Why Humidity Makes It Feel Hotter—and What You Can Do About It
When you step outside on a hot day in Florida, you might notice that the weather is even worse than the thermometer says. That’s because indoor humidity in Florida plays a significant role in how hot we feel. Even when the temperature seems manageable, damp air can make it appear significantly higher than it is. With this in mind, learning how humidity influences comfort and health can help you stay cooler and safer. Understand why humidity makes it feel hotter, and precisely what you can do about it.
The Science Behind the Sweat
When the air is humid, it’s difficult for sweat to evaporate off your skin. The evaporation is what causes us to cool down. When sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries heat away with it, meaning that your body retains more heat, making you feel hotter than the actual temperature would suggest. This is what the “heat index” means, which combines temperature and humidity to give a more accurate reading of how it feels outside. For example, an 88°F day with heightened humidity can easily feel like 100°F or more.
What High Humidity Means for Your Home
Air moisture doesn’t just affect how you feel outside—it can also impact the inside of your home and HVAC system. But how? Here are the ways:
- Reduced comfort – High indoor humidity in Florida can make the air feel sticky and warm even with your AC running.
- Increased wear on your system – Your air conditioner must work harder to remove moisture from the air, which can shorten its lifespan and increase energy bills.
- Greater risk of mold and mildew – Excess humidity creates the perfect environment for mold to grow, especially in areas like bathrooms, attics, and ductwork.
- Warped wood and damaged electronics – Over time, extremely damp conditions can harm your furniture, flooring, and devices.
Health Risks of High Humidity
Knowing the dangers of elevated humidity to one’s health is essential, especially for Floridians. High humidity increases the likelihood of heat exhaustion and heatstroke since your body has to work harder to cool down. This can be dangerous if it is ignored. In addition, extreme air moisture can cause respiratory and skin issues, worsening breathing problems such as asthma, and triggering allergies. Moisture leads to mold and bacteria growth, leading to skin rashes or infections.
What You Can Do About Indoor Humidity in Florida
Air moisture may be a way of life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it! Take into consideration the following:
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat – This helps control humidity levels, prioritize temperature in some parts of your home, optimize your system’s dehumidification cycles, and keep your home consistently comfortable.
Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier – A whole-home dehumidifier works automatically and efficiently with your HVAC system to control humidity levels by pulling moisture from the air, improving indoor comfort. Setting them to around 50% humidity can help prevent the environment from feeling heavy and sticky.
Keep Up With Maintenance – Regular AC tune-ups ensure your system runs at peak performance, including its ability to control dampness in the air. If your system is aging or inefficient, it may be time to explore a newer, more capable model.
Seal Leaks and Improve Ventilation – Drafty doors, windows, or attic spaces can let humid air in. Sealing these areas and using proper ventilation (like bathroom fans or fresh air intake systems) can make a big difference.
Stay Comfortable, No Matter the Forecast
Florida humidity can be pretty intense, but with the proper HVAC support, you’ll find that your home can stay cool, dry, and comfortable year-round. Mid-Fla Heating & Air is here to help if you notice elevated dampness in your indoor air. We offer everything from maintenance and upgrades to whole-home dehumidifiers so you can keep the moisture outside, even in the summer. You’re in luck with the Big Orange Truck! For more information, contact us today.
