Excess Moisture

Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Crab Orchard

Sticky summers and damp, chilly winters can leave Crab Orchard homes feeling clammy, musty, and downright uncomfortable. HEP’s certified HVAC pros tackle the problem at its source with expert dehumidifier installation that integrates seamlessly into your current heating and air system. We evaluate crawlspaces, attics, and living areas, choose energy-efficient equipment sized for your square footage, and complete most projects in a single visit—so you’ll notice fresher, healthier air right away.

As a neighbor-owned company, we know the local climate’s quirks and stock trusted brands ready to handle them. Every install comes with transparent pricing, flexible financing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, backed by technicians who treat your home like their own. Ready to reclaim comfort and cut humidity-related energy costs? One call to HEP is all it takes.

FAQs

Why is excess indoor moisture a common problem in Crab Orchard homes, and what damage can it cause?

Crab Orchard sits in a valley that sees warm, humid summers, frequent rain, and large day-to-night temperature swings. When that outdoor moisture migrates indoors—or is created by cooking, showering, or ventless gas heaters—it can become trapped in today’s tightly sealed houses. Relative humidity above about 55 % encourages mold and mildew growth, attracts dust mites, and makes the air feel muggy. Over time, high humidity can swell wood flooring and trim, rust HVAC components, peel paint, and even weaken structural framing. It also forces your air conditioner to run longer because the system has to remove both heat and moisture, driving up utility bills.

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

A central dehumidifier is tied into your HVAC ductwork, usually by pulling humid air from the return side, passing it over a chilled coil to condense and drain away the water, and then sending the dried air back to the supply plenum. Because it has its own fan, it can operate whether or not the furnace blower or air conditioner is running. A wall-mounted humidistat—or the humidity feature in a modern smart thermostat—monitors indoor levels and tells the dehumidifier when to cycle. The unit’s dedicated drain line routes moisture to a sump pit or household plumbing so you never have buckets to empty.

How do I know if I need a professionally installed dehumidifier rather than a few portable units?

Portable plug-in units are fine for a single damp room, but they seldom keep an entire house or a large basement below the 50–55 % RH target. Signs you need a whole-home solution include persistent musty odors, condensation on windows even when the AC is running, visible mold on walls or joists, cupped hardwood floors, or humidity readings above 60 % on a hygrometer. Allergy or asthma flare-ups that improve when you leave the house are another clue. If several rooms feel clammy or your AC runs nonstop without ever feeling dry, a ducted dehumidifier will be more effective, quieter, and cheaper to operate long-term.

How is the correct dehumidifier size and model selected for my Crab Orchard home?

During an in-home assessment, our technician measures the square footage and ceiling heights, notes foundation type (basement, crawl, slab), evaluates infiltration paths, and checks existing HVAC capacity. We use AHAM guidelines to estimate the number of pints of moisture removal your home needs on a 60 % RH, 80 °F design day. Most single-family residences in Crab Orchard require a 70- to 120-pint-per-day unit. We also make sure the chosen model fits your duct layout, electrical service (120 V or 240 V), and condensate plumbing. Proper sizing is crucial: too small and humidity lingers; too large and the unit short-cycles, wasting energy.

What happens on installation day, and how long does the process take?

A typical whole-home dehumidifier installation takes three to five hours. First, we protect flooring and belongings, then cut precise openings in the supply and/or return ducts for the new take-offs. The unit is either hung from the floor joists on vibration-isolating straps or set on a custom platform. We run insulated flex or rigid duct, wire a dedicated electrical circuit if needed, and connect a PVC or vinyl drain line with an air-gap to your sump, condensate pump, or floor drain. After mounting the humidistat, we power up the system, check refrigerant pressures, verify condensate flow, and balance airflow so your HVAC remains properly charged. Before leaving, we walk you through control settings and recommended humidity targets for Crab Orchard’s seasons.

What upkeep and operating costs should I expect after the dehumidifier is installed?

Whole-home units are low-maintenance: clean or replace the air filter every three to six months and schedule an annual tune-up to inspect the coil, fan motor, and drain. Energy consumption averages 1–4 kWh per day depending on size and weather, translating to roughly $10–$40 per month. However, because drier air feels cooler, most homeowners raise the thermostat 2–3 °F and run the AC less, offsetting much of that cost. Life expectancy is 8–15 years, and most models carry a five-year parts warranty. Enrolling in our Moisture-Guard service plan covers routine maintenance, priority service, and keeps the warranty intact while giving you peace of mind.