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JHC Cooling and Heating — HVAC in Houston, TX
HVAC Glossary · Houston Home & Climate

What is Relative Humidity?

Relative humidity (RH) is the amount of water vapor in air expressed as a percentage of the maximum that air can hold at its current temperature. Indoors, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping relative humidity below 60 percent, ideally between 30 and 50 percent, to limit mold growth and the clammy feel of damp air.

Why it matters to you

Houston's Gulf Coast air carries a lot of moisture for much of the year, so your air conditioner is also your main dehumidifier. If indoor RH stays above 60 percent with the AC running, the house can feel muggy at a cool thermostat setting and give mold a foothold, often a sign of oversized equipment, short cycling, or airflow problems.

Practical guidance

An inexpensive digital hygrometer shows your indoor RH; check a few rooms on hot afternoons and after rain. If readings stay above 60 percent with the AC running, ask a licensed technician to check sizing, airflow, and run times, and whether variable-speed equipment or a whole-home dehumidifier makes sense.

Sources

  1. U.S. EPA — A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home

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