Humidity Levels
Humidity Levels | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Pikeville
When summer storms roll across Pikeville and the mountains wrap you in muggy air, HEP’s Humidity Levels Heating & Air Conditioning team brings welcome relief. Our certified technicians assess your home’s unique moisture challenges, then size and place a whole-house system that quietly pulls excess water from every corner—protecting hardwood floors, guarding against mold, and helping your HVAC run more efficiently. From the first phone call to the final walkthrough, we keep the process transparent, tidy, and tailored to your budget.
Residents choose us for precise dehumidifier installation because we pair local know-how with proven brands and upfront, flat-rate pricing. Whether your crawl space feels clammy or your living room windows constantly fog, one visit from HEP can turn sticky rooms into spaces that feel crisp, clean, and comfortably Southern. Breathe easier, sleep better, and enjoy Pikeville’s charm—minus the humidity.
FAQs
Why is controlling indoor humidity important in Pikeville?
Pikeville’s warm, humid summers mean outside moisture often migrates indoors. High humidity (above 60%) can cause mold growth, musty odors, warped wood floors, and uncomfortable “sticky” air that makes your air-conditioner work harder. Keeping indoor relative humidity in the 30–50% range improves comfort, protects furnishings, and reduces allergens—benefits that are especially noticeable in our Appalachian climate.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier integrate with my existing HVAC system?
A whole-home dehumidifier is installed in the supply or return plenum of your central heating and air-conditioning ductwork. The unit draws warm, moist air across a refrigerated coil, condenses and drains the water, then delivers dry, conditioned air back into the ducts. Because it runs automatically with its own humidistat, it maintains set humidity levels without relying solely on the A/C, cutting down on unnecessary cooling cycles.
What size dehumidifier do I need for my Pikeville home?
Sizing is based on square footage, typical indoor moisture load, basement or crawl-space conditions, and the tightness of your home’s envelope. During our free in-home assessment we use hygrometers to measure current humidity, inspect insulation and ventilation, and calculate the correct pint-per-day capacity. A typical 2,000-sq-ft Pikeville home often needs a 70–90 pint unit, but larger homes or those with finished basements may require 100 pint or higher capacities.
Will a dehumidifier increase my energy bill?
A dehumidifier does consume electricity, but it often lowers total energy costs. Drier air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat 2–3 °F and run the A/C less. In many Pikeville homes the reduced cooling load offsets most or all of the dehumidifier’s draw. ENERGY STAR®-rated units we install use advanced compressors and can remove up to 4 liters of water per kilowatt-hour—about 15–20% more efficient than standard models.
How often does a dehumidifier need maintenance and filter changes?
Maintenance is minimal. We recommend replacing or cleaning the air filter every 3–6 months, depending on household dust and pet dander. The condensate drain line should be inspected annually to prevent clogs, and the coil should be checked for dust buildup. During your annual HVAC tune-up, our technicians will test the humidistat calibration, clean the unit, and verify proper drainage—services included in our Comfort Club plan.
What is the installation process and how long does it take?
After the initial consultation, installation is typically completed in 4–6 hours. Our licensed technicians will: 1) shut off power to the HVAC system, 2) cut an access opening in the duct, 3) mount and seal the dehumidifier, 4) connect the condensate line to an existing drain or condensate pump, 5) wire the unit to a dedicated 120 V circuit or existing furnace power, 6) install the wall-mounted humidistat, and 7) test operation. You’ll receive a walkthrough on settings and maintenance plus a written one-year labor warranty and manufacturer’s warranty registration.