Quick Answer
High humidity when the AC is running is usually caused by short system run times, airflow restrictions, or moisture entering the home faster than the system can remove it. In Follansbee, West Virginia, river-adjacent lots, older homes with basements, and limited drainage often contribute to ongoing indoor humidity. An air conditioner can cool the air without properly drying it.
If your Follansbee home feels cool but still damp or sticky, the AC may not be the real problem. We see this often in Follansbee homes built close to the river or on low-lying ground where moisture pressure is constant.
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 is entering the structure. When those don’t line up, humidity remains.
Why This Problem Is So Common in Follansbee Homes
Follansbee has many older homes built near the Ohio River, with foundations and drainage systems designed decades ago. Basements are common, and many homes sit on relatively flat, moisture-prone ground.
In Follansbee, river-driven soil moisture, older foundations, and basement-heavy home designs often overwhelm standard AC systems.
Local contributing factors include:
- Homes built before modern moisture control standards
- Full basements with limited air circulation
- Flat lots with slow surface drainage
- Older duct systems added onto over time
Big Problem #1: AC Systems That Cool Quickly but Shut Off Too Soon
Many Follansbee homes have had AC added or replaced without reassessing moisture needs.
Systems are often sized to cool the house quickly, not to maintain long run times for dehumidification.
When cooling happens too fast:
- The thermostat is satisfied early
- The system shuts off
- Moisture stays suspended in the air
Real Follansbee Example
A one-story home near Main Street cooled rapidly after an AC replacement, but humidity stayed high throughout the summer. The system size matched square footage but didn’t account for basement moisture load.
The equipment worked
Scott Merritt
Scott Merritt is a co-founder of Honest Fix Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and brings more than 30 years of experience across HVAC, leadership, and industry education. He serves in a senior leadership and oversight role, providing licensed guidance, reviewing HVAC educational content, and supporting technician training and documentation standards. Prior to co-founding Honest Fix, Scott founded and owned Fire & Ice Heating & Air Conditioning in Columbus, Ohio, which he operated for more than two decades before selling the company in 2025. During that time, he led programs and partnerships including Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, Trane Comfort Specialist, and Rheem Pro Partner, helping establish high technical and training standards. Scott is the Ohio State HVAC license holder for Honest Fix and provides licensed oversight to help ensure work meets applicable codes and manufacturer requirements. Learn more about Scott’s background and role at Honest Fix by viewing his
full leadership bio.
