If you've lived in Kansas for even a little while, it doesn't take long to figure out that humidity can be a serious problem. Because temperatures fluctuate so dramatically throughout the year, Kansas residents deal with everything from heavy heat during the summer months to frigid cold in the winter.  

During the summer months, the heat often brings high levels of humidity along with it. Just why is Kansas so humid in the summer?  Primarily, because it sits in a climate transition zone: one of the areas where continental weather mixes with the weather coming in off the sea.  

There are a lot of factors that can influence overall humidity levels, but in short, the Gulf of Mexico sends warm, moisture-laden air over the central US, leaving high levels of humidity behind.  Today, we’re going to explore how to handle humidity in your apartment for your optimal daily comfort!  

Humidity: Defined 

Humidity, as a term, refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. It is often expressed as a percentage based on the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature. While humidity does not directly impact the temperature itself, it often impacts the way temperature is perceived.  

Does Humidity Make It Feel Hotter or Colder? 

In general, high levels of humidity will make the area feel warmer than it actually is because it impacts your body's ability to cool itself. Typically, in high heat, your body will cool itself through sweat evaporation.  

High levels of humidity often mean the moisture becomes cloying and sticks to your body, which means you cannot cool yourself as effectively. In dry air, on the other hand, sweat evaporates faster, which means that you may feel cooler overall.  This is why people who live with extreme temperatures in the Southwest often explain that they can handle the heat because “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” that makes higher temperatures unbearable. 

During the winter, a lack of humidity can also make the air feel colder. Moisture evaporates quickly from the skin, leaving you feeling more chilled than you would otherwise.  During the spring or fall, you may have the uncomfortable experience of cold humid weather, which can make mid-season temperatures feel colder due to how the body reacts to moisture on the skin.  

Changes in Humidity Throughout the Day 

Often, the air becomes increasingly humid after sunset as it cools. Technically, warmer air can hold more moisture than colder air. Because the air can hold more moisture due to the temperature, the humidity may not be as noticeable, even if the overall amount of moisture in the air remains roughly the same.  

As temperatures drop in the evening, the air can no longer hold as much moisture, which means that you may end up feeling that humidity more. Furthermore, warm soil may release water vapor into the air in response to cooler air temperatures, leading to higher levels of moisture in the air.  

Humidity in Your Apartment: Common Reasons 

If you run the air conditioner in your apartment regularly, you may immediately notice a drop in humidity when you step inside. Air conditioners often remove some humidity from the air as they work. As the air passes over the evaporator coils in the unit, moisture in that air condenses into liquid. That water is, in turn, drained away from the unit, rather than returned to the air. 

However, you may sometimes notice that humidity seems to be increasing in your apartment even with the AC running. Worse, you may find that it's more humid in the apartment than outdoors. If you're dealing with condensation on the windows, musty smells, or a heavy, oppressive feeling in the apartment even with the AC on, there are several things that may be to blame. There are also a few steps you can take to fix it. 

1. Poor Ventilation 

Apartment living can make it more difficult to maintain ventilation throughout the home. A lack of proper exhaust fans in the kitchen or bathroom, especially if existing fans do not vent outdoors, can trap moisture in the apartment.  

A lack of exhaust fans makes it more difficult to clear out that moisture after cooking (or even after a too-hot shower). Making sure that you have proper ventilation can prove essential, so clean the vents if they become too dusty and contact your apartment management company if you notice potential ventilation issues that you can’t address.  

2. Leaks 

Cracks around windows and doors, roof leaks, and even plumbing leaks often mean more moisture in the air of your apartment. In many cases, an increase in water present leads to increased humidity. Seal leaks quickly or contact your apartment management to notify them so that they can take appropriate measures and prevent problems in the apartment.  

3. HVAC Issues 

Clogged filters, blocked coils, and low refrigerant can all reduce an air conditioner’s ability to handle humidity, leading to a substantial increase in moisture across the apartment. If you notice that the temperature in your apartment is low, but it still feels moist or clammy, reach out to your apartment management company as soon as possible to report the problem.  

4. Climate Concerns 

Sometimes, the issue might not be with your apartment at all. During the hottest parts of summer or during seasons with heavy rain, indoor moisture can increase. In the most intense weather, your HVAC unit may not be able to fully keep up. If you notice that your apartment is suddenly more humid, check the local weather and see if it may be partially to blame for those issues.  

5. Significant Moisture Sources in the Apartment 

While humidity is often a ventilation or AC issue, it can also occur due to the moisture you're introducing in the apartment. Culprits can include: 

• Some types of houseplants 
• Aquariums 
• Long showers 
• Appliance use (dishwasher, laundry) 
• Boiling water 

If you notice a significant increase in apartment humidity, check whether any of these factors could be to blame.  

Find Your Next Apartment in Kansas 

If you're looking for an apartment in Wichita,  check out Westborough Arms Apartments.  We take resident comfort seriously, and all homes in our community have both ceiling fans and central air conditioning. We also have on-site maintenance to help keep all of the important systems in your home running well.  

Our convenient West Wichita location is close to major roads but nestled on the edge of a Westlink residential neighborhood. Schedule a tour today to rediscover the comfort of home at Westborough Arms Apartments & Townhomes!