Cold Weather, Closed Homes: Why Winter Moisture Deserves Attention

Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) urges homeowners to monitor indoor moisture during winter months when homes are kept closed. Reduced airflow plus everyday activities like cooking and showering can raise humidity, causing condensation on cold surfaces and hidden moisture build-up.

Recommended seasonal actions include using bathroom and kitchen ventilation, watching for condensation, maintaining airflow by not blocking vents, inspecting commonly damp areas (closets on exterior walls, bathrooms, laundry, under sinks), and addressing minor plumbing or seal issues early. The company frames moisture management as routine winter home maintenance to help prevent damage and health issues.

News Market Reaction

-1.86%

1 alert

-1.86% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MCY declined 1.86%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Publication date: Jan. 22, 2026

1 metrics

Publication date Jan. 22, 2026 Press release on winter indoor moisture awareness

Market Reality Check

Price: $85.49 Vol: Volume 185,305 is roughly...

normal vol

$85.49 Last Close

Volume Volume 185,305 is roughly in line with the 20-day average of 185,985. normal

Technical Price at $88.60, trading above the 200-day MA at $74.83 and 8.19% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

MCY fell 0.81% while key peers like SIGI, WTM, and LMND were positive, suggestin...

MCY fell 0.81% while key peers like SIGI, WTM, and LMND were positive, suggesting stock-specific trading rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: 2026-01-20 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
2026-01-20	Consumer education	Neutral	-1.9%	Auto insurance myth-busting series aimed at policyholder education.
2026-01-14	Listing update	Neutral	+1.1%	Announcement of dual listing on NYSE Texas under ticker MCY.
2026-01-13	Risk outlook	Neutral	-1.5%	Winter weather risk outlook with preparation guidance for customers.
2026-01-12	Earnings timing	Neutral	+0.8%	Announcement of Q4 2025 earnings release and 10-K filing date.
2026-01-08	Risk prevention tips	Neutral	+1.7%	Guidance on preventing costly home water damage through maintenance.

Pattern Detected

Recent MCY headlines have focused on educational and risk-prevention content, with generally modest price reactions that do not show a strong directional pattern.

Recent Company History

Over the last several weeks, MCY has issued multiple education- and information-focused releases, from auto insurance myth-busting on Jan 20, 2026 to winter weather risk guidance on Jan 13, 2026 and water-damage prevention tips on Jan 8, 2026. A dual listing on NYSE Texas was announced on Jan 14, 2026, and timing for Q4 2025 results was set for Feb 17, 2026. Today’s winter moisture messaging continues this pattern of consumer-focused risk mitigation outreach.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement expands MCY’s winter risk-prevention messaging by focusing on indoor moisture, emp...

Analysis

This announcement expands MCY’s winter risk-prevention messaging by focusing on indoor moisture, emphasizing ventilation, humidity awareness, and early maintenance. It continues a series of consumer-focused communications around water damage and seasonal hazards seen in early 2026. Investors may track how consistently MCY uses education to manage claim frequency and severity, alongside upcoming catalysts such as the scheduled Q4 2025 earnings release on February 17, 2026 and ongoing regulatory filings and insider activity.

Key Terms

ventilation, humidity, condensation

3 terms

ventilation technical

"Less frequent window opening reduces natural ventilation"

Ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs to deliver oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, either by a patient’s own breathing or with the help of a machine that acts like a mechanical fan for the lungs. It matters to investors because need for ventilation is a key indicator of severe respiratory illness, drives demand for hospital equipment and supplies, influences healthcare spending and reimbursement, and affects capacity and operating costs for providers.

humidity technical

"Outdoor rain and storms can raise overall humidity levels"

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, often described as a percentage showing how close the air is to being saturated, like a sponge nearing its limit. For investors, humidity matters because it affects product quality, supply chains, energy use, worker health, and regulatory conditions for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare — similar to how room temperature can change how long food or materials last.

condensation technical

"Warm indoor air meeting cold surfaces can cause condensation"

