7 Smart Ways to Control Humidity in Florida Homes

October 8, 2025

Control Humidity in Florida is more than just a comfort issue—it’s a daily challenge for homeowners dealing with the state’s notoriously humid climate. Have you ever stepped into your home after a long day and felt that sticky, heavy air clinging to your skin? Or noticed condensation forming on your windows, musty odors in the closets, or even patches of mold in the bathroom? These are not just annoyances—they’re signs that excess moisture is affecting your home and your health.

According to Gulf Shore Cooling, Florida’s average indoor relative humidity is approximately 74.5%. This elevated humidity level creates an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth, which can lead to increased energy consumption as air conditioning systems work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Let us explore 7 smart ways to control humidity in Florida, sharing practical tips and proven strategies you can implement right away to protect your home, improve your comfort, and even safeguard your family’s health. Ready to take back control of your indoor climate?

7 Smart Ways to Control Humidity in Florida

1. Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

Your air conditioner is also one of your first lines of defense against Florida’s relentless humidity. Did you know that a properly functioning AC can remove up to 30 gallons of water per day from your indoor air? That’s a lot of moisture being pulled out, helping you feel cooler and more comfortable.

However, not all AC setups are equally effective at controlling humidity. One common mistake homeowners make is leaving the fan set to “on” instead of “auto.” When the fan runs continuously, it circulates humid air without allowing the system to actually remove moisture. Setting your AC to “auto” lets it cycle properly, so it can cool your home and dehumidify the air efficiently.

Dirty coils, clogged filters, or low refrigerant can reduce your AC’s ability to pull moisture out of the air, making your home feel sticky and uncomfortable—even when the thermostat says it’s cool. According to HVAC experts, routine maintenance can improve efficiency by up to 15% and dramatically reduce indoor humidity levels.

So, next time you feel that damp, heavy air inside your home, take a closer look at your AC system. Is it set correctly? Has it been serviced recently?

2. Invest in a Standalone Dehumidifier

Sometimes, your air conditioner alone isn’t enough—especially in areas of your home that trap moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements. A standalone dehumidifier can make a huge difference. These devices are designed specifically to pull excess moisture from the air, helping you maintain the ideal indoor humidity level of 45–55%.

Did you know a good dehumidifier can remove anywhere from 30 to 70 pints of water per day, depending on the model and your home’s humidity? That’s like taking dozens of filled buckets of water out of the air every single day. A more comfortable home, less condensation on your windows, and a lower risk of mold and mildew growth.

Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your AC can also help reduce energy bills. When the air is less humid, your AC doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool—meaning lower electricity costs and a longer lifespan for your system.

For the best results, place dehumidifiers in areas where moisture tends to accumulate, and check the water reservoir regularly—or, if your unit has a hose connection, set it to drain continuously.

3. Enhance Ventilation in High-Moisture Areas

Have you ever noticed foggy mirrors after a shower, or a lingering damp smell in the kitchen after cooking? These are clear signs that moisture is building up in your home—and without proper ventilation, it can quickly turn into a bigger problem. Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are prime culprits for excess humidity, and left unchecked, this moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and even damage to walls and flooring.

Installing or upgrading exhaust fans in these high-moisture areas is one of the simplest and most effective ways to control humidity in Florida homes. Experts recommend running bathroom fans for at least 20–30 minutes after a shower and using kitchen fans while cooking. Laundry areas also benefit from vented dryers that direct humid air outside rather than letting it linger indoors.

Proper ventilation doesn’t just protect your home—it also improves your comfort. When moist air is expelled efficiently, the rest of your HVAC system can work more effectively, reducing the sticky, heavy feeling that’s all too familiar in Florida homes. According to building science studies, well-ventilated spaces can reduce indoor relative humidity by up to 10–15%, making a noticeable difference in comfort and air quality.

So next time you’re stepping out of a steamy shower or cooking up a storm, ask yourself: Is my home properly ventilated? Simple upgrades like exhaust fans, vented dryers, and even opening a window on drier days can go a long way toward keeping your indoor air fresh and balanced.

