Indoor Humidity
Indoor Humidity | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Charleston
Sticky summer days in Charleston don’t have to follow you indoors. HEP’s Indoor Humidity Heating and Air Conditioning team pairs advanced moisture-balancing technology with hometown service to keep every room crisp, comfortable, and mold-free. Our licensed technicians evaluate your home’s unique humidity challenges, recommend the ideal system, and back their work with transparent pricing plus a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
With precise dehumidifier installation, we integrate the unit seamlessly into your existing HVAC, route drainage safely away, and calibrate smart controls that help lower energy bills while protecting wood floors, furniture, and family health. Experience the difference of fresh, balanced air—then enjoy peace of mind knowing HEP is on call 24/7 to maintain that serenity all year long. Schedule your appointment today and reclaim your Charleston home from the sticky coastal air.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier so important for Charleston homes?
Charleston’s subtropical climate keeps outdoor relative humidity above 60 % for much of the year, and that moisture finds its way indoors through air leaks, open doors, and daily activities such as cooking and showering. When indoor humidity climbs above 50 %, it can promote mold, mildew, dust-mite growth, musty odors, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling even when the thermostat is set low. A properly sized whole-home dehumidifier removes this excess moisture, protecting your home’s structure and furnishings, improving indoor-air quality, and allowing you to feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings, which can lower cooling costs.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier connect to my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
We install the dehumidifier in the supply or return plenum of your central ductwork, or as a dedicated "bypass" loop, so it can draw moist air from the house, wring out the water, and deliver the dry air back into the supply stream. A condensate line is run to a safe drain point or condensate pump to remove collected water. The unit is wired to its own digital controller or can be tied into many modern smart thermostats. Because the blower and refrigerant circuits are contained in the dehumidifier cabinet, no changes are required to your existing heat pump or air-conditioning system.
What size dehumidifier do I need and how is it calculated?
Sizing is based on the home’s square footage, typical infiltration rate, number of occupants, and existing HVAC load calculations. During our in-home assessment we measure the indoor relative humidity, inspect your crawl space or attic for moisture sources, and reference manufacturer capacity charts expressed in pints-per-day of moisture removal. As a rule of thumb, most Charleston homes between 1,800 and 3,000 ft² need a 70–95 pint per day unit, while larger or leakier homes may require 120 pint models or multiple units. Proper sizing is critical; an undersized unit will run constantly without reaching target humidity, while an oversized one will short-cycle and waste energy.
Will adding a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
A dehumidifier does draw electricity, but in our climate it often reduces overall energy use. By removing latent (moisture) load, your air conditioner can cycle off sooner or be set 2–3 °F higher while still feeling just as comfortable, trimming cooling costs 5–15 %. Modern whole-home units use efficient scroll compressors and ECM blowers; a typical 70-pint model averages 4–6 kWh per day during peak summer humidity. Many homeowners see a net neutral or even positive impact on their monthly bill, along with lower maintenance costs from reduced mold and corrosion.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my home?
Most projects are completed in one day. Our technicians arrive with floor coverings, protect the work area, and mount the dehumidifier in the attic, crawl space, or mechanical closet. We connect ductwork, run a dedicated 115 V or 230 V circuit if needed, tie in the condensate drain, and commission the control. Because we tie into existing ducts, drywall or major carpentry is rarely required. You can remain in the home, and the HVAC system is usually offline for less than an hour during final connections.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require, and can you service it?
Routine care is simple: replace or clean the built-in air filter every 3–6 months, verify the condensate line is clear, and inspect the coil annually for dust buildup. During our spring or fall HVAC tune-ups we include a 10-point dehumidifier check—coil temperature drop, refrigerant pressures, blower amps, and humidity-sensor calibration—to keep your warranty intact. If you prefer DIY, we’ll show you where the filter and drain are located after installation; otherwise, our Comfort Club members have this maintenance covered in their plan.