Excess Moisture
Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Etowah
Living in Etowah means embracing warm, humid summers—and the lingering moisture that seeps into crawl spaces, basements, and living areas. HEP’s expert team turns that sticky discomfort into crisp, breathable air with precise dehumidifier installation tailored to your home’s square footage and HVAC layout. We evaluate where excess humidity hides, integrate high-efficiency units directly into your heating and cooling system, and calibrate everything for quiet, worry-free operation.
Beyond comfort, HEP’s moisture control safeguards your investment: wood floors stay flat, paint stops peeling, and allergens like mold spores struggle to survive. Pairing reliable equipment with our friendly, on-time technicians, we deliver a fast, mess-free upgrade that also eases the load on your air conditioner—helping lower energy bills while you enjoy a healthier, fresher indoor environment all year long.
FAQs
Why is excess indoor moisture such a common problem in Etowah homes?
Etowah experiences long, warm summers and abundant rainfall, so outdoor humidity often sits above 70 %. When that humid air infiltrates your house it condenses on cool surfaces, causing musty odors, mold, mildew, warped wood, peeling paint and aggravated allergy symptoms. A properly sized, whole-home dehumidifier keeps relative humidity in the ideal 45–55 % range, protecting your family’s health, your HVAC equipment and the structure of your home.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier connect to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
The dehumidifier is installed in the return-air side of your ductwork or between the return and supply plenums. A dedicated humidistat constantly monitors humidity and tells the unit when to run. The appliance draws moist air from the ducts, cools it to condense and drain the water, then reheats the air slightly before sending it back through the supply ducts. Because it shares the blower and duct network, the entire house benefits without adding bulky portable units in each room.
What signs indicate I should consider a professionally installed dehumidifier?
• Indoor humidity readings regularly above 60 %. • Sticky or clammy feeling air even when the AC is on. • Fogged windows or visible water on walls, pipes or HVAC vents. • Musty or mildew smells—especially in basements, crawl spaces or closets. • Frequent mold growth, dust mite issues or worsening allergy and asthma symptoms. • Warping hardwood floors, cupping trim, or peeling paint and wallpaper. If you notice any of these, a humidity assessment will confirm whether a dehumidifier is the right solution.
What size or capacity dehumidifier will my home need?
Our technicians perform a room-by-room load evaluation similar to Manual J calculations used for HVAC sizing. We measure square footage, ceiling height, air infiltration, number of occupants, basement or crawl-space conditions and existing HVAC performance. Most average-size Etowah homes end up with a 70–95 pint-per-day unit, while larger or multi-story homes may need 120–135 pint models. Correct sizing ensures the equipment removes moisture efficiently without short-cycling or overworking.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my daily routine?
A typical whole-home dehumidifier installation takes 3–5 hours. We schedule at your convenience, protect floors and furnishings, pull any required permits, and coordinate electrical work if a dedicated outlet or breaker is needed. Water is routed to a nearby condensate pump, floor drain or the exterior, so no emptying buckets is required. Once complete, we test the unit, set the humidistat, review maintenance steps with you and clean the work area. You can remain in the house the entire time.
Will a dehumidifier raise my energy bills?
High-efficiency, ENERGY STAR®-rated dehumidifiers typically draw 4–6 ¢ of electricity per hour of operation. However, drier air feels cooler, letting most homeowners set the thermostat 2–3 °F higher and run the air conditioner less. The net effect is often neutral or even a modest energy savings. Regular maintenance consists of washing or replacing the air filter every 3–6 months and ensuring the drain line stays clear—tasks that take only minutes. Our installations include a 5-year parts warranty and optional annual service plans for worry-free performance.