Humidity and Mould in Sarasota Homes
Sarasota's air is humid for much of the year. Your AC is the main thing keeping that moisture out of your home, and when it struggles, mould can follow.
Request an AC technicianHow the AC dries the air
As warm air passes over the cold indoor coil, moisture condenses and drains away. The longer and steadier the system runs, the more water it removes.
Signs of trouble
Musty smells, damp-feeling rooms, condensation on vents or windows, mould on grilles or closet walls, and leather or wood that grows spots.
Thermostat fan
Set the fan to Auto. In On, the fan keeps blowing after the compressor stops, re-evaporating water from the coil back into the house.
Oversized systems
A system too large for the house cools quickly and shuts off before removing much moisture. Replacing it with a correctly sized, variable-speed system helps.
Closed-up homes
If you're away for the summer, don't turn the AC off. Set it to a moderate temperature, or install a dehumidifier or humidity-controlled thermostat, and have someone check the house.
Hidden leaks
Leaky return ducts in the attic and plumbing leaks add moisture you can't see. A technician can test ducts.
Cleaning small spots
Small amounts of mould on hard surfaces can usually be cleaned. Large areas, or mould that keeps coming back, need the moisture source fixed.
Get help
See humidity control.
Bathrooms and kitchens
Run exhaust fans while showering and cooking and for a while afterwards. Make sure they vent outside, not into the attic, where the moisture can condense on ducts and roof boards.
Measure it
A small digital hygrometer costs little and tells you indoor humidity at a glance. If it regularly reads above about 60 percent, it's worth having the system checked.
More AC guides
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