Sticky air, foggy windows, and musty closets are part of life on the Georgia coast, but they don’t have to be part of your home. If you live in Savannah, you feel the humidity year-round, and that can affect comfort, indoor air quality, and even your home’s value. In this guide, you’ll learn practical ways to control moisture in coastal homes, what systems make the biggest difference, and what buyers and sellers should know before a sale. Let’s dive in.
Why Savannah homes fight humidity
Savannah’s humid subtropical climate brings long, hot summers and persistent moisture in the air. Local climate summaries show high dew points for much of the year, which keeps homes working hard to remove moisture indoors (Savannah climate overview).
The EPA recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent and, where possible, in the 30 to 50 percent range to reduce mold and condensation risks (EPA humidity guidance). In Savannah, reaching that target often requires active dehumidification along with properly commissioned air conditioning.
Spot the moisture red flags
Crawlspaces and subfloors
Vented or unsealed crawlspaces in humid climates often show high RH, sweating ducts, and surface mold. Many experts recommend encapsulating crawlspaces with a vapor barrier, sealing vents, and adding dehumidification or conditioning to keep moisture in check (crawlspace encapsulation basics).
HVAC in salt air
Outdoor HVAC units near the coast can corrode faster. Rinsing condensers with fresh water, corrosion protection, and more frequent service help extend life and maintain performance (coastal HVAC maintenance tips).
Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry
Showers, cooking, and drying clothes add a lot of moisture. Underpowered or non-vented fans allow humidity to build up. ASHRAE-referenced guidance calls for bathroom fans at 50 cfm intermittent (or 20 cfm continuous) and vented kitchen hoods at 100 cfm, ducted outdoors (ventilation rate reference).
Windows, doors, and roof details
Condensation on window glass, musty window frames, or failing seals can point to warm, moist air meeting cool surfaces. Along the exterior, salt and moisture can wear down flashing, fasteners, and sealants, which can lead to leaks if not maintained.
Your humidity-control game plan
Outside and site work
- Keep gutters clear, extend downspouts, and slope soil away from the home to move rainwater off the structure (EPA moisture basics).
- Maintain roofing, flashing, and sealants. Choose corrosion-resistant materials where practical and schedule regular inspections.
- Avoid piling mulch or soil against siding, and use landscaping to reduce wind-driven salt where needed.
Seal the envelope and the crawlspace
- Encapsulate vented crawlspaces with a vapor barrier, seal openings, insulate rim joists, and add a dedicated dehumidifier or conditioned air. This helps reduce upward moisture transfer (crawlspace encapsulation basics).
- Air seal at the attic and ceiling plane to keep humid indoor air out of unconditioned spaces. Good air sealing supports both comfort and moisture control (humid-climate HVAC guidance).
Mechanical systems that work in Savannah
- Use the right dehumidification. Portable units can help single rooms, but many Savannah homes benefit from a properly sized whole-house dehumidifier that drains to a floor drain or pump and ties into central controls (ENERGY STAR dehumidifier guidance).
- Choose smart ventilation. In hot, humid climates, ERVs are often preferred over HRVs because they transfer some moisture and reduce the latent load from outdoor air (ERVs in humid climates).
- Get HVAC sizing and service right. Oversized AC short-cycles and removes less moisture. Coordinate controls so the system targets humidity, and schedule regular service. Near the coast, many homeowners follow more frequent rinse-and-inspect routines for outdoor units (humid-climate HVAC guidance; coastal HVAC maintenance tips).
Everyday habits that lower RH
- Measure humidity with a few hygrometers in living spaces and the crawlspace. Aim to keep RH below 60 percent (EPA humidity guidance).
- Run bath fans during showers and for 10 to 20 minutes after, and use a vented kitchen hood while cooking (ventilation rate reference).
- Vent your dryer outdoors, avoid indoor clothes-drying, and limit large water features in tight rooms.
- Insulate cold water pipes and ductwork. If windows sweat during shoulder seasons, slightly raise the thermostat or improve window performance.
After a storm or leak
If your home floods or a leak soaks materials, mold can begin within 24 to 48 hours. Remove standing water, dry wet areas quickly, and document the damage for insurance. Large or persistent contamination may require professional remediation. For step-by-step cleanup help, see the National Center for Healthy Housing’s resources (flood cleanup field guides).
Tips for buyers and sellers in Savannah
- Sellers should disclose known water issues or mold that could affect value or safety. Georgia does not require a single statewide disclosure form, but brokers must disclose known adverse material facts. Many sellers use the Georgia Association of REALTORS® disclosure form and keep repair records (Georgia broker and disclosure context).
- Before listing, address roof, gutter, drainage, HVAC, and crawlspace issues, then keep receipts and any remediation reports. Buyers often include moisture or mold checks in due diligence.
- Buyers should review service records, look for RH trends with hygrometers during showings or inspections, and ask about ventilation, dehumidifiers, and crawlspace strategies.
Quick Savannah checklist
- Monitor RH in key rooms and the crawlspace; target below 60 percent.
- Clear gutters, extend downspouts, and check grading each season.
- Rinse and inspect outdoor AC units more often near the coast.
- Use bath and kitchen exhausts every time; verify they vent outdoors.
- Consider a whole-house dehumidifier if RH stays above 55 to 60 percent.
- Encapsulate vented crawlspaces and add dehumidification when needed.
- After any leak or flood, dry within 24 to 48 hours and document.
Ready to protect your Savannah home from humidity and make your next move with confidence? Reach out to Lisa Ortiz, The Rockin' Realtor for local guidance, trusted vendor referrals, and a smooth plan from prep to closing.
FAQs
What is a healthy indoor humidity level for Savannah homes?
- The EPA advises keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent and ideally between 30 and 50 percent to reduce mold and condensation risks.
Do I need a whole-house dehumidifier if I already have AC?
- If your indoor RH stays above about 55 to 60 percent or you notice musty odors and window condensation, a properly sized whole-house dehumidifier can help your AC manage Savannah’s moisture more efficiently.
How often should I service my coastal HVAC system in Savannah?
- Coastal homes often benefit from more frequent maintenance, including freshwater rinses of the outdoor unit and inspections for corrosion; many owners schedule service every 3 to 6 months.
What should I do right after minor flooding in my home?
- Remove standing water, dry materials quickly within 24 to 48 hours, and document damage; large areas or stubborn moisture may require professional remediation.
Should I encapsulate the crawlspace in a Savannah house?
- In humid climates, sealing and encapsulating a crawlspace with a vapor barrier and adding dehumidification or conditioning often reduces moisture migration and improves comfort.
As a Georgia home seller, do I have to disclose past water damage?
- You should disclose known material defects, including water damage or mold concerns, and keep records of repairs or remediation; many sellers use the standard Georgia disclosure form provided by their brokerage.
