Excess Moisture
Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Whitwell
Wilting in Whitwell’s sticky humidity? HEP’s excess moisture specialists can bring back that crisp, clean indoor feel with professional dehumidifier installation. Our seasoned HVAC team pinpoints damp trouble spots, sizes the right system for your square footage, and integrates it seamlessly with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment. The result: balanced humidity, fresher air, and a defense against mold, mildew, and warped wood year-round.
From free in-home assessments to meticulous follow-ups, we make the entire process simple and stress-free. You’ll enjoy lower energy bills, longer equipment life, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing Whitwell’s moisture monsters are finally under control. Put the comfort back in your castle—schedule your HEP dehumidifier installation today!
FAQs
Why is excess moisture a common issue in Whitwell homes?
Whitwell’s warm summers and moderate rainfall create high outdoor humidity that infiltrates homes through crawlspaces, basements, and everyday activities like cooking and showering. When indoor relative humidity stays above 50–55 %, it encourages mold, mildew, dust-mites, wood warping, and musty odors while making the air feel warmer and stickier. A dedicated dehumidifier keeps humidity in the ideal 40–50 % range, protecting both your family’s health and the structure of your house.
How does a whole-house dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
A whole-home unit is hard-ducted into your return or supply plenum, pulling humid air from the living spaces, removing moisture through a refrigeration coil, and sending the dried air back through the ductwork. The unit has its own fan and humidistat, so it can operate independently of the air conditioner—perfect for spring and fall when you don’t need cooling but still need moisture control. We wire the dehumidifier to the HVAC control board for coordinated operation and route the condensate line to an existing drain or condensate pump.
How do you determine the correct size dehumidifier for my house?
During the in-home evaluation, our technician measures square footage, ceiling height, current humidity levels, infiltration pathways, and existing HVAC airflow. We also account for basement or crawlspace moisture, number of occupants, and lifestyle factors (indoor pool, frequent cooking). Using AHAM and ENERGY STAR sizing charts, we select a unit with the appropriate moisture-removal capacity, expressed in pints per day—typically 70–130 pints for most Whitwell residences. Correct sizing prevents short-cycling, maximizes energy efficiency, and ensures consistent humidity control.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
A standard installation usually takes 4–6 hours. We begin by protecting floors and confirming the placement of the unit, either in a mechanical room, basement, or HVAC closet. Next, we cut in supply and return ducts, install vibration-isolating hangers, and mount the dehumidifier level for proper drainage. Electrical wiring is run to a dedicated 120 V or 240 V circuit per manufacturer specs. We then connect the condensate drain, test-run the system, calibrate the humidistat, and explain the homeowner controls. All work is code-compliant and includes a final cleanup and walkthrough.
How much maintenance does a whole-house dehumidifier require?
Maintenance is minimal but important. Plan on: • Cleaning or replacing the unit’s air filter every 3–6 months (more often with pets or construction dust). • Flushing the condensate line annually to prevent algae buildup. • Checking the refrigeration coil and fan for dust during your spring or fall HVAC tune-up. • Verifying humidistat accuracy with a handheld hygrometer once a year. Our Comfort Club members receive these tasks as part of their biannual service visits, extending the unit’s life to 10–15 years.
Will installing a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
Most homeowners see a net savings. Although the dehumidifier itself uses electricity, drier air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat 2–3 °F in summer without sacrificing comfort. Lower humidity also helps the air conditioner run shorter cycles, reducing wear and energy use. ENERGY STAR-certified models remove more moisture per kilowatt-hour, and many qualify for local TVA rebates. In the heating season, balanced humidity prevents over-drying, so you can keep the thermostat a bit lower while still feeling comfortable.