Excess Moisture

Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Old Fort

Humidity sneaks into every corner of an Old Fort home, warping wood floors, encouraging mold, and making your HVAC system work overtime. HEP’s team zeroes in on that excess moisture with precision instruments, then pairs you with a right-sized, energy-smart solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment. From crawl spaces to second-story bedrooms, we create a drier, healthier environment that feels instantly fresher—and costs less to heat and cool.

Our licensed technicians treat every project like their own home, arriving on time, protecting your space, and explaining every step of the dehumidifier installation in clear, friendly language. Backed by up-front pricing, local Old Fort expertise, and industry-leading warranties, HEP eliminates the damp for good so you can breathe easy and protect what matters most.

FAQs

Why is excess moisture such a common issue for homes in Old Fort?

Old Fort’s warm, humid summers and frequent rainfall cause outdoor moisture to infiltrate homes through crawl spaces, basements, and small air leaks. Modern, well-insulated houses also trap indoor humidity from everyday activities such as cooking, showering, and doing laundry. When relative humidity consistently rises above 50–55 %, you may notice musty odors, mold growth, cupping hardwood floors, sticky indoor air, and higher cooling costs. Installing a properly sized whole-home dehumidifier removes this excess moisture before it creates comfort, health, or structural problems.

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

A whole-home dehumidifier is tied directly into your supply and/or return ductwork. A dedicated humidistat (or your smart thermostat) senses moisture levels, and when humidity exceeds the set point, the unit draws air from the duct system, removes moisture through refrigeration coils, and returns the dried air to your home. This allows the air-conditioning system to focus on temperature control while the dehumidifier manages humidity, improving comfort and efficiency without the need for multiple portable units.

What size dehumidifier will my house need?

Sizing depends on square footage, ceiling height, typical indoor humidity, air-infiltration rate, and whether your primary moisture source is a basement/crawl space or the living area. In most Old Fort residences, capacities range from 70 to 120 pints per day. During an in-home assessment, our technicians measure indoor RH levels, perform load calculations, inspect the duct system, and identify moisture entry points. This data ensures we recommend a dehumidifier that can maintain 45–50 % RH without excessive cycling, saving energy and prolonging equipment life.

What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?

A standard installation is completed in 4–6 hours. First, we select an accessible location (often near the air handler or in the crawl space). We then mount or set the dehumidifier on vibration-isolating pads, connect it to the return/supply ducts, and install a dedicated condensate drain line or pump to route water safely outdoors or to a sump. Electrical work includes adding a GFCI outlet or hard-wiring to code. Finally, we calibrate the humidistat, check airflow, and demonstrate system operation. All work is performed by licensed, insured HVAC technicians, and no major structural changes are required.

What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?

Compared with portable units, maintenance is minimal. You’ll need to replace or rinse the air filter every 3–6 months, similar to an HVAC filter. Once a year our technician will clean the evaporator coils, inspect the drain pan and line for clogs, verify refrigerant pressures, and recalibrate controls. These tasks can be bundled with your regular HVAC tune-up to keep labor costs low and ensure consistent humidity control.

Will a dehumidifier lower my energy bills and improve comfort?

Yes. By maintaining 45–50 % RH, the air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat 2–3 °F without sacrificing comfort. The air-conditioner runs less often, cutting cooling costs by up to 10–15 %. Lower humidity also protects wood flooring, furniture, and electronics, reducing repair expenses. Health benefits include reduced mold, dust mites, and allergens, leading to better indoor air quality and fewer musty odors—especially valuable during Old Fort’s muggy summer months.