What’s the Ideal Humidity Level for My Chicago Home in the Summer?
Chicago summers can be sticky, muggy, and hot—everything your air conditioner works hard to eliminate from your home.
Your AC unit does double duty on hot, humid days by keeping your home cool and removing moisture from indoor air. More moisture means a higher humidity level, which can make the air feel warmer and heavier than it really is.
At Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning, we believe homeowners can better protect their health, home, and HVAC system by understanding the ideal indoor humidity range and the steps they can take to keep their home comfortable, even on the steamiest summer days.
Let’s break down what happens when indoor humidity is too high, too low, and how it affects indoor air quality (IAQ).
Balance Indoor Humidity Levels in Your Illinois Home
Indoor humidity levels are all about balance, especially in a city like Evanston, IL, where our weather swings from swampy to subzero in a matter of months.
Excess humidity can lead to mold, mildew, dust mites, and other allergy triggers.
Too little humidity, which is more common in the winter, can dry out your skin, your sinuses—and even your wood floors and furniture.
Signs of High Humidity
If your home smells musty, you notice moisture on walls or windows, and you feel sticky or clammy, even in cool air, the humidity level in your home may be too high.
Signs of Low Humidity
An increase in static electricity and cracked wooden fixtures in your home point to a humidity level that is too low. Waking up with a dry throat or stuffy nose means the air needs more moisture.
How do you know the humidity levels in your home? Buy a hygrometer. These digital devices typically cost less than $20, and some display both indoor temperature and humidity.
What is the Ideal Humidity Level in Evanston?
The air feels cooler and more comfortable when the humidity is within an ideal range. Your body can sweat more effectively, allowing you to regulate your temperature better.
The Illinois Department of Public Health says acceptable levels range from 30 to 60 percent year-round. However, other authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), say anything over 50 percent, especially in humid weather, is too much. It recommends an indoor humidity range between 30 and 50 percent.
Carrier says summer indoor humidity should range from 30 to 45 percent. At Shavitz, we carry an array of Carrier IAQ products and air conditioners to balance humidity and keep your home cool.
Let Your AC Reduce the Humidity Level
Your air conditioner cools your home and removes moisture from the air while it runs. However, if your system isn’t properly maintained, it might not remove as much as it should. A spring tune-up is essential for AC performance and efficiency.
Dirty coils, clogged filters, or an oversized unit can reduce your system’s ability to handle moisture. Be sure to check your filter monthly and replace it when it’s dirty.
Our Shavitz technicians are happy to share tips for better AC performance. Ask us if your system might benefit from tweaks like adjusting the fan speed or upgrading your thermostat for better humidity management.
Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers integrate with your HVAC system to pull excess moisture from the air throughout your home, making it feel cooler and more comfortable without lowering the thermostat.
Some areas of your home, such as basements, laundry rooms, and utility rooms, naturally attract more moisture and may need additional help to keep humidity levels under control. Too much moisture in those areas can lead to mold, musty smells, structural damage to your home, warped floors, and damaged furniture.
Here’s how to keep these spaces dry and healthy:
- Use a portable dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas, especially during the summer.
- Properly vent your dryer to the outdoors.
- Clean or replace your AC filter regularly. It helps with both airflow and moisture control.
- Ask your Shavitz technician if your system could benefit from upgraded filtration or a whole-home dehumidifier.
Keep Your Home Dry
Even the best HVAC system can’t keep humidity under control if moisture is sneaking in from somewhere else. Leaks around windows, doors, roofs—or even the HVAC system itself—can introduce excess humidity and create hidden issues like mold, rot, or warped wood.
These trouble spots often go unnoticed until you’re already feeling the effects. Here’s what to do:
- Look for signs of water damage, such as bubbling paint, musty smells, or soft spots on walls and ceilings.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk.
- If you’ve had roof or foundation issues in the past, keep an eye on those areas during heavy rain.
At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen how even tiny leaks can lead to big problems. We’re happy to help you catch them early so your home stays dry, efficient, and protected year-round.
Don’t Underestimate Ventilation
Moisture builds up fast in places like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Without proper ventilation, all that steam and humidity lingers, spreading to the rest of your home.
You can eliminate the additional moisture with fresh air and exhaust fans. They might not be fancy, but they’re one of the most effective and affordable ways to control humidity.
- Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking.
- Open a window on cooler, low-humidity days to refresh the air.
- Feeling stuffy year-round? Ask us about whole-home ventilation systems that bring in fresh air without sacrificing efficiency.
Prioritize Humidity Control in Your Evanston, IL, Home
Whether it’s installing a dehumidifier, improving airflow, or sealing up sneaky leaks, small changes can have a big impact on home comfort. Let Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning help you stay ahead of moisture issues in your home. If you’re dealing with muggy air, stuffy rooms, or just want expert guidance on humidity and indoor air quality, we’re ready to help. Call us at 847-861-5559 or request service online.