Smart Controls
Smart Controls | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Cumberland Gap
Living in Cumberland Gap means savoring crisp mountain mornings—and often battling the wet, heavy air that settles in our homes. HEP’s Smart Controls Heating & Air Conditioning team delivers tailored comfort solutions that tame that humidity while boosting overall efficiency. Our licensed technicians analyze your home’s airflow patterns, then integrate advanced controls that let you fine-tune temperature, moisture levels, and energy use from a single intuitive app.
When you choose our dehumidifier installation service, you’re not just adding a standalone appliance; you ’re upgrading to a whole-home climate strategy built for East Tennessee’s unique weather swings. From the first inspection to the final walkthrough, we treat your house like our own—ensuring quiet operation, cleaner indoor air, and lower utility bills season after season. Ready to reclaim comfortable, breathable space? HEP is only a call or click away.
FAQs
Why should I add a whole-home dehumidifier to my HVAC system in Cumberland Gap?
Cumberland Gap’s river valleys trap moisture year-round, so indoor humidity often exceeds the recommended 45–50 percent range. Excess humidity breeds mold, dust mites, and musty odors and makes your air-conditioner work harder. A professionally installed whole-home dehumidifier removes pints of water per day from the air that passes through your supply and return ducts, relieving the A/C load, lowering energy use by up to 15 percent, and helping your family breathe easier.
How do smart controls work with a new dehumidifier and my existing heating and cooling equipment?
Our smart controller replaces or complements your current thermostat. It links the dehumidifier, furnace, heat pump, or air-conditioner through a common control board and Wi-Fi. The onboard sensors track temperature, relative humidity, and even outdoor weather data. Based on your setpoints, the controller decides whether to run the dehumidifier alone, stage cooling, or activate reheat to maintain comfort without over-cooling. You can monitor or adjust every parameter from a phone app, receive alerts if the drain line blocks, and view energy-use reports to optimize settings.
Will installing a dehumidifier raise my utility bills?
For most homes the opposite is true. Because dry air feels cooler, homeowners typically increase the cooling setpoint 2–3 °F after installation, saving roughly 5–6 percent per degree. The dehumidifier’s compressor is smaller than your A/C’s and runs only when humidity is high, so its additional wattage is usually offset by reduced run-time on the main system. Smart controls maximize this benefit by coordinating cycles and preventing both units from operating at the same time unless absolutely necessary.
What is involved in the installation process and how long does it take?
1) Site assessment – we measure humidity loads, inspect ductwork, and choose the correct unit size (usually 70–120 pints per day). 2) Duct connection – we install dedicated supply and return taps to the main trunk, seal joints with mastic, and insulate as needed to prevent condensation. 3) Condensate management – a new PVC drain line with air-gap and optional condensate pump is routed to a floor drain or outdoors. 4) Electrical – the unit is hard-wired to a dedicated breaker or plugged into a GFCI receptacle per code. 5) Smart control setup – we mount the control, pair it to Wi-Fi, and program initial schedules. A typical retrofit takes 4–6 hours and rarely requires drywall work. Your system can usually operate during most of the installation.
How do I maintain and monitor the dehumidifier after installation?
Maintenance is simple: rinse or replace the MERV-rated intake filter every 3–6 months, vacuum the exterior grille, and flush the condensate line annually with a 50/50 vinegar solution. The smart controller or app will remind you of these tasks and alert you to any faults, such as high coil temperature or restricted airflow. We include a one-year complimentary maintenance visit where a technician checks refrigerant charge, cleans the coils, and recalibrates sensors.
Are there rebates, warranties, or financing options for smart control dehumidifier upgrades?
Yes. Many electric co-ops serving the Cumberland Gap region, including Powell Valley Electric, currently offer $100–$150 rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified whole-home dehumidifiers. Our preferred units carry a 5-year parts and 1-year labor warranty, extendable to 10 years with our Comfort Shield plan. We also provide 0 percent financing for 12 months or low-interest plans up to 60 months on approved credit. Ask your comfort advisor to bundle the dehumidifier with a new smart thermostat or variable-speed heat pump to maximize available incentives.