When you think of humidity problems, you might picture sticky summer air in the Lower 48. But in Anchorage, humidity (or the lack of it) can also impact your home’s comfort and your HVAC system’s performance. Whether it’s excess indoor moisture from cooking and showers in winter, or dry air from our cold climate, keeping humidity in balance is key to protecting your heating system and improving indoor air quality.
Why Humidity Matters for HVAC Systems
Your HVAC system isn’t just responsible for temperature—it also plays a role in managing moisture levels. Too much or too little humidity can create comfort issues, health concerns, and even mechanical strain on your equipment.
Too Much Humidity
- Can cause condensation inside ductwork and on HVAC components, leading to corrosion or mold growth.
- Makes your home feel warmer in summer and can strain cooling systems like heat pumps or mini-splits.
- Increases allergens and dust mite activity.
Too Little Humidity
- Dry air is common in Anchorage winters and can cause wood floors, trim, and furniture to crack.
- Can lead to static electricity and dry skin, eyes, and sinuses.
- May make your home feel cooler than it actually is, causing your heating system to run more often.
How Humidity Affects Energy Efficiency
Humidity imbalances force your HVAC system to work harder:
- High humidity in summer makes air feel warmer, leading to longer cooling cycles.
- Low humidity in winter makes air feel colder, prompting more heating cycles.
This added strain can increase energy bills and shorten equipment lifespan.
3 Humidity Solutions for Anchorage Homes
The good news? Humidity problems are solvable. Diamond Heating offers solutions to bring your indoor air into the comfort “sweet spot” of 30–50% relative humidity:
- Whole-home humidifiers to add moisture in dry winter months.
- Dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Indoor air quality products to keep your air clean and comfortable year-round.
Protect Your Comfort and Your System
By keeping humidity in check, you can improve comfort, protect your home, and help your HVAC system run efficiently.
Need help finding the right balance? The team at Diamond Heating has over 25 years of experience helping Anchorage homeowners with heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions tailored to Alaska’s unique climate.
Call us today to schedule an in-home assessment and explore the right humidity control options for your system.
