Mold Growth

Mold Growth | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Chattanooga

In Chattanooga’s humid climate, mold can take hold fast—invading ductwork, warping wood, and leaving that unmistakable musty smell in its wake. HEP’s licensed HVAC specialists tackle the problem at its source with precision dehumidifier installation, integrating the unit seamlessly into your existing heating and air conditioning system. By extracting excess moisture before it has a chance to settle, we protect your home, your family’s health, and the efficiency of your HVAC equipment.

From the first inspection to the final airflow test, you’ll feel the HEP difference: transparent quotes, punctual techs, and a 100 % satisfaction guarantee backed by decades of local experience. Say goodbye to clammy rooms and lurking mold spores—call or click today and let Chattanooga’s trusted comfort team restore crisp, breathable air to every corner of your home.

FAQs

Why is mold such a common problem in Chattanooga homes, and how can a whole-home dehumidifier help?

Chattanooga sits in the Tennessee River Valley, where average outdoor humidity often exceeds 70 %. When that moist air infiltrates a conditioned home, it can raise indoor relative humidity (RH) above 60 %—the threshold at which mold spores germinate on drywall, framing and in ductwork. A whole-home dehumidifier ties directly into your heating and air-conditioning system, pulling moisture from the airstream before it circulates through the house. By keeping RH in the 45-50 % range, the unit removes mold’s most critical growth ingredient—excess moisture—without relying solely on spot dehumidifiers or over-cooling with the AC.

How is a whole-home dehumidifier installed in my existing HVAC system?

Our technicians mount the dehumidifier in-line with the supply or return ductwork, typically in the attic, crawl space or mechanical closet. A dedicated return draws humid air into the unit, where it passes over a refrigerated coil that condenses water into a drain line. The dried air is then delivered back to the supply plenum so every room benefits. We add a condensate pump if gravity drainage isn’t available, wire the unit to its own digital humidistat (or to your compatible smart thermostat) and balance the ductwork so static pressure and airflow remain within manufacturer specs.

How long does installation take and will I lose heating or cooling during the process?

Most residential installations are completed in one business day. We shut the HVAC system off only when we cut into the ductwork—usually 1–2 hours—so discomfort is minimal. If your project also involves crawl-space vapor-barrier work or additional return ducts, plan on a second day. Our crew lays down protective floor coverings, and we perform a full start-up test before leaving so your heating and cooling resume right away.

What does a dehumidifier installation cost in the Chattanooga area, and is it worth the investment?

Installed pricing for a high-capacity, whole-home unit (70–120 pints per day) ranges from $2,200 to $3,800, depending on capacity, drain and electrical requirements. While that is more than several portable units, the whole-home system typically lowers summer AC run-times by 10–15 %, prevents mold-related remediation bills that can exceed $5,000, and protects hardwood floors, furniture and stored items. Many customers see a payback in 3–5 years through energy savings and avoided repairs.

Will running a dehumidifier increase my electric bill?

A whole-home dehumidifier draws 4–7 amps—about the same as a small window AC. However, by wringing moisture from the air, it lets you raise your thermostat 2–3 °F while feeling just as comfortable, which usually offsets or even surpasses the dehumidifier’s electrical consumption. In energy-efficient Chattanooga homes, net savings of 50–150 kWh per summer have been documented.

What kind of maintenance does the dehumidifier require?

1) Replace or clean the unit’s MERV-8 air filter every 3–6 months so coils stay clean. 2) Pour a cup of diluted bleach into the condensate trap twice a year to inhibit algae. 3) Have our service team inspect the refrigeration charge, blower wheel and drain line annually during your HVAC tune-up. With routine care, most whole-home dehumidifiers last 10–15 years—about the same life expectancy as a quality air handler.