It's not the heat...It's the darn humidity !!!

July 24, 2024

As Ohioans, we know that summer brings not just high temperatures but also significant humidity. While we often focus on the temperature, humidity can have a more profound impact on our comfort and health. Here’s why humidity is more critical than temperature during Ohio's summer months.

The Impact of Humidity on Comfort

Humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. In Ohio, summer humidity levels can often exceed 70%, especially during July and August. This high humidity can make a 90°F day feel like it's over 100°F. The reason is simple: when the air is full of moisture, our bodies find it harder to cool down through sweating. The slower evaporation of sweat leaves us feeling hotter and more uncomfortable.

Heat Index and Ohio Summers

The heat index combines air temperature and humidity to reflect how hot it actually feels. For example, on a typical Ohio summer day with a temperature of 90°F and 70% humidity, the heat index can reach a sweltering 105°F. This elevated heat index indicates the real stress on our bodies, emphasizing the importance of monitoring humidity levels just as much as the temperature.

Health Risks Associated with High Humidity

High humidity levels can exacerbate health problems, particularly respiratory issues such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. The heavy, moist air makes it harder to breathe and can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Moreover, the combination of heat and high humidity can lead to dehydration, as our bodies struggle to maintain a stable temperature.

Indoor Comfort and Air Quality in Ohio

Inside our homes, high humidity can create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and dust mites, which can worsen allergies and respiratory conditions. Using air conditioning systems to control indoor humidity is crucial. These systems not only cool the air but also remove excess moisture, maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. Dehumidifiers can also be a valuable tool, particularly in basements and other damp areas.

Practical Tips for Managing Humidity in Ohio

-Utilize Air Conditioning: Modern AC units are designed to reduce humidity levels, not just cool the air. Ensure your system is properly maintained to optimize its performance.

-Use Dehumidifiers: Place dehumidifiers in areas prone to high moisture levels, such as basements, to keep humidity under control.

-Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, to reduce indoor humidity levels.

-Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body manage the heat and humidity effectively.

If you’re in need of service or a new system, contact Alpine. Our team has more than 30 years of experience servicing all makes and models. We offer timely, convenient service and provide thorough inspections to catch any potential issues. Visit our website to see a full list of HVAC services, or call (330) 263-0013 for an appointment

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Can Your House Get “Stale”?

September 9, 2026

Have you ever walked into your house after being gone for a few hours and noticed that it just smells a little… stale? It’s not always a sign that something is wrong. Sometimes your home simply needs a little more fresh air. Modern homes are built much tighter than older houses, which is great for energy efficiency, but it also means odors and moisture can hang around longer. Cooking smells, pets, cleaning products, candles, furniture, paint, and everyday household products can all affect indoor air. Humidity plays a big part too. When indoor humidity stays too high, the air can feel heavy or musty. When it gets too dry, the house may feel uncomfortable in a completely different way. Your HVAC system can help keep air moving and filtered, but the filter has to be clean and the system still needs adequate airflow. In some homes, better ventilation or indoor air quality equipment can also make a noticeable difference. Of course, sometimes the easiest solution is the simplest one: on a nice Ohio day, open a few windows and let the house air out. If your home constantly feels stuffy, musty, or just never seems to smell fresh, it may be worth looking at more than the air freshener. The problem could be humidity, airflow, filtration, or ventilation. At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we can help you figure out what’s going on behind the scenes so your home doesn’t just feel comfortable—it feels fresh too Wooster: (330) 263.0013 Ashland: (419) 289.1616 Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114 CONTACT US Serving Wooster, Ashland & Mt. Eaton, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating , cooling , refrigeration & plumbing systems. If you need service on your current system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a game plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs.

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Why Your Air Conditioner Runs More in August | Alpine

By Tom Markley • August 5, 2026

Have you noticed your air conditioner running longer in August, even when the temperature outside does not seem as high as it was earlier in the summer? You are not imagining it. By late summer, several factors can make your cooling system work harder to keep your Ohio home comfortable. Humidity Makes Your Home Feel Warmer Temperature is only part of the comfort equation. August can bring high humidity, which makes the air feel warmer and forces your air conditioner to remove both heat and moisture from your home. Because moisture removal takes time, your AC may run longer even when the outdoor temperature is not unusually high. Warm Nights Give Your Home Less Time to Cool Down When nighttime temperatures remain warm, your home may not have much opportunity to release the heat it absorbed during the day. Attics, walls, roofing materials and ductwork can hold onto heat. When the next day begins, your air conditioner may already be working against a warm house instead of starting fresh. Your AC Has Been Working All Summer By August, your cooling system may have already logged hundreds of hours of operation. A dirty air filter, debris around the outdoor unit or dust collecting on system components can gradually reduce airflow and efficiency. ENERGY STAR notes that dirty filters restrict airflow and cause heating and cooling equipment to work harder. Checking your filter and keeping the outdoor unit clear of grass, leaves and overgrown plants can help your system operate more effectively. Longer Run Times Are Not Always a Problem An air conditioner running for longer periods is not automatically a sign that something is wrong. Longer, steadier cooling cycles can help maintain a consistent temperature and remove humidity from the air. However, you may need professional AC service if your system: Runs almost constantly without reaching the thermostat setting Produces weak or warm airflow Makes unusual noises Causes a sudden increase in your electric bill Leaves some rooms much warmer than others Frequently turns on and off after only a few minutes Help Your AC Finish the Summer Strong Replace or clean your air filter when needed, keep the outdoor unit free from obstructions and avoid making large thermostat adjustments throughout the day. If your air conditioner is running more than usual and your home is still uncomfortable, Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration can inspect the system and determine whether it needs maintenance or repair. We serve homeowners throughout Wayne, Holmes and Ashland counties from our Wooster, Ashland and Mt. Eaton locations.