It may be fall on the calendar, but in Riverside, it still feels like the middle of summer.
Temperatures are holding steady, air conditioners are still running daily, and homeowners are wondering why their homes feel sticky or muggy despite the dry desert air outside.
It’s a common problem in the Inland Empire – one that’s less about outdoor humidity and more about what’s happening inside your home. Even in a hot, arid climate, excess indoor moisture can make your air feel heavy, warm, and uncomfortable. Understanding what’s causing that humidity is the first step to fixing it, and keeping your home cool and comfortable through the rest of the season.
Why Humidity Builds Up Inside Riverside Homes
Riverside’s long stretches of heat mean air conditioners work overtime, especially during late summer and early fall. While AC systems are designed to cool and dehumidify the air, several factors can limit how well they remove moisture.
When an air conditioner cools the air too quickly (which often happens in homes with oversized systems or poor insulation), it doesn’t run long enough to extract humidity effectively. As a result, the air feels cold but clammy. Add in the fact that most homes are sealed tightly to keep cool air inside, and the trapped moisture has nowhere to go.
Cooking, showering, and even doing laundry all produce water vapor that lingers indoors. Over time, that trapped moisture combines with restricted airflow, making your home feel warmer, stickier, and less comfortable than it should, even when your thermostat says otherwise.
Common Causes of Indoor Humidity in Riverside
If your home feels muggy or heavier than usual, one or more of these factors may be contributing:
1. Short Cooling Cycles
When your AC turns on and off frequently, it doesn’t run long enough to remove humidity. This is common with systems that are too large for the home or those that haven’t been properly calibrated.
2. Poor Airflow
Blocked vents, dirty filters, or aging ductwork can reduce air circulation, preventing moisture from being carried away effectively. Homes in Riverside often accumulate dust and debris faster due to the region’s dry, windy conditions.
3. Leaky Ductwork
Air leaks in ducts can draw warm, humid air from attics or garages into your living spaces. A duct inspection can identify these leaks and improve your system’s overall performance.
4. Insulation Gaps
Homes built decades ago or with older insulation can experience uneven temperatures that lead to condensation, particularly when cool indoor air meets hot exterior surfaces.
5. Overworked HVAC Systems
Running your air conditioner around the clock in Riverside’s lingering heat can wear out components, clog coils, and reduce your system’s ability to dehumidify. A seasonal HVAC tune-up can restore efficiency and comfort.
How to Reduce Indoor Humidity in Hot Fall Weather
You don’t need to wait for cooler temperatures to get relief from sticky indoor air. Here are a few effective ways to lower humidity while keeping your home comfortable in Riverside’s ongoing heat.
Adjust Your Thermostat and Fan Settings
Set your thermostat between 72 and 76 degrees and keep the fan mode on “auto.” The “on” setting can circulate warm, humid air continuously, while “auto” allows your system to rest between cycles and dehumidify more efficiently.
Check for Air Leaks
Inspect doors, windows, and duct connections for gaps where warm outdoor air might be entering. Sealing leaks helps your system maintain stable humidity levels and improves energy efficiency.
Clean or Replace Air Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and trap moisture. Check your filters monthly, especially during high-use months, and replace them as needed to keep your system running smoothly.
Run Exhaust Fans
Even during hot weather, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove steam and moisture at the source. Let them run for at least 15-20 minutes after showers or cooking.
Consider a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
If humidity is a recurring issue, a whole-home dehumidifier can help. These systems work alongside your HVAC unit to pull moisture from the air continuously, improving comfort without making your home feel overcooled.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve made adjustments but your home still feels damp, it’s time to have your HVAC system inspected. Persistent humidity can point to deeper issues like refrigerant imbalance, clogged coils, or duct leaks, problems that only worsen over time.
The team at Dragonfly Heating & Cooling can help identify what’s behind the humidity in your home and recommend the right solution. Whether it’s a repair, cleaning, or equipment upgrade, we’ll help restore your comfort and improve your indoor air quality.
Take Control of Humidity in Your Riverside Home
Hot fall weather is nothing new for Riverside, but you don’t have to live with a humid, sticky home because of it. With proper HVAC care and the right equipment, you can keep your air cool, clean, and comfortable – no matter how long the heat lingers.
Call (951) 684-0880 or schedule your service online today to see how Dragonfly Heating & Cooling can help you solve humidity problems and breathe easier in your Riverside home.
