Why humidity matters

Humidity is sneaky. Too little and everything feels dry, dusty, and uncomfortable. Too much and you’re basically growing a science project. The comfort-and-health sweet spot for most homes is about 30–50% RH.

What humidity does at different levels

Indoor RH What you’ll notice What your home feels What it does to systems
Under 30% Dry skin, static shocks, sore throat Cracking wood floors/trim, gapping doors Filters dry out faster; comfort drops so thermostats get cranked up
30–50% (target) Easy breathing, fewer odors Stable woodwork, less dust movement HVAC runs steadier; better IAQ and efficiency
Over 55–60% Sticky air, musty smells, foggy windows Mold/mildew risk, swollen doors, dust mites thrive AC struggles, coils/ducts risk condensation, energy bills climb

So… humidify or dehumidify?

Add humidity when air is dry

Common during cold snaps and heating season. Signs: creaky floors, chapped lips, static, splitting trim. The clean fix is a whole-home humidifier tied into your HVAC, not a bunch of tabletop units.

Explore options on our Indoor Air Quality page. We service homes across Greater Birmingham and surrounding communities.

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Pull moisture out when air is sticky

This is Alabama. High humidity is a summer hobby. If towels never dry, closets smell “old house,” or the thermostat cools the air but not the clamminess, you need dehumidification. AC removes moisture while it runs, but when cycles are short or loads are uneven, a whole-home dehumidifier keeps RH in check.

We regularly add dehumidifiers during IAQ assessments when a home needs it. AC performance and drainage maintenance also matter in steamy seasons.

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AC vs whole-home dehumidifier: which does what?

Need Central AC alone Whole-home dehumidifier
Lower RH on mild days when AC barely runs Inconsistent Consistent moisture control
Tackle basements/closed-off rooms Limited Excellent with ducted distribution
Fine-tune to a specific RH setpoint Indirect Direct set-and-hold RH control
Energy use Can overcool to chase RH Removes moisture without overcooling

What Ethridge does during a humidity visit

  • Measure before guessing. We take baseline RH and temperature room by room, then check coil temps and duct conditions.
  • Tune HVAC for moisture control. Coil cleanings, balanced airflow, correct fan speeds, and clean drains prevent water issues.
  • Right-size solutions. From whole-home humidifiers to dehumidifiers, filters, and UV options, we match gear to your home and goals.
  • Set maintenance cadence. Preventative maintenance protects comfort, efficiency, and equipment life.

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Quick homeowner checklist

  • Run bath fans during and 20 minutes after showers; use your range hood while cooking.
  • Keep supply/return vents clear; change filters routinely.
  • Fix plumbing leaks fast; dry spills and wet materials within 24–48 hours.
  • Use a hygrometer; aim for 30–50% RH year-round.
  • Book an annual IAQ and humidity review.

FAQs

What’s the ideal indoor humidity in Birmingham, AL?

Aim for 30–50% RH. In muggy months, the high side of that range still protects comfort, finishes, and IAQ.

Can a bigger AC fix humidity?

Usually not. Oversized systems short-cycle, cooling air without removing enough moisture. Dehumidifiers and proper airflow settings beat “more tonnage.”

Will a humidifier raise my heating bills?

Often the opposite. Air at proper humidity feels warmer, so many homeowners lower heat setpoints and feel better doing it.

Ready to solve humidity for good?

Get a professional humidity assessment and the right fix for your home. Call (205) 428-6935 or Contact Us.

We serve Greater Birmingham and nearby communities with 24/7 support. Visit our Birmingham service page.

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