4. Seal Leaks and Insulate Your Home

Ever feel a sudden rush of warm, sticky air when you open a door or walk past a window? That’s humid outdoor air sneaking into your home, making your air conditioner work overtime and driving up your energy bills. One of the easiest—and often overlooked—ways to control humidity in Florida homes is sealing leaks and improving insulation.

Gaps around windows, doors, and even ductwork are common entry points for moisture. Sealing leaks and properly insulating your home can reduce humidity intrusion by up to 20% while also lowering cooling costs by as much as 15%. That’s a win-win: less sticky air and more money saved.

Start by checking the obvious spots—door and window frames, attic hatches, and any exposed ductwork. Apply weatherstripping, caulk, or foam sealant as needed. Insulating attics and crawlspaces also prevents heat and moisture from seeping indoors, helping your HVAC system maintain consistent humidity levels.

5. Use Moisture-Absorbing Materials

Sometimes, even after optimizing your AC, using dehumidifiers, and sealing leaks, certain areas of your home can still feel damp. Moisture-absorbing materials come in simple, inexpensive tools that help maintain balanced humidity in Florida homes.

Materials like silica gel, activated charcoal, or calcium chloride can absorb excess moisture from the air in closets, cabinets, and other small spaces prone to dampness. For example, a single bag of calcium chloride can absorb several pints of water over a few days, preventing musty smells, mold growth, and damage to clothing or furniture.

Using these materials is especially helpful in spaces that aren’t actively cooled by your HVAC system, such as attics, basements, or storage rooms. You can even combine them with small fans to improve airflow and speed up moisture absorption.

6. Monitor Humidity Levels with a Hygrometer

Have you ever wondered if your home is too humid—or maybe too dry? You can’t rely on just how the air feels; Florida’s humidity can sneak up on you without warning. Using a hygrometer is a simple, affordable device that measures indoor humidity—it is a game-changer.

Keeping track of your home’s humidity gives you the insight you need to take action before moisture becomes a problem. Experts recommend maintaining indoor humidity between 45% and 55%. Above that, you risk mold growth, dust mites, and even damage to wood floors or furniture. Below that, the air can feel dry and uncomfortable, causing skin irritation or respiratory issues.

Hygrometers are easy to use: place one in a central area or in rooms prone to moisture, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, and check it regularly. Smart versions can even sync with your phone, sending alerts if humidity goes above or below your target range.

7. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Even if you’ve optimized your AC, added dehumidifiers, sealed leaks, and monitored humidity, there’s one step that can tie it all together: professional HVAC maintenance.

Regular maintenance ensures your air conditioning system is running efficiently and effectively, controlling indoor humidity. Technicians can spot hidden problems like refrigerant leaks, clogged coils, or restricted airflow, which reduce your system’s ability to remove moisture. Proper maintenance can improve system efficiency by up to 20%, helping your home stay cooler and drier while reducing energy bills.

A trained technician can recommend adjustments or upgrades, like high-efficiency dehumidifiers or smart thermostats, tailored to your home’s unique needs. In humid states like Florida, these small investments can prevent mold growth, structural damage, and even costly repairs down the line.

Take Control of Your Home’s Humidity

Managing humidity in Florida isn’t just about comfort—it’s about creating a safe, healthy, and welcoming home for you and your loved ones. From the sticky, heavy air in summer to the hidden moisture that can damage walls and furniture, high indoor humidity affects every corner of your life.

Every home is unique, and sometimes tackling humidity requires more than DIY solutions.

At Iron Shield Heating & Air, we understand the challenges Florida homeowners face with high humidity. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you maintain a comfortable, healthy, and safe indoor environment. Whether it’s servicing your AC, installing a high-quality dehumidifier, or providing professional guidance on humidity control, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t let humidity take over your home—contact us today and take the first step toward a fresher, more comfortable living space for you and your family. Your home deserves it, and so do you.