Running the AC should make your home feel cooler and drier, but that’s not always the case for homes in Palo Alto. If your indoor air still feels muggy or sticky even with the air conditioner on, then something’s off. High humidity while the AC is running isn’t just uncomfortable. It creates the perfect conditions for mold, musty smells, and even structural damage if left unchecked.
During summer in Palo Alto, this problem tends to show up more often. Homeowners expect relief from the heat and wet air when turning on their cooling system, but instead, they get uneven comfort and rising worry. If this sounds familiar, a range of issues could be allowing that moisture to hang around, starting with how well your AC is doing its job.
Common Causes Of High Indoor Humidity
If your AC is working yet humidity levels stay too high, it’s usually a sign that something deeper is going on in the system or somewhere else in the home. Ignoring these signs only gives moisture more time to affect indoor air quality and your personal comfort.
Here are some common reasons behind lingering humidity in Palo Alto homes even with the AC running:
1. An underperforming AC system
If your AC is too old or isn’t maintained properly, it may not remove moisture from the air effectively. Over time, worn parts or clogged filters can stop it from doing one of its most important functions: pulling moisture out and draining it away.
2. Extra indoor moisture sources
Some common things around the home can quietly add moisture to the air. Hot showers, drying laundry indoors, cooking without vent fans, or even an uncovered fish tank can increase the amount of humidity inside.
3. Leaky window and door seals
Doors and windows that aren’t sealed right can allow humid outdoor air to sneak inside. This not only adds to moisture but also puts pressure on your AC to keep up. Over time, this leads to higher utility bills and less effective cooling.
4. Poor airflow and ventilation
Rooms without proper ventilation collect moisture fast. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can quickly trap humidity if the air is not moving or escaping properly. This becomes more obvious in the summer months when humidity is naturally higher outside.
For example, a homeowner in central Palo Alto noticed that their upstairs bedrooms always felt damp during the warmer evenings. After getting an inspection, it turned out the vent fans in the attic were no longer working, and a few windows had lost their seals. Once those issues were corrected, the humidity levels dropped back to normal pretty quickly.
Understanding where the humidity starts helps narrow down the fix. Whether it’s a simple air filter change or sealing a few gaps around the home, the right adjustments can keep your indoor air dry, comfortable, and healthier.
Impact Of High Humidity On AC Performance
When indoor humidity stays high, your AC doesn’t just cool inefficiently. It starts getting overworked. The system runs longer to try and do two jobs at once: lower the temperature and remove moisture from the air. That added workload causes more wear over time and shortens the overall lifespan of the unit.
The extra moisture can also lead to bigger issues inside your home. When humid air is moving through vents and ductwork, it creates the right environment for mold and mildew to form. You might start noticing a musty smell or even mold spots near supply vents or along walls. Aside from air quality concerns, this type of buildup can damage paint, furniture, and wood structures. Damp air can also trigger allergy symptoms, especially for people sensitive to mold or dust.
Another consequence of high humidity is rising utility costs. If your AC is constantly running because the moisture isn’t being removed, it’s using more energy than necessary. You might be paying more for cooling while still feeling sticky and uncomfortable indoors. That’s frustrating in any situation, but especially during peak summer months in Palo Alto when the AC becomes the main source of relief.
All these outcomes point to one thing: the need for a system that controls both temperature and moisture effectively. Getting to the root of what’s impacting your AC’s performance is key to stopping the cycle of constant humidity, discomfort, and high bills.
Solutions For Managing Humidity With An AC
There are several effective ways to make sure your cooling system is doing more than just blowing cool air. If humidity levels are high even with your AC running, the problem likely involves more than just temperature control. A few targeted upgrades or adjustments can make a big difference.
Try these steps to take moisture levels down in your Palo Alto home:
– Schedule seasonal AC maintenance and keep air filters clean to make sure your unit runs properly.
– Install a whole-home dehumidifier or upgrade to a system that has humidity control features built in.
– Seal leaky windows and doors to reduce the amount of damp air sneaking inside.
– Improve ventilation around areas that generate moisture—bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms especially.
For example, one homeowner on the southern edge of Palo Alto had trouble keeping their living room dry even with the AC running all day. It turned out their AC unit was clogged and outdated, and the exhaust fan in their kitchen had stopped working. Replacing the fan and upgrading the unit to a newer model with humidity controls solved the issue quickly.
Every home’s layout and usage habits are different. That’s why it helps to look at the full picture, including how the system functions, where moisture might be coming in, and which parts of the house may need better ventilation. Taking action on a few of these areas can bring a big shift in your comfort level.
Proactive Steps For Palo Alto Residents
Humidity problems don’t always start with the AC system, but they often end up involving it. The key is taking early steps before moisture gets out of control. One of the smartest moves Palo Alto homeowners can make is having their system inspected. That goes well beyond checking the temperature. A good inspection looks at drainage, airflow, filters, refrigerant, and duct condition as well.
Our professionals know what to look for inside each part of the system, and they often identify small issues before they grow. If your system is pulling cool air but failing to reduce humidity, they’ll trace the cause, whether that’s a blocked drain line, broken fan motor, or leaking air ducts. Hidden moisture problems like these can lead to high repair bills later on.
Our technicians can recommend targeted upgrades or sealing repairs that reflect how your house gets used day to day. For example, a single-story home with lots of south-facing windows may benefit from a different cooling solution than a two-story home shaded by trees. Handling humidity solutions the same way in every home often leads to missed details and continued discomfort.
Get Your Indoor Air Back In Balance
Living with high humidity levels day after day can wear you down. It affects your sleep, your air quality, and sometimes even the safety of your home when hidden mold or damaged baseboards build up. If you’re in Palo Alto and your AC is running but you still feel that sticky, damp air, something’s off and it’s time to get it checked.
Managing indoor humidity isn’t about guessing where the moisture comes from. It’s about finding the systems and habits that let it build up. Whether it’s aging insulation, an undersized AC unit, or ventilation gaps, identifying the right fixes brings lasting comfort back into your home. Instead of just cooling the air, make sure your system helps control the air you breathe.
If high indoor humidity is affecting your comfort and causing your AC to work overtime, Malibu Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you restore balance in your home. Explore how our AC repair in Palo Alto can address moisture control issues and improve your system’s performance. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.