Whole-house Dehumidifier
Whole-house Dehumidifier | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Charleston
Charleston’s salt-tinged breeze may feel charming on the waterfront, but inside your home that same moist air can warp floors, invite allergens, and make your air conditioner work overtime. HEP’s certified HVAC team designs seamless whole-house solutions that pair your existing heating and cooling system with a premium dehumidifier, drawing excess moisture out of every room through the same ductwork that already keeps you comfortable. The result is crisp, balanced air that protects your furnishings, lowers energy bills, and makes summer nights feel refreshingly light.
Schedule your dehumidifier installation with HEP today and experience Charleston living without the sticky side effects. From the first moisture reading to the final system check, we handle everything—permits, electrical, calibration, and ongoing maintenance—so all you notice is the difference in the air. Call or book online for a free, same-day quote and breathe easy all year long.
FAQs
Why is a whole-house dehumidifier especially important for homes in Charleston?
Charleston’s subtropical climate brings long, humid summers and mild, damp winters. High indoor humidity (above 60%) encourages mold growth, dust mites, wood rot, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling—even when the air conditioner is running. A whole-house dehumidifier integrates with your HVAC system to automatically pull excess moisture from every room, maintaining an ideal 45–50% relative humidity and protecting both your family’s health and your home’s structure year-round.
How does a whole-house dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
During installation, the dehumidifier is hard-ducted into your supply or return plenum so it treats all circulated air. A dedicated condensate drain line carries removed moisture to the exterior or a floor drain. The unit is wired to your HVAC controls or to a standalone humidistat, allowing it to run independently of the air conditioner. This means it can reduce humidity without over-cooling the house, lowering energy costs and easing wear on your AC.
Will adding a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
Most homeowners see lower overall energy costs. Because drier air feels cooler, you can set the thermostat 2–3°F higher and run the AC less. The dehumidifier itself uses modest power—typically 5–8 amps, similar to a small window unit—but that consumption is offset by reduced air-conditioning runtime and improved system efficiency. Many Charleston clients report 5–15% annual HVAC savings after installation.
How do I know what size dehumidifier my house needs?
Sizing depends on square footage, ceiling height, typical indoor moisture load (cooking, showers, occupants), and infiltration from crawl spaces or attics. Our technicians perform a Manual J load calculation and measure baseline humidity during a site visit. Whole-house units are rated in pints per day; most Charleston homes require 70–120 pints/day, while larger or older homes with crawl-space moisture may need 130–155 pints/day. Proper sizing ensures efficient moisture removal without short-cycling.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
After the consultation, installation generally takes 4–6 hours. Steps include: 1) placing the dehumidifier in an accessible attic, crawl space, or mechanical room; 2) tying into the existing supply/return ductwork with insulated flex or hard pipe; 3) wiring to the air-handler or control board, and mounting a wall-mounted humidistat if desired; 4) running a condensate drain with an optional safety float switch; and 5) testing airflow, amperage draw, and humidity set-points. We protect floors, seal duct penetrations, and leave the workspace clean.
What maintenance does a whole-house dehumidifier require after installation?
Routine upkeep is simple: 1) Replace or rinse the built-in MERV filter every 6–12 months to keep airflow unrestricted; 2) Inspect and clear the condensate drain line each spring to prevent clogs; 3) Have our technician check refrigerant pressures, coils, and blower operation during your annual HVAC service visit. With regular care, quality units last 10–15 years and carry 5-year parts warranties.