Excess Moisture
Excess Moisture | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Pigeon Forge
Living in the Smoky Mountains means breathtaking views—and humidity levels that can soak your comfort. HEP’s excess moisture heating and air conditioning experts bring relief to Pigeon Forge homes with precision dehumidifier installation that works hand-in-hand with your HVAC system. We assess crawl spaces, basements, and living areas, then size and position a high-capacity unit that quietly pulls gallons of water from the air each day, guarding against mold, musty odors, and warped wood while lowering the workload on your A/C.
From the moment you schedule, our certified technicians arrive on time, protect your flooring, and leave you with a fully calibrated unit plus tips for keeping humidity in the optimal 30–50% range year-round. Combine our workmanship guarantee with 24/7 emergency support, and you’ll see why Pigeon Forge homeowners trust HEP to keep their cabins, condos, and cottages fresh, healthy, and energy-efficient—no matter how thick the mountain air feels outside.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Pigeon Forge?
Pigeon Forge’s warm, humid summers often push indoor relative humidity well above the recommended 30-50% range. Excess moisture encourages mold growth, dust-mite activity, musty odors, and can even make your air conditioner work harder. A properly sized whole-home dehumidifier removes the extra moisture before it circulates, protecting your home’s structure, improving indoor air quality, and increasing comfort without having to over-cool the space.
How is a whole-home dehumidifier installed with my existing HVAC system?
Our technicians mount the dehumidifier in line with your home’s return or supply ductwork—usually in an accessible area such as a mechanical room, crawl space, or attic. The unit draws humid air from the return side, extracts moisture, and then delivers the dried air back into the supply plenum. We wire the dehumidifier to your HVAC control board or a dedicated humidistat, add a condensate drain line, seal the duct connections, and test for proper airflow and moisture removal. Most installations take 4–6 hours and require no major remodeling.
Will a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
A dehumidifier does consume electricity, but it can actually reduce your total energy expense. Lower indoor humidity makes you feel cooler at higher thermostat settings, allowing you to raise the AC set-point by 2–3 °F. Your air conditioner then runs less often, offsetting much of the dehumidifier’s usage. Modern whole-home units are ENERGY STAR® certified and typically add only $3–$7 per month to the average Pigeon Forge utility bill while extending the life of your HVAC equipment.
How do I know what size dehumidifier my home needs?
Sizing is based on square footage, ceiling height, infiltration rates, and typical moisture loads (showers, cooking, open windows, etc.). We perform an in-home assessment that includes measuring indoor RH levels, evaluating duct layout, and calculating the moisture removal requirement in pints per day. In general, a 2,000-square-foot Pigeon Forge home needs a 70-90 Pint/day unit, while larger or leakier homes may require 120 Pint/day models. Proper sizing ensures efficient operation and prevents short-cycling.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?
Maintenance is minimal: 1) Replace or clean the built-in air filter every 3–6 months; 2) Inspect and flush the condensate drain annually to prevent clogs; 3) Check the humidistat calibration and duct seals during your spring or fall HVAC tune-up. Most high-quality units last 8–15 years, and staying on top of these simple tasks keeps efficiency high and prevents water leaks.
Can a dehumidifier solve existing mold or musty odor problems?
Lowering humidity to below 50% stops mold and mildew from actively growing and will gradually dry out damp building materials, but it won’t remove existing colonies or stains. If you already have visible mold, we recommend professional remediation first. Once the affected areas are cleaned and sealed, the dehumidifier maintains safe humidity levels to prevent the problem from returning, eliminating odors and safeguarding your family’s health long-term.