Excess Moisture
Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Charleston
Charleston’s charm comes with a cost: lingering, sticky air that creeps into crawl spaces, warps hardwoods, and invites mold to make itself at home. HEP’s excess moisture experts tame that Lowcountry humidity with precision dehumidifier installation, pairing top-tier equipment with HVAC know-how to create a balanced, healthier indoor climate year-round. Our technicians size each unit to your home’s unique footprint, integrate it seamlessly with your existing heating and cooling system, and back the job with courteous service that’s as warm as a Carolina sunset.
Imagine breathing easier, protecting heirloom furniture, and watching energy bills shrink because your air conditioner finally gets a break. Whether you live in a historic downtown condo or a spacious Mount Pleasant bungalow, HEP delivers rapid scheduling, transparent pricing, and iron-clad warranties so you can reclaim comfort without the guesswork. Beat the humidity—schedule your consultation today and feel the difference tomorrow.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Charleston?
Charleston’s subtropical climate means outdoor humidity regularly exceeds 70–80 %. That moisture infiltrates your home through cracks, vents, and everyday activities like cooking and showering. Excess indoor humidity leads to mold growth, musty odors, sticky air, and higher cooling bills. A whole-home dehumidifier tied into your HVAC system automatically maintains ideal indoor relative humidity (RH) between 45 % and 55 %, creating a healthier, more comfortable living environment while protecting wood floors, furniture, and electronics from moisture damage.
How is a whole-home dehumidifier installed with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Our technicians mount the dehumidifier in the return-air plenum or in a dedicated bypass configuration, then duct it to your supply or return trunk so it treats all the air that passes through your HVAC system. A condensate drain line is run to your existing drainage or a condensate pump, and low-voltage wiring connects the unit to a wall-mounted humidistat or your smart thermostat. We perform an airflow calculation to ensure your air handler and ductwork can accommodate the added static pressure, then test the system to verify proper RH control before we leave.
Will a dehumidifier lower my energy bills?
Yes. Removing moisture makes the air feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat set point 2–3 °F without sacrificing comfort. The compressor inside your air conditioner no longer has to run as long to wring out humidity, reducing runtime and energy consumption. Home Performance Institute studies show whole-home dehumidifiers can lower cooling costs by 10–15 % in humid climates like Charleston’s.
How do I know what size dehumidifier my home needs?
Sizing is based on square footage, ceiling height, typical infiltration, the number of occupants, and your home’s latent load (the amount of moisture that must be removed). We perform a Manual J or ACCA room-by-room load calculation and reference the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) capacity chart. Residential whole-home units typically range from 65 to 155 pints per day. An undersized unit will run constantly without achieving the target RH, while an oversized unit can short-cycle and waste energy.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?
Minimal upkeep is needed. Replace or clean the internal air filter every 3–6 months, ensure the condensate drain is clear, and have the coil and blower assembly inspected annually during your HVAC tune-up. Because the unit operates in an air-conditioned environment, it experiences less wear than portable dehumidifiers. Most manufacturers offer 5-year parts warranties, and with routine maintenance, units commonly last 10–15 years.
How much does professional installation cost in the Charleston area?
Installed pricing varies with capacity, duct modifications, and control options, but most homeowners invest between $2,200 and $3,800 total. This includes the dehumidifier, humidistat or smart-thermostat integration, new return drop or bypass ductwork, electrical hookup, a dedicated condensate line, and post-installation humidity balancing. We provide a free in-home assessment and a written quote so you know exactly what to expect before work begins.