Excess Moisture

Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Sevierville

Escaping Sevierville’s sticky summers is easy when the air inside your home is as crisp and comfortable as a morning in the Smokies. HEP’s seasoned HVAC pros zero in on excess indoor moisture—the culprit behind clammy rooms, fogged-up windows, and the musty scent that never quite goes away—and banish it with precision dehumidifier installation. We evaluate your home’s square footage, existing ductwork, and problem zones, then pair you with a high-efficiency unit that quietly pulls gallons of water from the air while dovetailing seamlessly with your heating and cooling system.

Because our technicians are NATE-certified and Tennessee-licensed, you’ll enjoy workmanship that protects wood floors, curbs mold growth, and trims energy bills, all backed by HEP’s rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Take control of your indoor climate today—schedule your complimentary moisture assessment, and feel the difference a professionally installed whole-home dehumidifier makes season after season.

FAQs

Why is excess moisture a common problem in Sevierville homes, and how can a dehumidifier help?

Sevierville’s warm, humid summers and frequent rainfall create ideal conditions for high indoor humidity. When relative humidity stays above 50-55 %, moisture can condense on walls, floors, and inside ductwork, leading to mold growth, wood rot, musty odors, and aggravated allergy symptoms. A whole-home or dedicated crawl-space dehumidifier pulls moisture-laden air across a cold coil, condenses the water, then returns dry, comfortable air to the living space. By keeping indoor humidity in the 40–50 % range, a properly sized dehumidifier protects your home’s structure, improves indoor air quality, and makes air-conditioning more effective.

What types of dehumidifiers do you install, and how do I know which one is right for my house?

We install three main categories: (1) Whole-home ducted dehumidifiers that tie into your existing HVAC supply/return plenum, (2) Stand-alone crawl-space or basement units, and (3) Plug-in commercial-grade portable units for problem rooms. During a free in-home evaluation, our comfort specialist measures square footage, ceiling height, current HVAC capacity, moisture readings, and crawl-space conditions. From there we recommend a model with the right pint-per-day removal rating, airflow (CFM), and energy efficiency for your layout. In most Sevierville single-family homes, a 70- to 95-pint whole-house unit integrated with the central system gives the best balance of coverage, noise control, and convenience.

How is the correct size (pint capacity) of a dehumidifier determined?

Sizing is based on the AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) guidelines and Manual J load principles. We consider: • Total conditioned square footage and ceiling height • Average outdoor humidity and temperature • Number of occupants, pets, and daily moisture-producing activities • Existing insulation and vapor barrier condition • Infiltration from crawl spaces or basements. A rule of thumb is 10 pints for the first 500 sq ft plus 4 pints for every additional 500 sq ft, but Sevierville’s higher ambient humidity often requires upsizing 10-20 %. Our technician uses moisture meters and psychrometric charts to provide a written sizing report before installation.

Will running a whole-home dehumidifier raise my energy bills?

Surprisingly, most homeowners see little to no increase—and some notice a drop. Dehumidifiers typically draw 3–6 amps, but by lowering humidity they allow you to set the thermostat 2-3 °F higher while feeling the same comfort, reducing AC runtime. Many ENERGY STAR®–rated units we install remove over 4 pints per kilowatt-hour. In addition, drier air reduces strain on your HVAC coil, improving overall system efficiency and lifespan.

What does the installation process involve, and how long does it take?

After the consultation, installation is normally completed in one day. Our NATE-certified crew will: 1) Place protective floor coverings, 2) Mount the dehumidifier in the mechanical room, attic, or crawl space, 3) Connect insulated supply/return ducts or position the unit strategically for free-standing airflow, 4) Hard-wire to a dedicated 110-120 V circuit or install a receptacle if required, 5) Run a condensate line with a trap and optional pump to the exterior or sump, 6) Calibrate the onboard humidistat or integrate it with your smart thermostat. Before leaving, we test for proper airflow, verify humidity set-points, and show you basic controls.

What maintenance does a dehumidifier require, and do you offer service plans?

Routine care is simple: rinse or replace the air filter every 3–6 months, keep the condensate line clear, and vacuum the exterior grille. Once a year we recommend a professional tune-up that includes coil cleaning, refrigerant pressure check, electrical inspection, and humidity controller calibration. Our Comfort Shield Plan bundles that annual service with 15 % off parts, priority scheduling, and extended labor warranty coverage—ideal for busy Sevierville homeowners who want worry-free protection.