You walk inside after mowing the lawn or hauling groceries, expecting a rush of cool air to greet you. Instead, you get… meh. Lukewarm air. Maybe even a bit of a sticky slap in the face. Your AC is running, the thermostat says it should be cool, but you’re starting to sweat just unloading the milk.
So what gives?
Before you start blaming your air conditioner or planning a dramatic goodbye, let’s talk about what might actually be going on—especially here in Mississippi, where heat and humidity team up like a bad cop/bad cop duo.
AC Systems Have a Design Limit—And the South Is Breaking It
Your AC isn’t built to take on a never-ending sauna. Most systems are designed to work efficiently in temperatures up to 95°F. Beyond that, they start struggling—kind of like us trying to function without sweet tea and air conditioning.
On top of that, air conditioners are also designed to handle a certain level of humidity—specifically, a wet bulb temperature of 85°F. If you’re wondering what a wet bulb is, it’s not a soggy light fixture. It’s a measure that combines heat and humidity, and when that number climbs, your AC gets overwhelmed trying to yank that moisture out of the air.
Has Mississippi Gotten More Humid?
Yes. It’s not just your imagination or your aunt’s favorite complaint.
While Mississippi temperatures haven’t skyrocketed, humidity levels have steadily increased over the past few decades. Research from NOAA shows that specific humidity in the Southeast is on the rise, which basically means the air is holding onto more moisture than it used to.
That extra moisture makes it feel hotter, stickier, and significantly harder for your AC to do its job. Imagine trying to dry off with a damp towel—that’s your air conditioner during a sweltery Mississippi summer.
Clues Your AC Is Tapped Out From Too Much Humidity
If your AC feels like it’s just giving up on life, here are some telltale signs that humidity is the culprit:
- Sweating air vents – If your supply grills are dripping like they just finished a spin class, the air in your home is too humid for the AC to handle.
- That sticky, clammy feeling – It’s 72 degrees inside, but you still feel like a glazed donut.
- Windows fogging up – No, your home hasn’t suddenly turned into a greenhouse. This is just another sign of high indoor humidity.
- AC that runs all day, barely cools the house – Your system might be working hard, but not smart, because it’s dealing with too much moisture.
Modern ACs: More Efficient, Less Helpful With Humidity
Here’s the ironic twist: newer, more energy-efficient air conditioners often remove less humidity than older models.
Why? Because they cool your home quickly and shut off before they’ve had a chance to wring the moisture out of the air. It’s like washing your clothes but skipping the spin cycle.
Older units, on the other hand, chugged along slower but ran longer, giving them more time to dehumidify. So while we’ve gained efficiency, we’ve lost a bit of indoor comfort in the humidity department.
What Can You Do About It?
Don’t worry—you’re not doomed to live in a sweaty fog. Here are some realistic fixes:
1. Regular Maintenance
- Change your filters monthly (especially during peak use).
- Schedule seasonal maintenance to keep your system clean and optimized.
2. Help Your AC Fight the Humidity
- Add a dehumidifier, especially if you have wood floors or allergy issues.
- Use exhaust fans while showering or cooking to cut down on moisture.
- Keep interior doors open to improve airflow and reduce hot pockets in areas of your home.
3. Think Bigger If You Need To
- Have a pro check if your AC is correctly sized for your home. (Bigger isn’t always better; an oversized unit short cycles and won’t dehumidify well.)
- Consider upgrading to a system with enhanced humidity control features.
Bottom Line: Your AC Isn’t Lazy—It’s Overworked
So the next time your AC seems like it’s phoning it in, give it a little grace—it’s likely battling more than just the heat. Mississippi’s rising humidity is pushing many systems beyond what they were designed to handle.
But you don’t have to settle for feeling uncomfortable in your own home. At EMI, we specialize in diagnosing humidity-related cooling issues and helping homeowners get the comfort and efficiency they deserve. Whether it’s routine maintenance, system upgrades, or adding smart humidity control solutions, our expert team is here to help.
If your AC isn’t keeping up, give EMI a call at (601) 300-2564. We’ll make sure your system is ready to handle whatever Mississippi throws at it.
