Dehumidifier Installation & Repair in Gwinnett County

Georgia's humid subtropical climate means excess moisture is a constant challenge. High humidity promotes mold growth, dust mites, musty odors, and structural damage. If your home or specific areas (basements, crawlspaces, attics) feel damp or smell musty, excess humidity is likely the cause.

Henson Mechanical installs and repairs whole-house dehumidifiers and targeted humidity control systems throughout Georgia. We help protect your home from moisture damage while improving indoor air quality and comfort.

Why Excess Humidity is a Problem:

Health Issues: High indoor humidity (above 60%) promotes:

• Mold and mildew growth (triggers allergies, asthma, respiratory issues)
• Dust mite proliferation (major allergen source)
• Airborne mold spores and bacteria
• Musty odors indicating microbial growth

Home Damage: Excess humidity causes:

• Wood rot in structural components (joists, beams, trim)
• Mold growth in walls and attics
• Peeling paint and wallpaper
• Warping of wood flooring
• Rust on metal components
• Deterioration of insulation
• Foundation damage and basement flooding risks

Comfort Issues:

• Sticky, uncomfortable feeling (high temp + high humidity)
• Condensation on windows and mirrors
• Wet basement or crawlspace smell
• Feeling of stuffiness

When You Need Dehumidification:

• Basements: Below-grade spaces naturally collect moisture from soil and groundwater
• Crawlspaces: Dirt floors in crawlspaces trap moisture
• Attics: In hot, humid climates, attics can trap moisture from ventilation and roof leaks
• Bathrooms/Kitchens: High moisture from showers and cooking
• Laundry rooms: Dryers add significant moisture
• New Construction: Drying out from construction moisture takes weeks/months
• After Water Damage: Flooded basements require dehumidification to dry out

Dehumidifier Types & Solutions:

Whole-House Dehumidifiers: Integrated with your HVAC system to dehumidify throughout the entire home:

• Mounted on your furnace/air handler
• Removes moisture as air circulates
• Automatic humidity control via humidistat
• Most effective for homes with consistently high humidity
• Cost: $1,500-$3,500 installed
• Best for: Whole-home humidity problems

Basement/Crawlspace Dehumidifiers: Targeted systems for moisture-prone areas:

• Standalone units for specific rooms or zones
• Portable models for temporary use (water damage recovery)
• Ducted systems that tie into HVAC for better distribution
• Cost: $600-$2,000 installed (portable) to $2,000-$4,000 (permanent installations)
• Best for: Localized high-humidity areas

Portable/Spot Dehumidifiers: For temporary or emergency situations:

• Rent or purchase for water damage recovery
• Useful for new construction drying
• Limited to single-room coverage
• Require manual drainage or continuous water removal
• Cost: $200-$600 purchase; $20-$40/day rental

Our Dehumidification Solutions:

1. Humidity Assessment: We measure current humidity levels in different areas (basement, main living space, attic) to identify problem zones
2. Root Cause Analysis: We investigate why humidity is excessive (poor ventilation? plumbing leaks? basement water intrusion?)
3. Solution Design: Based on assessment, we recommend:
   • Whole-house dehumidifier (if home-wide problem)
   • Targeted dehumidifier (for specific areas)
   • Ventilation improvements (exhaust fans, crawlspace vents)
   • Moisture barriers (crawlspace liners, sump pumps)
4. Installation: Professional installation ensures proper operation and optimal moisture removal
5. Humidity Monitoring: We verify target humidity (typically 40-60%) is achieved
6. Maintenance: Regular filter cleaning and service keep dehumidifiers operating efficiently

Dehumidifier Maintenance:

Regular maintenance extends dehumidifier life:

• Monthly filter replacement or cleaning
• Coil cleaning (prevents mold growth on dehumidifier itself)
• Drain line inspection (ensure water properly drains)
• Humidistat calibration verification
• Seasonal startup/shutdown

Neglected dehumidifiers become ineffective or develop mold/mildew problems.

Basement Moisture Solutions Beyond Dehumidifiers:

Sometimes excess humidity requires multiple approaches:

Ventilation:

• Exhaust fans in bathrooms (vent to outside, not attic)
• Bathroom ventilation fans prevent moisture accumulation
• Kitchen exhaust hoods remove cooking moisture
• Adequate attic ventilation prevents moisture trapped in roof spaces

Moisture Barriers:

• Crawlspace liners prevent soil moisture from entering (major source)
• Vapor barriers in basements reduce floor moisture
• Sump pumps remove standing water/groundwater

Drainage:

• Proper grading around foundation directs water away
• Gutters and downspouts extend water away from foundation
• French drains redirect groundwater

Waterproofing:

• Basement wall sealants prevent water infiltration
• Exterior foundation waterproofing redirects groundwater
• Window well covers prevent water entry

When to Dehumidify vs. Air Condition:

Your AC system does remove some moisture (it dehumidifies), but:

• AC is primarily for cooling; dehumidification is secondary
• AC won't remove enough moisture in humid climates
• Dedicated dehumidifiers are more efficient at moisture removal
• In summer, running AC removes significant moisture
• In winter, AC is off; supplemental dehumidifiers are needed

Many homeowners use both: AC in summer for cooling + dehumidification, and dedicated dehumidifiers in winter/transition seasons.

Signs You Need Dehumidification:

• Musty basement or crawlspace smell
• Visible condensation on windows/pipes
• Moisture stains on walls or ceilings
• Mold spots or mildew odor
• Sticky feeling even at moderate temperatures
• High humidity readings (above 60%) on a hygrometer
• Recent water damage or flooding