Wood Floors
Wood Floors | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Elizabethton
When Appalachian humidity starts to swell your beautiful hardwood, warp trim, and leave the air feeling sticky, HEP’s Wood Floors Heating and Air Conditioning steps in with precision craftsmanship and hometown care. Our certified technicians design each dehumidifier installation to protect Elizabethton’s historic homes and new builds alike, integrating seamlessly with your existing HVAC system so every board, beam, and breath stays comfortably dry.
From the first humidity reading to the final walkthrough, we focus on energy-efficient solutions that cut utility costs while preserving the charm of your living space. Enjoy quieter operation, fewer allergens, and greater peace of mind—because when you trust a local team that treats floors like family heirlooms, you get service that’s as solid as Appalachian oak.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for wood floors in Elizabethton?
Elizabethton’s warm, humid summers can push indoor relative humidity well above 60 %. Excess moisture is quickly absorbed by hardwood, causing cupping, warping, gaps, and premature finish failure. A properly sized, HVAC-integrated dehumidifier keeps humidity in the ideal 35–50 % range year-round, protecting your investment in wood flooring and improving overall indoor comfort.
How does a dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
We install the dehumidifier in the return-air plenum or a dedicated bypass duct tied into your HVAC ductwork. Moist air is pulled through the unit, condensed, and dried air is delivered back into the supply trunk. The unit is wired to its own humidistat and can also communicate with smart thermostats, allowing it to run independently of heating or cooling calls so moisture control is constant without over-conditioning the air.
What humidity level should I maintain to protect hardwood floors?
National Wood Flooring Association guidelines recommend keeping indoor relative humidity between 30 % and 50 %, and temperature between 60 °F and 80 °F. Our technicians program the dehumidifier’s humidistat to hold a target of about 45 %. This prevents seasonal movement of planks, minimizes squeaks, and helps finishes last longer while still being comfortable for occupants.
Will running a dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
A high-efficiency, whole-home dehumidifier typically uses 4–8 ¢ of electricity per pint of water removed. Because drier air feels cooler, homeowners often raise the thermostat 2–3 °F in summer, cutting A/C run time. The net result is usually neutral or slightly lower total utility costs, plus reduced wear on your air-conditioner and less need for summertime flooring repairs.
How long does installation take, and will it disrupt my household?
Most retrofit installations are completed in one working day. We begin with a humidity assessment, size the unit, install duct taps, mount the dehumidifier, route the condensate drain, and set up controls. Our crew uses drop cloths and shoe covers to keep your home clean, and we test the system before leaving. You can stay in the house throughout the process with minimal noise or downtime.
What maintenance does a dehumidifier require, and do you service it?
Maintenance is simple: replace or clean the air filter every 3–6 months, clear the condensate line annually, and have the coil inspected for dust buildup. During your spring or fall HVAC tune-up, we perform all dehumidifier checks, verify humidistat calibration, and record humidity readings. If repairs are needed, our technicians carry OEM parts for Aprilaire, Santa Fe, and Honeywell models commonly installed in Elizabethton homes.