Excess Moisture
Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hillsboro
Homeowners in Hillsboro know how tricky our humid Tennessee seasons can be—one day it’s muggy and sweltering, the next it’s damp and chilly. Excess moisture sneaks into crawl spaces, attics, and living areas, spawning mold, musty odors, and warped floors that can ruin comfort as quickly as they drain energy efficiency. That’s where HEP steps in. Our EPA-certified technicians size and install whole-home units that pull gallons of water from the air every day, seamlessly integrating with your existing HVAC system. The result? Healthier air, lower utility bills, and a home that finally feels as good as it looks.
Choosing HEP for your dehumidifier installation means getting clear, upfront pricing, rapid scheduling, and the peace of mind that comes with a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. We inspect every duct run, seal critical leaks, and calibrate humidity controls so your system works smarter, not harder. From the first on-site moisture reading to the final walk-through, our Hillsboro team treats your home as if it were our own—because comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s a promise.
FAQs
Why is controlling excess moisture so important for Hillsboro homes?
Hillsboro and the greater Portland metro sit in the temperate, rain-rich Willamette Valley. From October through May our homes endure prolonged damp, cool weather that traps moisture inside walls, crawlspaces, and ductwork. Elevated indoor humidity (above 50–55 %) accelerates mold and mildew growth, warps wood floors, peels paint, and can aggravate asthma and allergies. A properly sized whole-home dehumidifier keeps relative humidity in the ideal 40–50 % range, protecting your building materials, improving indoor air quality, and helping your air-conditioning run more efficiently during the warmer months.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Instead of sitting in the middle of a basement like a portable unit, a whole-home dehumidifier is hard-wired into your HVAC’s return-air ductwork. Moist, stale air is pulled through the dehumidifier’s refrigeration coil where water condenses and drains to a nearby condensate line or pump. The now-drier air is reheated slightly and sent back into the supply plenum to be distributed through your normal vents. The equipment has its own humidity sensor and runs only when needed, independent of but complementary to your furnace or A/C cycles, so comfort is maintained year-round.
What signs tell me I should consider professional dehumidifier installation?
Common red flags include persistent window condensation, musty odors in closets or crawlspaces, visible mold on walls or ceiling corners, cupping hardwood floors, clammy air even when the thermostat says it’s comfortable, and a need to lower the thermostat to feel dry. If you use portable units but still empty buckets daily, or if your indoor humidity reading regularly exceeds 55 %, a built-in dehumidifier will give you stronger, whole-house control with less hassle.
How is the correct dehumidifier size determined for my house?
During our free in-home assessment we measure square footage, ceiling heights, air-change rate, existing insulation levels, and sources of water infiltration such as crawlspace vents or basement walls. We also log current relative-humidity levels at several spots. From this data we calculate the moisture load in pints per day and match it to models ranging from 70 to 155 pints. Proper sizing ensures the unit cycles efficiently—undersized equipment will run nonstop and wear out prematurely, while oversized units short-cycle and waste energy.
Will installation disrupt my daily routine and how long does it take?
Most whole-home dehumidifier installations in Hillsboro are completed in one business day. Our NATE-certified technicians arrive with drop cloths, set up dust control, and mount the unit in the mechanical room, crawlspace, or attic—wherever your duct configuration allows the smoothest airflow. We connect the drain line, integrate the control wiring, seal all duct transitions, and commission the unit with a live humidity test. Because we work inside existing ducts, drywall and flooring remain untouched, and you can stay in the home the entire time.
What maintenance do these systems require and do you offer service plans?
Whole-home dehumidifiers are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. The MERV-rated air filter should be checked every 6 months (more often if you have pets) and replaced as needed. The condensate drain needs annual flushing to prevent algae buildup, and the refrigeration coil should be inspected for dust accumulation. We include the first-year check-up with every installation and offer affordable HVAC + dehumidifier maintenance plans that cover biannual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounted repairs so your system continues to protect your home from Hillsboro’s persistent moisture for 10–15 years or more.