Why Indoor Humidity Matters in Nashville — from Your Experts at Maynard Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

When it comes to home comfort in Nashville, most people think about temperature first. You set your thermostat, crank up the AC, or fire up the heat—and assume that’s all it takes to keep things comfortable. But the real secret to a truly healthy, efficient, and cozy home? Humidity.

At Maynard Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping families across Nashville for over 80 years. And in that time, we’ve learned one major truth: Tennessee’s climate isn’t easy on homes. We deal with muggy, sweltering summers and dry, heated winters. If you’re not paying attention to your indoor humidity levels, your home could feel uncomfortable—no matter what the thermostat says.

Balancing humidity indoors isn’t just about personal comfort. It plays a major role in protecting your health, your house, your HVAC system, and even your energy bills. So if your air feels damp, musty, dry, or staticky—read on. We’ve got your seasonal humidity checklist covered.

Why High Humidity Is a Problem in Nashville

Summer in Middle Tennessee can be intense. As humidity levels rise outdoors, that thick, sticky air finds its way inside—especially in older homes with crawlspaces, unfinished basements, or limited ventilation. Even newer homes aren’t immune if the HVAC system isn’t optimized for moisture control.

If your indoor air starts to feel heavy or damp, it’s more than just a nuisance. High indoor humidity can lead to a number of costly and unhealthy issues, including:

• Mold and mildew, which thrive in moist air and pose serious health risks—especially in bathrooms, basements, and behind furniture. 
• Dust mites, microscopic pests that increase allergy symptoms and respiratory irritation. 
• Allergy and asthma flare-ups, as excess moisture creates the perfect environment for allergens to multiply. 
• Musty smells, which can seep into fabrics, carpets, and HVAC systems. 
• Warped wood or peeling paint, as building materials absorb moisture and expand or deteriorate.
  

In addition, excess humidity makes your air conditioner work harder. Moist air feels warmer, so your system has to run longer to cool things down—driving up your energy costs in the process.

How to Lower Indoor Humidity in the Summer

Thankfully, there are several ways to reduce moisture in your home during the hot and humid months. Start with these proven strategies:

• Run your air conditioner—A properly functioning AC system doesn’t just cool the air; it also pulls moisture from it. Make sure yours is well-maintained and sized correctly for your home. 
• Use exhaust fans—Ventilation is key. Turn on bathroom and kitchen fans when cooking or showering to move moist air outdoors. 
• Address plumbing leaks or crawlspace issues—Hidden water sources can make humidity worse. Sealing your crawlspace or basement can make a big impact. 
• Store firewood outdoors—Even in the off-season, firewood releases moisture into the air. Keep it away from your living space. 
• Use a dehumidifier—In especially humid zones of the home, like basements, a dehumidifier can help maintain ideal levels year-round.
  

Want to take it a step further? Ask about whole-home dehumidifiers that work with your HVAC system to regulate humidity automatically.

Why Low Humidity Is a Problem in the Winter

While summer brings too much moisture, winter often brings too little. As soon as you turn on the heat in late fall, your indoor air starts to dry out. And if you’re running your furnace from October through March (which is common in Nashville), that dry air starts to take a toll.

Signs that your home’s indoor humidity is too low include:

• Dry, itchy skin or cracked lips, especially in the mornings or after sleeping. 
• Scratchy throats or sinus irritation, leading to discomfort and more frequent illness. 
• Static shocks, which become more frequent in dry environments. 
• Gaps in hardwood floors or cracked furniture, as wood shrinks in dry air.
  

These problems don’t just affect your comfort—they impact your home’s health, too. Prolonged exposure to dry air can degrade wood, paint, and even electronics over time.

How to Add Moisture During Dry Winter Months

Fortunately, you can fight back against dry air with a few simple changes:

• Use a humidifier—Whether you choose a small room model or a whole-home humidifier, adding moisture directly to your air is one of the most effective fixes. 
• Decorate with houseplants—Many indoor plants naturally release moisture through their leaves. 
• Air-dry laundry indoors—You’ll save energy and add humidity at the same time. 
• Place bowls of water near heating vents or radiators so that the moisture evaporates gradually back into the room.
  

A combination of these methods can help restore balance during Nashville’s driest months.

What’s the Ideal Humidity Level for Nashville Homes?

You don’t have to guess what’s “too high” or “too low.” There are seasonal guidelines that work well for most Middle Tennessee homes:

• Winter: 30–40% 
• Spring & Fall: 35–45% 
• Summer: 40–50%
  

Overall, the ideal year-round range is 35% to 50%. Staying in this sweet spot improves comfort, supports better health, and protects your home’s structure. It also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently—preventing unnecessary wear and tear.

Don’t Guess—Measure It

Not sure what your current humidity levels are? That’s where a hygrometer comes in. This simple device measures indoor humidity and gives you clear, real-time data. Most cost between $10 and $20, and they’re easy to find online or at home improvement stores.

Keep one in your bedroom, living room, or basement for a better sense of how each space is performing—and use it to track how well your humidifier or dehumidifier is working.

Some smart thermostats also include humidity sensors and can even adjust your system automatically if connected to compatible equipment.

Why Nashville Homes Need Year-Round Humidity Control

Managing your indoor humidity might seem like a minor detail, but it’s a major contributor to the long-term health of your home and your family. From energy savings to improved air quality, the benefits are wide-reaching.

And remember—Tennessee’s climate is unique. Humidity control in a Nashville home isn’t the same as it is in a dry desert climate or a coastal town. We get it all here: cold snaps, spring rains, sweltering heat, and chilly, dry nights.

Maynard Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Can Help

At Maynard Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been keeping Nashville homes comfortable since 1937. We know how tricky Tennessee weather can be, and we know how to tailor solutions that work for your specific home—no matter the season.

Whether you’re dealing with sticky air in the summer, static and dry skin in the winter, or you’re just not sure where to start, we can help. From whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers to HVAC tune-ups and moisture assessments, we’ll guide you toward a healthier, more efficient living space.