Why Is My AC Cooling But Not Removing Humidity?
The Humidity Problem in San Antonio
San Antonio homeowners often face a frustrating scenario: the AC is running, the temperature reads fine on the thermostat, but the house still feels uncomfortable and clammy. That’s a humidity problem, and it’s more common than you might think.
The Most Common Culprit
In most cases, the issue comes down to dirty indoor coils. When your evaporator coils become coated with dust, mold, mildew, and debris, they can’t properly condense moisture from the air. The system still cools the air temperature, but it fails at the dehumidification part of its job.
Other Factors to Check
Beyond dirty coils, several other issues can cause poor dehumidification:
- Oversized AC units that cool the air too quickly, shutting off before removing enough moisture
- Improper thermostat settings — the fan should be set to “auto” not “on” so it stops pushing humid air when the compressor cycles off
- Low refrigerant levels that reduce the coil’s ability to condensate
- Leaky ductwork pulling in humid air from unconditioned spaces
Warning Signs
Watch for these indicators that your system isn’t handling humidity properly:
- Condensation on windows
- Musty odors in certain rooms
- Air that feels cold but clammy
- The system cycling on and off frequently
The Solution
The fix usually involves professional coil cleaning, and if the system is oversized, a conversation about proper sizing for your home’s square footage. A qualified technician can diagnose the root cause and get your home feeling comfortable again — not just cool, but genuinely comfortable.
If the problem is an oversized unit, it may be worth considering whether it’s time for a replacement — a properly sized system will cool your home better and cost less to run.
If your home feels clammy despite the AC running, contact us for a free estimate or call us anytime. Our HVAC repair team will inspect your system and get the humidity under control.
Written by Chris Brehm
Chris is the founder and lead technician at Infinity Heat and Air. With years of hands-on HVAC experience, he writes practical guides to help San Antonio homeowners stay comfortable and make informed decisions about their heating and cooling systems.