What Causes High Humidity Issues Even When the AC Is Running in Colliers, WV?

Quick Answer

High humidity when the AC is running is usually caused by short run times, airflow limitations, or moisture entering the home faster than the system can remove it. In Colliers, West Virginia, ridge-top neighborhoods, older homes with crawlspaces or basements, and uneven drainage often make humidity harder to control. An air conditioner can cool air without fully removing moisture.

If your Colliers home feels cool but still heavy, sticky, or damp, the AC may not be failing. We see this issue often in Colliers homes built on rolling terrain, where airflow, drainage, and moisture sources don’t behave the same way as flatter riverfront towns.

This article is meant to help homeowners understand why humidity problems happen—not to push system replacement.

Cooling lowers temperature. Humidity control depends on run time, airflow, and how much moisture enters the home. When those factors are out of balance, indoor humidity stays high.

Why This Problem Is So Common in Colliers Homes

Colliers features a mix of older homes built along ridges and slopes, many with basements or crawlspaces and drainage systems added over time rather than designed from the start.

In Colliers, elevated terrain, sloped lots, crawlspaces, and aging foundations often combine to trap moisture inside the home—even while the AC is running.

Local contributing factors include:

• Homes built before modern moisture and airflow standards
• Crawlspaces or basements with limited ventilation
• Sloped lots that move water toward foundations
• Duct systems added or extended over decades

Big Problem #1: AC Systems That Cool Fast but Don’t Run Long Enough

Many Colliers homes have systems sized for quick temperature drops.

When cooling happens too quickly, the system shuts off before moisture removal can occur.

This leads to:

• Short run times
• Comfortable temperatures
• Persistent indoor humidity

Real Colliers Example

A two-story home near Colliers Way cooled rapidly after an AC upgrade, but humidity stayed high all summer. The system size was based on square footage, not moisture load from the crawlspace and hillside drainage.

The system worked—the moisture source was never addressed.

Big Problem #2: Crawlspaces and Basements Feeding Moisture Upward

Crawlspaces are common in Colliers and often overlooked.

If crawlspace or basement air isn’t controlled, moisture builds up and moves into the living space.

We frequently find:

• Open or poorly sealed crawlspaces
• No return airflow from lower levels
• Doors and floors acting as moisture pathways

Moisture from below eventually affects the entire home.

Big Problem #3: Airflow Imbalances in Older Duct Layouts

Humidity control depends on steady airflow across the indoor coil.

Older duct systems often struggle to deliver balanced airflow throughout the home.

Common Colliers-specific issues include:

• Undersized return ducts
• Long duct runs to upper floors
• Leaks in basement or crawlspace ductwork

Reduced airflow means reduced dehumidification.

Big Problem #4: Ridge and Slope Drainage Pressing Moisture Toward Foundations

Colliers’ rolling terrain changes how water behaves around homes.

Water naturally follows slopes—and often ends up against foundation walls.

Local risk factors include:

• Inadequate exterior grading
• Older block or stone foundations
• Limited drainage improvements over time

Air conditioning cannot overcome constant ground moisture by itself.

A Common Colliers Homeowner Mistake

Assuming ridge-top homes don’t have moisture problems.

Elevation reduces flood risk, but it does not eliminate humidity. Slope-driven drainage and crawlspace moisture are common contributors in Colliers.

Cost Considerations (Without Guessing)

Humidity problems in Colliers vary based on:

• System sizing accuracy
• Duct condition and airflow balance
• Crawlspace or basement moisture sources
• Electrical limits in older homes
• Whether the issue is structural or mechanical

The most expensive mistake is replacing equipment before identifying the real cause.

At Honest Fix, humidity issues start with measurements and airflow checks—not assumptions.

Why Guarantees Matter with Humidity Problems

Moisture issues often require verification, adjustment, and follow-up.

Service Trust Guardian (Repairs & Diagnostics)

When humidity problems are tied to airflow, controls, or setup, qualifying repairs are backed by:

• 5-year labor warranty on repairs
• No overtime charges
• On-time arrival guarantee
• Clean work area guarantee

Lifetime Trust Shield (System Replacement)

When replacement is the correct solution, new installations are protected by:

• 15-year labor warranty on new HVAC system installations
• No-lemon guarantee
• Energy performance accountability
• Full satisfaction guarantee

Ohio Valley Cities With the Same Humidity Issue

This Colliers article is part of a regional education series. Similar humidity problems appear throughout the Upper Ohio Valley, including:

• Steubenville, OH
• Wintersville, OH
• Toronto, OH
• Mingo Junction, OH
• Brilliant, OH
• Weirton, WV
• Follansbee, WV
• Wellsburg, WV
• New Cumberland, WV
• Hooverson Heights, WV (11th city in this series)

Each area has different terrain and housing styles, but the same moisture principles apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Colliers home feel humid even when the AC is running?

Because the system may cool the home too quickly to remove moisture, or moisture may be entering from a crawlspace, basement, or foundation faster than the AC can handle.

Are crawlspace homes more prone to humidity problems?

Yes. Crawlspaces can introduce significant moisture into a home if they are not sealed, ventilated, or managed properly.

Will lowering the thermostat reduce humidity?

No. Lowering the thermostat shortens run times and often makes humidity worse while increasing energy use.

What guarantees apply if humidity work is needed?

Repairs are covered by the Service Trust Guardian, including a 5-year labor warranty on repairs.

New systems are covered by the Lifetime Trust Shield, including a 15-year labor warranty on installations.

When to Take the Next Step

If your Colliers home feels damp, sticky, or uncomfortable even when the AC is running:

Humidity is a sign that airflow, run time, or moisture entry is out of balance.

The fix starts with understanding why.

Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote.

Optional next step: Learn about our guarantees before you decide.