Cooling and Dehumidifying Are Not the Same Job
An AC system removes humidity as a side effect of running long enough for air to pass over a cold coil repeatedly. If the system cools the air quickly and shuts off — often a sign of an oversized unit or short cycling — it never runs long enough to pull much moisture out. The thermostat can read the "right" temperature while the air still feels sticky.
What Makes South Louisiana Different
Gulf Coast humidity means outdoor moisture is constantly trying to work its way in, through duct leaks, attic infiltration, and even normal daily activity indoors. A system that would keep a drier climate perfectly comfortable can still leave a Lafayette-area home feeling damp if runtime, airflow, or ductwork are not dialed in for our conditions specifically.
What Actually Helps
Start with the thermostat fan setting — it should be on Auto, not On, since running the fan constantly recirculates humid air the coil already gave up trying to condense. Beyond that, a clean filter, sealed ductwork, and correctly sized equipment all matter more for humidity than raw cooling capacity. In some cases, a variable-speed system that runs longer at lower capacity is the more effective fix, since longer runtime means more dehumidification.
For causes and safe checks specific to your home, see House Feels Humid, or explore Humidity, Ductwork & Airflow service.