Brookeland, TX, is known for its warm, muggy air and long, humid days. Even when the sun isn’t blazing, moisture in the air can leave everything feeling damp and uncomfortable. For homeowners, that makes air conditioning not just a luxury—but a necessity. But what happens when your AC is running full blast and your house still feels humid?

It’s a frustrating experience that many in Brookeland know all too well. You’ve invested in your air conditioning system, you keep it running, but your home still feels sticky. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is it so humid inside when my AC is on?”—you’re not alone. This blog will help you understand what’s going on and what can be done to fix it.

Understanding Humidity and Why It Matters in Brookeland Homes

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. When it’s high, the air feels heavy, sticky, and warm. Brookeland’s proximity to the lakes and dense forests contributes to its naturally higher humidity levels. In fact, Southeast Texas often experiences relative humidity levels between 70% and 90%—a range where discomfort quickly sets in, even indoors.

High indoor humidity doesn’t just affect comfort. It can impact:

• Indoor air quality

• Furniture and wood flooring

• Mold and mildew growth

• Respiratory health

Your air conditioner is supposed to help reduce that moisture. So when it’s running and humidity still lingers, something’s likely off.

What Your AC Should Be Doing (Besides Cooling)

Most people associate air conditioning with just cooling the air, but part of your AC’s job is also to dehumidify. As warm indoor air passes over the cold evaporator coils inside your unit, moisture condenses and drains away, reducing humidity levels in your home.

This is why, under normal circumstances, an air conditioner should make your house feel both cooler and drier. But if you’re still dealing with high humidity, it may mean your system isn’t performing that second function effectively. Let’s break down the most common reasons why.

1. Your AC System Is Too Big

It might seem like a more powerful unit would cool your home better, but in HVAC, bigger isn’t always better.

An oversized AC unit cools the air too quickly, which sounds good at first, until you realize it also shuts off quickly. That rapid cycling doesn’t give the system enough time to remove moisture from the air. The result? Cool but clammy indoor air.

According to the Department of Energy, improperly sized air conditioning units can lead to energy waste and poor humidity control. That’s why accurate system sizing, based on your home’s square footage, insulation, window orientation, and other factors, is so important.

2. Poor Airflow or Dirty Components

Another frequent culprit is restricted airflow, often due to:

• Dirty air filters

• Blocked vents or ducts

• Dust-covered evaporator coils

• A malfunctioning blower motor

When airflow is limited, your AC struggles to move air across the evaporator coils. Without adequate airflow, those coils can’t pull as much moisture from the air. According to HVAC industry studies, clogged filters alone can reduce system efficiency by up to 15%, and that includes moisture removal.

Regular maintenance, such as replacing air filters every 1–3 months and scheduling seasonal cleanings, can help prevent these issues.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your AC system plays a critical role in absorbing heat and humidity from your indoor air. If the system is low on refrigerant—usually because of a leak—it won’t cool or dehumidify properly.

Signs of a refrigerant issue can include:

• AC blowing warm or only mildly cool air

• Ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil

• High indoor humidity

Only a licensed HVAC technician can check and recharge refrigerant safely, and it’s essential not to delay repairs if you suspect a leak.

4. Your Thermostat Settings Might Be Wrong

It’s also possible your thermostat is set to “Auto” vs. “On”, and while this seems minor, it can affect how your AC handles humidity.

When the fan is set to “On,” it runs continuously—even when the AC compressor isn’t cooling. That means the fan could be blowing warm, moist air back into your home during the times when the AC isn’t actively removing heat and humidity.

Switching your fan setting to “Auto” ensures that air only circulates when your system is actively cooling and dehumidifying.

5. Leaky Ductwork

Did you know that up to 30% of conditioned air can be lost through leaks in ductwork, especially in older homes? If your ducts are leaking into the attic or crawlspaces, it reduces your system’s ability to regulate indoor humidity effectively.

