HVAC System
HVAC System | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Charleston
Charleston’s salty breezes feel great on the Battery, but that same coastal humidity can creep into your home, straining your HVAC system and leaving rooms sticky and uncomfortable. HEP’s licensed technicians integrate whole-home dehumidifier installation with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment, pulling excess moisture from the air before it can cause musty odors, warped woodwork, or mold growth. The result: balanced temperatures, healthier indoor air, and lower energy bills because your AC no longer has to work overtime.
From the moment you schedule service, we handle everything—from right-sizing the unit and sealing ductwork to programming smart controls—so you can relax and breathe easier. Enjoy fast arrival times anywhere in Charleston, transparent pricing, and a full satisfaction guarantee backed by decades of HVAC expertise. Ready to reclaim crisp, comfortable air year-round? Call or click today, and let HEP turn your home into a humidity-free haven.
FAQs
Why is installing a whole-home dehumidifier important in Charleston’s climate?
Charleston’s subtropical weather means outdoor humidity often climbs above 70 %. When that moisture seeps indoors it makes a 75 °F room feel several degrees hotter, encourages mold growth, dust-mite activity, and can warp hardwood floors or cabinets. A whole-home dehumidifier automatically keeps indoor relative humidity in the 45–50 % comfort zone, improving air quality, protecting the building and furnishings, and letting your air-conditioner focus on cooling instead of moisture removal.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier connect to my existing HVAC system?
During installation our technicians mount the dehumidifier in your mechanical room, attic, or crawl space and tie it into the supply and/or return plenum with short duct runs. Moist air is drawn from the return side, dried as it passes over the dehumidifier’s cold coil, and the conditioned air is delivered back into the supply ductwork or directly into living areas. A dedicated humidistat can be wall-mounted or integrated into your smart thermostat so the unit only runs when humidity rises above your set point. The condensate is piped to the home’s existing drain or a condensate pump.
Will adding a dehumidifier lower my energy bills?
Yes. Because drier air feels cooler, most homeowners can raise the thermostat 2–3 °F and remain comfortable, reducing compressor runtime. Removing latent (moisture) load from the air-conditioner also lets the AC cycle less often and operate more efficiently, especially during Charleston’s muggy shoulder seasons when you need moisture control but minimal cooling. Many customers see electric savings of 5–15 % each summer, offsetting part of the equipment cost.
What size or capacity dehumidifier does my home need?
Whole-home units are rated by how many pints of water they can remove per day—common models range from 70 to 120 pints. Sizing depends on conditioned square footage, number of occupants, ceiling height, infiltration rate, and existing HVAC tonnage. For most 1,800–2,500 sq ft Charleston homes a 70–90-pint unit is sufficient, while larger or older homes with crawl spaces may benefit from a 100-120-pint model. We perform an on-site load calculation to ensure the selected unit maintains 45–50 % RH without short-cycling or running continuously.
How much does professional dehumidifier installation cost and how long does it take?
Installed pricing in the Charleston area typically ranges from $2,300 to $4,500, depending on capacity, duct modifications, and whether a condensate pump or upgraded controls are needed. The equipment itself represents roughly two-thirds of the total; labor, materials, and permitting make up the rest. A standard retrofit in an accessible attic or mechanical room can be completed in 4–6 hours, while crawl-space installations or complex ductwork may require a full day.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?
Routine upkeep is simple. The unit has an air filter that should be inspected monthly and replaced or cleaned every 3–6 months, just like your HVAC filter. Once a year the evaporator coil and internal blower should be checked for dust, and the condensate drain line flushed to prevent clogs. Our annual maintenance plan covers these tasks, verifies refrigerant charge and electrical components, and recalibrates the humidistat to keep your system running efficiently and warranty intact.