As the summer heat wave rolls into Wisconsin, staying cool and comfortable becomes more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. At Dave Jones, we’re not just your HVAC service providers—we’re your neighbors, your partners, and your go-to experts for home comfort in Madison and beyond.
One of the biggest challenges during a Midwest summer? Humidity. That sticky, heavy air doesn’t just make you sweat—it can also damage your home and impact your health. Here’s how you can take control of indoor humidity and keep your home feeling fresh, dry, and cool.
Why Humidity Matters
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. When it’s high, your body struggles to cool itself through sweat evaporation, making it feel hotter than it actually is. Indoors, excess humidity can:
- Warp wood floors and furniture
- Encourage mold and mildew growth
- Aggravate allergies and respiratory issues
- Make your air conditioner work harder (and cost more)
- Use a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Your air conditioner does remove some moisture, but it’s not designed to handle high humidity levels alone. That’s where a whole-home dehumidifier comes in. These systems work alongside your HVAC unit to pull moisture from the air efficiently and quietly.
In fact, a good dehumidifier can make 80°F feel like 74°F—without lowering the thermostat. That means more comfort and less energy use.
At Dave Jones, we proudly install Aprilaire dehumidifiers—made right here in Wisconsin. These units are built to handle our local climate and come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
- Improve Ventilation
Proper ventilation is key to managing humidity. Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) are a smart solution. They bring in fresh outdoor air while exhausting stale indoor air—and they do it without adding extra moisture.
ERVs are especially effective when paired with air conditioning. Their energy-exchange cores reduce the amount of moisture in the incoming air, making them ideal for Madison’s humid summers
- Seal and Insulate
Humidity often sneaks in through cracks, gaps, and poorly insulated areas. Sealing windows, doors, and ductwork can prevent warm, moist air from entering your home. Insulating your attic and crawl spaces also helps maintain a consistent indoor climate.
- Use Exhaust Fans
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are major sources of indoor moisture. Make sure your exhaust fans are working properly—and use them! Run the bathroom fan during and after showers, and use the range hood when cooking.
- Monitor Indoor Humidity
A hygrometer is a simple tool that measures indoor humidity. Ideally, you want to keep your home between 30% and 50% relative humidity. If it’s consistently higher, it’s time to take action.
- Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
Your HVAC system plays a big role in humidity control. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and removes more moisture from the air. Our Madison HVAC experts can inspect your system, clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is running smoothly.
- Upgrade Your Thermostat
Smart thermostats can help manage humidity by running your fan or dehumidifier when needed. Some models even have built-in humidity sensors and can alert you when levels are too high.
Stay Cool, Madison
At Dave Jones, we understand the unique challenges of Wisconsin summers. Whether you need a new dehumidifier, an HVAC tune-up, or just some friendly advice, we’re here to help.
Let’s make this summer your most comfortable one yet.
Contact your HVAC experts today and take control of your home’s humidity.
