Dustin Westover
Why Your AC Can’t Keep Up With Minnesota Humidity (And What You Can Do About It)

When June hits in Minnesota, it’s not just the heat that makes your home uncomfortable—it’s the humidity. Here in Marshall and across Southwest Minnesota, early summer brings frequent rain, sticky air, and humidity levels that can climb past 70%. Even when temperatures sit in the 70s or low 80s, the air can feel thick and heavy.

That’s when many homeowners start wondering: “Why is my AC running nonstop but the house still feels warm and muggy?”

At Bisbee Plumbing & Heating, we hear this every June. The good news? You’re not imagining it—humidity really does make your AC work harder than it should. Even better news: there are practical steps you can take to fix it.

Why Minnesota Humidity Overwhelms AC Systems in June

Most people think an air conditioner’s job is just cooling. But in reality, your AC has two responsibilities:

  • Remove heat from the air
  • Remove moisture from the air

When humidity is high, your system must work twice as hard—often without being sized or maintained for that level of moisture. This leads to:

  • Longer run times
  • Higher energy bills
  • Hot-and-sticky rooms
  • Uneven cooling throughout the home

If your AC “can’t keep up,” humidity is usually the reason—not temperature.

Real Symptoms Minnesota Homeowners Notice in June

These are the exact problems we see spike every year:

  • “It says 72°, but it feels like 78°.”
  • “My AC runs all day but never shuts off.”
  • “The house feels sticky even when it’s cool.”
  • “My upstairs is way hotter than downstairs.”

All of these point to moisture—not just heat—overwhelming your system.

The Hidden AC Killer: Excess Moisture

June in Minnesota is often the wettest month of the year. With daily rain, high dew points, and rising temps, your AC becomes overloaded trying to dehumidify your home. When moisture stays too high, it causes:

  • Slow cooling
  • Muggy indoor air
  • Condensation on vents or windows
  • Mold and mildew risks in basements

Your AC wasn’t designed to be a full-time dehumidifier—and that’s why it struggles.

Common Reasons Your AC Isn’t Handling Humidity Well

1. Your system is oversized or undersized

An oversized unit cools the air too quickly, shutting off before it removes moisture. An undersized unit runs constantly but never catches up.

2. Your AC needs a tune-up

Dirty coils, low refrigerant, or a failing blower reduce your system’s ability to remove humidity.

3. Restricted airflow

Clogged filters and blocked returns force the system to work harder, reducing dehumidification.

4. High humidity infiltrating through leaks

Gaps around windows, attic bypasses, and poor insulation can introduce humid outdoor air into your home.

5. Your home needs additional dehumidification

Homes with basements—especially in Minnesota—often require a whole-home dehumidifier to support the AC during high-moisture months.

What You Can Do to Help Your AC Keep Up

1. Replace or clean your air filter

Restricted airflow is the #1 contributor to poor humidity control.

2. Schedule a professional AC tune-up

Tune-ups help your system run efficiently and improve moisture removal.

3. Use exhaust fans during cooking or showering

Kitchen and bathroom humidity increases your AC’s workload.

4. Seal air leaks around the home

Stop humid air from entering through cracks and gaps.

5. Add a whole-home dehumidifier

This is the most effective long-term solution for Minnesota humidity and one of the biggest comfort upgrades for summer.

Ready for a More Comfortable Home This Summer?

June humidity doesn’t have to make your home miserable. Whether your AC needs a tune-up, repair, or support from a whole-home dehumidifier, the team at Bisbee Plumbing & Heating is here to help.

Want your AC to keep up with Minnesota humidity?
Call (507) 537-0596 or schedule service at bisbeeph.com.