That wasted airflow also means your AC has to work harder to maintain temperature and humidity levels, increasing wear and energy costs over time.

Sealing and insulating ductwork can be a simple but impactful fix that improves not only humidity control but also your overall energy efficiency.

6. Your Home Isn’t Properly Sealed

Even the best air conditioner can’t do its job if humid outdoor air is constantly seeping in. In Brookeland, where the outdoor air is often saturated with moisture, even small gaps in windows, doors, or attics can have a big impact.

To reduce this problem, consider:

• Installing weather stripping

• Using caulk to seal gaps around windows and baseboards

• Adding insulation to attics and crawlspaces

Sealing your home tight doesn’t just help with humidity—it also improves comfort year-round and reduces energy bills.

7. You May Need Additional Dehumidification

In some cases, the humidity levels in Brookeland are simply too high for an AC unit to handle on its own, especially in homes with poor ventilation, high ceilings, or frequent indoor moisture sources (like large aquariums, showers, or cooking).

For these situations, a whole-home dehumidifier might be the answer. These systems integrate directly with your HVAC system and are specifically designed to reduce moisture levels more efficiently than a standalone AC.

According to ENERGY STAR, whole-home dehumidifiers can remove up to 15 gallons of water per day, which can drastically improve indoor comfort and air quality.

8. Your System Needs a Tune-Up or Repairs

Sometimes, high humidity is a sign that your system just isn’t working right. Maybe it’s aging. Maybe it hasn’t been serviced in years. Whatever the cause, small problems can lead to big comfort issues, like lingering moisture.

A full inspection and diagnostic from an HVAC professional can uncover:

• Undetected leaks

• Calibration issues

• Sensor problems

• Mechanical wear

Routine tune-ups can restore your system’s ability to control humidity and prevent expensive breakdowns later.

Signs That Indoor Humidity Is Too High

If you’re unsure whether humidity is truly a problem in your home, here are a few red flags to look for:

• Condensation on windows

• Mold or mildew growth in bathrooms, closets, or corners

• Musty smells throughout the house

• Sticky or clammy skin, even when the AC is on

• Warped wood or swelling in doors and cabinets

These aren’t just signs of discomfort—they can also be signs that your home’s structure or indoor air quality is at risk.

How Proper Humidity Control Helps You

Fixing your humidity problems doesn’t just make your home more comfortable. It also brings long-term benefits like:

• Better indoor air quality

• Improved energy efficiency

• Longer HVAC lifespan

• Reduced mold and allergens

• Lower utility bills

Homes that maintain ideal humidity levels—between 30% and 50%, according to the EPA—also tend to have fewer maintenance issues, fewer respiratory irritants, and less wear and tear on HVAC systems.

What You Can Do Right Now

If your AC is running but your house still feels humid, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Here are a few simple steps you can take:

1. Check your air filter – Replace it if it’s dirty.

2. Inspect vents and returns – Make sure they’re unblocked and clean.

3. Look for signs of leaks – Both in your ducts and around windows and doors.

4. Switch your thermostat to “Auto” – Not “On.”

5. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection – Especially if it’s been over a year.

While some humidity problems have easy fixes, many require a professional’s trained eye to fully diagnose and correct.

For AC Services in Brookeland, TX, Contact A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Today

If your home feels humid even with the AC running, don’t settle for discomfort. The team at A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning has been helping homeowners in Brookeland and the surrounding areas get the most out of their HVAC systems for years. Our licensed technicians can inspect your system, identify the cause of your humidity issues, and offer lasting solutions tailored to your home.

Whether it’s a system tune-up, ductwork repair, or the installation of a whole-home dehumidifier, we’re here to help you breathe easier—literally. You don’t have to live with sticky air, musty smells, or window condensation.

Reach out to A1 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning today for reliable, professional service that puts your comfort first. We’ll help you reclaim your indoor air and enjoy a truly cool, dry home—just the way it should be.