Condensation is the process where water vapor in the air turns into liquid droplets when warm, moist air meets a cooler surface, like dew forming on a cold window. For investors, condensation matters because unwanted moisture can damage equipment, spoil products, promote mold or corrosion, and trigger regulatory problems or costly fixes in facilities such as factories, warehouses, labs or data centers — similar to how a leaky roof or damp basement can harm a home’s value and require repairs.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Mercury Insurance shares seasonal home maintenance considerations to reduce indoor moisture issues

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During colder months, homeowners naturally seal up their homes to keep warm. But reduced airflow, combined with everyday indoor activities, can allow moisture to build up inside—sometimes in places that aren't immediately visible. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is encouraging homeowners to take a seasonal approach to moisture awareness as part of routine winter home care.

Indoor moisture isn't always tied to a single event. Daily activities such as cooking, showering, and running appliances release humidity into the air. When homes remain closed for long periods, that moisture can linger, increasing the likelihood of condensation and other moisture-related issues over time.

"Winter is one of the easiest seasons for moisture to quietly accumulate indoors," said Bonnie Lee, VP, Property Claims. "It's not about one big problem—it's about small, everyday conditions adding up when airflow is limited and these types of everyday maintenance issues are generally not covered by insurance."

Why Winter Creates Higher Indoor Moisture Conditions

• Homes are kept closed longer to retain heat
• Outdoor rain and storms can raise overall humidity levels
• Warm indoor air meeting cold surfaces can cause condensation
• Less frequent window opening reduces natural ventilation

Seasonal Home Maintenance Basics to Keep in Mind

Mercury recommends homeowners think of moisture management as routine maintenance, like changing air filters or cleaning gutters:

• Use ventilation when available: Bathroom and kitchen fans help move moist air outside. However, avoid the risk of a fan motor overheating by not running the vent excessively and by keeping the vent and fan area clear and clean.
• Pay attention to humidity: Condensation on windows or walls can be a sign that indoor moisture is building up.
• Maintain airflow: Avoid blocking vents, returns, or interior air circulation paths.
• Check commonly damp areas: Closets on exterior walls, bathrooms, laundry areas, and under sinks deserve periodic attention.
• Address maintenance issues early: Minor plumbing or seal issues are easier to manage before moisture spreads.

As winter storms and extended rainy periods continue in many regions, Mercury encourages homeowners to think of indoor air quality and moisture control as part of regular seasonal upkeep—not just something to address after visible damage appears.

A little awareness during colder months can go a long way toward keeping homes comfortable, healthy, and well maintained throughout the season.

For more seasonal home care tips, visit mercuryinsurance.com.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-weather-closed-homes-why-winter-moisture-deserves-attention-302667759.html

SOURCE Mercury Insurance Services, LLC

FAQ

Why is indoor moisture a bigger concern in winter for MCY homeowners on Jan 22, 2026?

Winter homes stay closed longer, warm indoor air meets cold surfaces causing condensation and moisture can accumulate from daily activities.

What specific moisture-control actions does Mercury Insurance (MCY) recommend for winter?

Use bathroom and kitchen fans, monitor condensation, avoid blocking vents, check damp-prone areas, and fix minor plumbing or seal issues early.

How can MCY policyholders detect early signs of indoor moisture problems in winter?

Look for condensation on windows or walls and inspect closets on exterior walls, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and under sinks regularly.

Does Mercury Insurance (MCY) say ventilation fans can run continuously in winter?

No; Mercury recommends using ventilation when available but avoiding excessive continuous running to prevent fan motor overheating and keeping vents clean.

Will following Mercury Insurance's (MCY) winter tips reduce the risk of moisture-related claims?

Mercury positions moisture management as preventive maintenance to reduce hidden moisture buildup, noting everyday issues can add up when airflow is limited.

Where can MCY customers find more seasonal home care tips recommended by Mercury Insurance?

Mercury directs homeowners to visit mercuryinsurance.com for additional seasonal home care guidance.