Dust Mites

Dust Mites | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cookeville

In humid Cookeville summers, excess moisture feeds dust mites, warps woodwork, and leaves your home feeling sticky no matter how low you set the thermostat. HEP’s Dust Mites Heating and Air Conditioning team tames that clammy air with precise, whole-house solutions that work hand-in-hand with your existing HVAC system. Our NATE-certified technicians size, place, and program each unit to draw out just the right amount of moisture, creating a healthier environment that’s easier to cool—and easier to breathe.

From the first inspection to the final walkthrough, you’ll notice the difference a local, family-owned company makes. We arrive on time, protect your floors, and even haul away old equipment at no extra charge. If you’re ready to conquer Cookeville’s humidity once and for all, schedule your dehumidifier installation with HEP today and enjoy crisp, comfortable air every season.

FAQs

Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for controlling dust mites in Cookeville?

Cookeville’s warm summers and year-round rainfall keep indoor humidity high—often above 60 %. Dust mites thrive when relative humidity stays above 50 %, triggering allergies and asthma. A professionally sized whole-home dehumidifier pulls excess moisture from every room, keeping the air below the 45–50 % range that dust mites need to survive. The result is fewer allergens, improved indoor air quality, and a more comfortable living environment.

How does a dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system?

We install the dehumidifier directly into your home’s supply or return ductwork. When humidity rises above your setpoint, the unit automatically draws air from the ducts, removes moisture through refrigeration coils, and sends the dried air back through the HVAC system for even distribution. The dehumidifier runs independently of the furnace or air conditioner, but its onboard controller can communicate with your thermostat so the entire system works together for optimal comfort and efficiency.

What indoor humidity level should I maintain to minimize dust mites and prevent mold growth?

ASHRAE and EPA guidelines recommend keeping relative humidity between 30 % and 50 %. For dust-mite control, 45 % or lower is ideal. Your dehumidifier’s digital humidistat lets you program a precise setpoint; we usually suggest starting at 45 % during the cooling season and adjusting in 5 % increments until allergies improve and condensation disappears from windows and vents.

Will adding a whole-home dehumidifier increase my energy bills?

A dehumidifier uses electricity, but most homeowners see little or no net increase because the air conditioner no longer has to over-cool the air to remove moisture. By maintaining proper humidity, you can comfortably set your thermostat 2–3 °F higher in summer, cutting AC run-time. In winter, balanced moisture reduces the need for supplemental heating. Modern ENERGY STAR® dehumidifiers we install in Cookeville draw about the same power as a desktop computer, and many customers report overall energy savings.

How often does a whole-home dehumidifier need maintenance, and what does it involve?

These systems are low-maintenance. We recommend an annual service visit that includes cleaning or replacing the air filter, flushing the condensate line, checking refrigerant pressures, and verifying electrical connections. Homeowners should rinse the filter every 2–3 months if the unit has a washable core. During your regular HVAC tune-up, our technician will also inspect the dehumidifier, so you don’t need a separate appointment.

What is the installation process and how long does it take?

After a free in-home humidity assessment, we select the right-sized unit (measured in pints per day) for your square footage and moisture load. On installation day, our licensed technicians: 1. Isolate power to the HVAC system. 2. Cut a small access section in the supply or return duct. 3. Mount vibration-damping brackets and secure the dehumidifier. 4. Run a dedicated condensate drain to your home’s plumbing or sump pump. 5. Wire the control panel to your thermostat or a separate wall humidistat. 6. Test airflow, humidity reduction, and safety shut-offs. The entire process usually takes 4–6 hours, and there is minimal disruption—no drywall removal or major construction required. By evening, you’ll notice drier, fresher air throughout your home.