Florida has a lot to offer—temperatures never get too cold, snow storms are almost unheard of, and most days are sunny and breezy thanks to nearby beaches no matter where you are in the Sunshine State. But Florida also comes with high humidity levels. Here are three ways to enjoy the Florida weather while maintaining humidity control in your home and staying comfortable no matter how warm it gets outside.

What is humidity control?

Humidity control systems can add or remove water vapor from indoor air to regulate humidity levels in your home. Getting your HVAC on a regular service schedule and extending the life and functionality of your unit is still the best way to keep temperatures where you want them. But humidity control systems can do almost as much to make your home pleasant by dampening air in the winter (making it warmer) and dehumidifying warm air in the summer (making it cooler).

Mold and mildew can be a result of high humidity levels in your Florida home. If your humidity levels get too high, mold and mildew can start to grow within a day, causing respiratory issues, shortness of breath, and even structural damage to your house. If you suspect that your humidity levels are too high, contact a licensed technician right away and get a maintenance plan started.

Clean and change air filters more frequently

Your AC system is designed to reduce microbial growth and mildew. But during the hottest months in Florida, it could be working overtime—which means you should be changing out old air filters and installing new ones more frequently. A good rule of thumb is to replace air filters every 90-180 days as this decreases the wear and tear on your HVAC unit, adds to the life of your existing system, and increases the comfortability of your home for everyone.

For those who need more than just a filter to keep their air clean, HVAC companies are developing state-of-the-art solutions like indoor air quality (IAQ) systems. These IAQ systems range from electronic air cleaners and air purifiers to UV lights that sterilize the air and reduce both mold growth and the risk of viruses.

Lower the temperature of your entire home

If you want to control humidity levels in your Florida home, one of the easiest things you can do is to set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than you normally do. This pulls humidity from your home, but it means the fans will run more frequently and put more strain on your existing duct system.

In addition to running the air conditioner, leaving doors open and running fans will help with air circulation throughout the house. But it’s important to remember that a neglected duct system can have an adverse effect on your family’s health and the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Fix leaks and seepage in your home

Once you observe moisture leaking into your Florida home, it’s time to further waterproof your property. Moisture on the first floor or in exterior garages and sheds can result from an unexpected water flow to the house. Be sure to check ceilings, floors, tubs, and sinks for any water damage or leakage.

If you suspect that excess water is damaging your home and increasing humidity levels around your property, it could be a good idea to schedule an inspection with an HVAC professional who knows where problems commonly occur and can give you recommendations on if a new unit is needed as well as a full rundown on next steps to control the humidity in your Florida home.