air quality assessment.
800-317-7104
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