00VILLA GUIDE
Controlling indoor humidity in a villa
Even in a desert climate, villas can be humid inside: humid coastal air in late summer, showers and cooking, laundry, indoor plants and open doors to terraces all add moisture. Signs include clammy rooms, sweating AC grilles, musty smells and mould in wardrobes. AC removes moisture as it cools — but only when it runs properly and long enough.
01PART
Where humidity comes from
Bathrooms without working extraction, kitchens, laundries and frequently opened terrace doors add the most moisture. Outdoor humidity rises sharply in late summer.
- Check extract fans work.
- Keep terrace doors closed when AC runs.
- Dry laundry with ventilation.
02PART
The role of AC
AC dehumidifies while it runs. Units that short-cycle or are oversized cool quickly but leave moisture behind. Clean coils and correct settings help.
- Avoid short-cycling.
- Keep coils and filters clean.
- Use dry mode where available.
03PART
Measuring and acting
A simple hygrometer shows humidity in each room. Persistent high readings may need ventilation improvements, AC adjustment or a dehumidifier in specific spaces.
- Measure humidity by room.
- Improve ventilation.
- Use dehumidifiers where needed.
04QUESTIONS
- What humidity is comfortable?
- Moderate levels feel most comfortable; very high levels encourage mould.
- Why do grilles sweat?
- Humid air meets cold supply air at the grille.
- Does AC remove humidity?
- Yes, when it runs long enough and is well maintained.
- Are dehumidifiers useful?
- In specific rooms such as basements or closed-up areas.
- Do indoor plants add humidity?
- Large numbers of plants add some moisture; it matters most in closed, poorly ventilated rooms.