Moisture-related Issues

Moisture-related Issues | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Dunlap

Moisture may be great for the rolling hills around Dunlap, but inside your home it quickly turns into clammy air, musty odors, and mold that creeps into every corner. HEP Heating & Air Conditioning understands how East Tennessee’s humidity can overwhelm even a well-maintained HVAC system, forcing it to work harder while your family feels less comfortable. That’s why homeowners across Sequatchie County call us when the A/C just can’t shake that sticky feeling.

Our certified technicians start by pinpointing the real source of excess indoor moisture, then design a custom dehumidifier installation that tucks seamlessly into your existing ductwork or stands alone in problem areas like basements and crawl spaces. The result is balanced air that protects wood floors and furniture, lowers cooling costs, and helps everyone breathe easier—all backed by HEP’s “Happy You’ll Be” satisfaction guarantee and responsive local service. Banish the damp and step into crisp, healthy comfort today.

FAQs

Why is excess indoor humidity a common problem in Dunlap homes?

Dunlap’s warm summers and frequent spring rains push outdoor relative humidity well above 60%, and that moisture inevitably infiltrates conditioned spaces through crawl-spaces, attics, leaky ductwork, and daily activities such as cooking and showering. When indoor humidity climbs above 50–55%, you may notice musty odors, window condensation, aggravated allergies, and even mold growth on drywall or wood framing. Addressing the problem with a properly sized dehumidifier protects your family’s health, preserves the building materials, and makes the air feel cooler and more comfortable.

How does a whole-home dehumidifier work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?

A whole-home dehumidifier is plumbed into the return-air plenum of your HVAC system or installed parallel to it. As your furnace or air handler’s blower moves air through the ductwork, the dehumidifier draws a portion of that air, removes excess moisture by condensing it on an internal coil, and then sends the dried air back into the supply ductwork. Because it shares the fan, thermostat control, and drainage with the HVAC system, you get consistent humidity reduction throughout every conditioned room without having to empty buckets or run noisy portable units.

What size dehumidifier do I need for my house?

Sizing is based on 1) the square footage and volume of conditioned space, 2) the home’s air-tightness, 3) local design humidity levels, and 4) moisture sources such as crawl-spaces or indoor pools. During an in-home assessment our technicians measure these factors and perform a Manual J moisture load calculation to determine the number of pints per day your dehumidifier must remove. Residential systems typically range from 70 to 120 pints/day, while larger or more humid homes may need 155+ pint models or two smaller units staged together.

Will adding a dehumidifier raise my energy bills?

A dedicated dehumidifier uses electricity (roughly 3–7 amps while running), but it often lowers overall energy costs because 1) dry air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees, and 2) your air conditioner no longer has to run extended cycles strictly to wring out moisture. Modern whole-home units carry Energy Star certifications and consume less than half the power of older portables. In many cases our Dunlap customers see a small net reduction in annual utility bills along with big gains in comfort.

How can I tell if my current HVAC equipment is contributing to moisture issues?

Oversized or short-cycling air conditioners cool the air so quickly that the evaporator coil can’t stay cold long enough to condense water vapor, leaving humidity behind. Signs include rooms that feel clammy at the set temperature, frequent on/off cycling, or an indoor RH that stays above 55% even with the AC running. Our service visit includes checking refrigerant charge, airflow, coil temperature, and thermostat programming, then recommending right-sizing, airflow adjustments, or dehumidification as needed.

What does the installation process involve and how long will it take?

1) Free evaluation and load calculation; 2) Equipment selection and written proposal; 3) Scheduling a 3–5 hour installation appointment. On installation day we mount the dehumidifier near your air handler or in the crawl-space, connect it to the return and supply ducts with insulated flex duct, run a dedicated drainage line to a condensate pump or nearby floor drain, wire the unit to a 120 V/240 V circuit, and integrate the control board with your existing thermostat or supply a new humidity controller. We test for proper airflow and set your target RH (typically 45%). You’ll receive a brief orientation plus maintenance tips such as replacing the intake filter every 6–12 months.