Solve Humidity Issues in Your Newton Home

Posted October 14, 2025

Why Your Newton Home Is Still Humid (Even With the AC On)

If you have been running your AC all summer in Newton but your home still feels sticky and uncomfortable, humidity may be the source of the problem. It is one of the most common frustrations homeowners face, especially when they expect their cooling system to manage both temperature and moisture in the air. When indoor humidity stays high, it can make your home feel warmer than it actually is, even when the thermostat reads a comfortable number.

High humidity is not just uncomfortable. It can also lead to mold growth, wood damage, musty odors, and indoor air quality concerns. Figuring out why this issue is happening, even while the AC is working, starts by looking at how moisture builds up in a home and whether your cooling system is doing its part. Homes in Newton often need closer attention when it comes to humidity levels, especially older homes or those with poor ventilation.

Understanding Humidity And Its Effects On Comfort

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. While your AC is designed to cool the indoor temperature, it should also remove some moisture from the air in the process. That is part of why walking into an air-conditioned room feels more refreshing than just standing in front of a fan. Your body cools off faster when sweat can evaporate.

When there is too much moisture, everything can feel damp. If your AC is running constantly but your indoor air feels heavy or muggy, high humidity is likely the reason. You might notice signs like:

A clammy or sticky feeling throughout the home
Foggy windows, especially in the morning
A musty or damp smell that does not go away
Small black spots of mold in corners, near vents, or around windows
Warping or damage to wood floors or furniture

These symptoms are usually a signal that moisture is not being removed properly. A well-functioning AC system should reduce humidity by pulling air across its cold coils, where moisture condenses and drains away. If that is not happening, the AC might not be working as it should.

Common Causes Of High Humidity Despite Running The AC

If your AC is on but humidity remains a problem, the cause could be tied to the system, the condition of your home, or both. Some of the most common reasons include:

Faulty or Undersized AC Units

If the AC system is too small for your home, it may cool the air quickly but not run long enough to remove moisture. As a result, you get cooler temperatures but no real improvement in humidity. Similarly, if your AC is outdated or in poor condition, it may not be able to keep up with both cooling and dehumidifying at the same time.

Lack of Regular Maintenance

Maintenance plays a big role in how well your AC handles humidity. When filters are dirty, coils are clogged, or drainage lines are blocked, your system cannot work efficiently. That leads to reduced moisture removal. Even small issues, like a low refrigerant charge or a malfunctioning blower fan, can affect how well your AC performs.

Poor Insulation or Ventilation

Moisture can enter your home from outdoors, especially if insulation is lacking or certain areas like attics or crawl spaces are poorly sealed. Leaky ductwork can also allow humid air to sneak in. Without proper ventilation, bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms can add even more moisture to the air and overwhelm what your AC system can handle.

If your Newton home has one or more of these issues, it may require AC maintenance or system adjustments to bring humidity levels back under control. This is especially true in summer, when high outdoor humidity makes the problem worse. Some fixes may be simple, while others might call for a professional inspection if the symptoms do not go away.

Importance Of Regular AC Maintenance In Newton

Routine AC maintenance plays a major role in keeping indoor humidity under control. Over time, even small issues within a system can lead to larger moisture problems that are not always visible until they start affecting comfort and air quality. Staying ahead of these issues can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your equipment.

When an AC system is checked regularly, our technicians can spot signs of poor moisture removal before they become a problem. For example, dirty condenser coils can slow the process of cooling and dehumidifying the air. That can let humidity levels climb even when the system is running nonstop. A blocked condensate drain can also lead to excess moisture staying inside instead of being properly removed. During a professional maintenance visit, these are the kinds of problems that are usually found and corrected on the spot.

A few of the tasks performed during scheduled maintenance include:

Inspecting and replacing clogged air filters
Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
Checking and clearing the AC drain line
Inspecting refrigerant charge and detecting leaks
Testing thermostat accuracy and function
Checking ductwork for leaks or poor airflow

Each of these steps contributes to how well your AC system handles humidity. A well-maintained system does not have to work as hard to deliver cool, dry air. That can help cut down on energy use during the hottest months. If your Newton home has not had an AC check-up recently, it is more likely that small problems are interfering with your comfort in ways you may not expect.

Steps Homeowners Can Take To Reduce Humidity

While AC maintenance solves many issues, there are also simple steps homeowners can take between professional visits to bring moisture levels down. These do not replace maintenance but can help support the system’s efficiency and reduce the strain on it during periods of high humidity.

Here is what you can do:

Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans while bathing, cooking, or running the dishwasher
Avoid hanging wet laundry indoors, which increases airborne moisture
Use a portable or whole-home dehumidifier when needed, especially in basements or closed-off rooms
Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and duct connections to reduce outdoor moisture creeping in
Keep household vents clean and unobstructed to maintain healthy airflow
Reset the thermostat to avoid short cooling cycles. Slightly higher temperature settings can help the system run long enough to pull out extra moisture
Watch for signs of indoor leaks, like under sinks or around windows, and have those fixed quickly

By following these simple steps, homeowners in Newton can create a more comfortable indoor environment and avoid humidity-related problems like mold and odor buildup.

Ensuring Year-Round Comfort In Your Newton Home

Managing humidity is about more than just comfort. It helps protect your home’s structure, keeps your indoor air healthier, and lets your AC system run the way it was designed to. If your cooling system is not reducing humidity like it should, it is a sign that something is not working properly. Whether it is aging equipment, clogged components, or ventilation issues in your home, these problems need attention before they become more serious.

In Newton, summer humidity can show up quickly. While turning down the temperature might seem like the answer, that often ignores the real issue. By identifying the source of high humidity and taking action early, you can protect both your comfort and your property. Regular maintenance and a few small changes around the house go a long way toward creating the cool, dry indoor air that your AC is meant to deliver.

If humidity becomes a persistent issue in your Newton home, scheduling professional AC maintenance in Newton can help ensure your system removes moisture efficiently and keeps your indoor air consistently comfortable. At Lavallee Systems, our experienced technicians are trained to identify and resolve issues that contribute to excess humidity, helping your cooling system perform at its best all season long. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.

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