Existing HVAC Equipment
Existing HVAC Equipment | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning
When Tennessee humidity strikes, your air conditioner has to work overtime just to keep you comfortable—yet the air can still feel clammy and allergens flourish. A professional dehumidifier installation from HEP adds the missing piece to your HVAC system, quietly drawing excess moisture out of every room while easing the load on your AC. The result? Cooler-feeling temperatures, lower energy bills, and a healthier home where mold, mildew, and dust mites struggle to survive.
Our licensed technicians integrate premium, whole-home dehumidifiers with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment in a single visit. We size each unit precisely, run hidden drain lines, and calibrate controls so you can set it and forget it. Backed by transparent pricing and HEP’s workmanship guarantee, you’ll enjoy long-term peace of mind—plus that fresh, crisp indoor air you’ve always wanted.
FAQs
Why should I add a whole-home dehumidifier to my existing HVAC system?
Excess indoor humidity makes your home feel warmer, encourages mold growth, damages wood furnishings, and forces your air conditioner to work harder. A properly sized whole-home dehumidifier removes moisture before it circulates through the ductwork, letting you set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. This can lower cooling costs, improve indoor air quality, and protect your home’s structure and belongings year-round.
How is a whole-home dehumidifier installed with my current heating and cooling equipment?
During installation the technician mounts the dehumidifier near your air handler or furnace and connects it to the return or supply plenum using short runs of insulated duct. A dedicated condensate drain line is added to direct collected water to a floor drain or condensate pump, and a 120-V or 240-V electrical circuit is wired according to the unit’s requirements. Finally, a wired or wireless humidity controller is installed—either as a standalone wall control or integrated into your existing smart thermostat—so the system automatically cycles on when indoor relative humidity rises above your chosen set point.
Will a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
A dehumidifier does use electricity, but it often reduces overall energy consumption because drier air feels cooler. Homeowners typically raise the thermostat 2-4 °F after installation, trimming air-conditioning run times. Modern whole-home units draw 3–7 amps, roughly the same as a few lightbulbs, and most carry Energy Star certification. In humid climates the reduction in AC runtime usually offsets, or even exceeds, the dehumidifier’s electrical use, leading to a net savings on annual utility bills.
Can the dehumidifier be controlled through my existing thermostat or smart home platform?
Yes. Many newer HVAC thermostats—especially smart models from Honeywell, ecobee, Carrier, Lennox, and Trane—have built-in dehumidification terminals or wireless modules. If your current thermostat supports it, the installer will simply land the control wire from the dehumidifier on the designated DH or ACC+ terminal, allowing you to set and monitor humidity from the same screen or mobile app you already use for temperature control. If your thermostat lacks this feature, a dedicated wall-mounted humidistat or a Wi-Fi controller can be added without replacing your existing thermostat.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?
Routine upkeep is simple. 1) Clean or replace the unit’s air filter every 3–6 months to maintain airflow and efficiency. 2) Check the condensate drain line for clogs and flush it with a 50/50 vinegar-water mix annually. 3) Inspect the evaporator coil and internal blower wheel each year for dust buildup; your HVAC technician can clean these during regular system tune-ups. 4) Verify that the humidistat is accurately reading indoor RH; most controllers have a built-in calibration mode. Proper maintenance keeps the dehumidifier operating at peak efficiency for 10–15 years.
How do I know what size dehumidifier my home needs?
Sizing is based on total square footage, ceiling height, occupancy, and typical indoor moisture loads (cooking, showers, basement seepage, etc.). Whole-home dehumidifiers are rated in pints per day (PPD) of moisture removal. A 2,000–3,000 sq ft home in a humid climate often requires a 70–90 PPD unit, while larger or more humid spaces may need 120 PPD or more. Your HVAC professional will perform a Manual J or ACCA-approved dehumidification load calculation, accounting for infiltration rates and existing HVAC capacity, to recommend the correct model. Proper sizing ensures effective moisture control without short-cycling or wasted energy.