It’s Not the Heat—It’s the Humidity: Why Your AC Might Be Struggling This Summer in Fayetteville

 If you’ve lived in Fayetteville long enough, you’ve probably heard, or said, some version of: "It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity."

And it’s true. On those muggy July afternoons, when it feels like you’re swimming through the air, your body isn’t the only thing working overtime. So is your air conditioner. If your AC seems to be falling behind, running constantly, or leaving your home feeling a little... sticky—it might be humidity that’s to blame, not the temperature alone.

Why Humidity Makes Everything Worse

Humidity measures the amount of moisture in the air. When it’s high, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily from your skin which is your body’s natural cooling system. That’s why 85°F on a dry day can feel tolerable, but the same 85°F with 70% humidity feels absolutely oppressive.

Your AC system does remove some humidity as it cools the air—but when humidity levels skyrocket (as they often do in Fayetteville during summer), your system can get overwhelmed.

Signs Your AC Is Struggling with Humidity

Even if your AC is technically working, you might notice these red flags:

• It runs all day and still feels warm inside

• The air feels damp or sticky

• You notice foggy windows or a musty smell

• The temperature on the thermostat doesn’t match how the room feels

  
  

This doesn’t necessarily mean your AC is broken but it could mean it’s time to assess whether your system is doing enough to manage both heat and humidity.

What You Can Do

✅ Keep Your Filters Fresh

Dirty air filters slow down airflow, which reduces your system’s ability to cool and dehumidify efficiently. In the summer, change your filter once a month.

✅ Set Your Thermostat Wisely

It’s tempting to crank the thermostat down to 68°, but that can cause your AC to run non-stop without effectively reducing humidity. Aim for a setting between 74°–78° and use ceiling fans to help circulate the air.

✅ Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up

A professional tune-up ensures your system is clean, properly charged, and functioning at peak efficiency—essential when it’s fighting off heat and humidity.

✅ Consider a Dehumidifier Add-On

For homes that constantly feel damp in the summer, a whole-home dehumidifier can make a big difference. It takes the pressure off your AC, improves comfort, and even helps prevent mold and mildew.

Stay Cool, Dry, and Comfortable with RJW Air Conditioning

Fayetteville summers are beautiful but they’re also humid. If your AC is falling behind or your indoor air feels swampy, RJW Air Conditioning can help. From quick fixes and full system replacements to indoor air quality upgrades, our local team delivers Transparent Service and Transparent Pricing every time.

📞 Give us a call today and let’s make your home a cooler, drier, more comfortable place this summer.