- HEP Heat and Air
- High-efficiency Unit

High-efficiency Unit
High-efficiency Unit | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg’s mountain air may be refreshing, but the region’s year-round humidity can creep into every corner of your home—warping wood, triggering allergies, and straining your HVAC system. HEP’s high-efficiency unit experts pair state-of-the-art heating and cooling equipment with precision dehumidifier installation to create a perfectly balanced indoor climate. By drawing excess moisture out before it circulates, our systems reduce energy consumption, elevate comfort, and extend the lifespan of your furnishings and electronics.
From the first humidity reading to the final performance check, our certified technicians handle everything with local know-how and a neighborly smile. We offer flexible scheduling, transparent pricing, and the area’s best warranties, so you can focus on enjoying the Smokies—not fighting indoor dampness. Trust HEP to keep your Gatlinburg home dry, efficient, and effortlessly comfortable all year long.
FAQs
Why should I consider a high-efficiency HVAC unit with a dehumidifier for my Gatlinburg home?
Gatlinburg’s climate is humid in summer and can be chilly in winter. A high-efficiency heating and cooling system paired with a whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture while conditioning the air, giving you better comfort, preventing mold and musty odors, and lowering energy use because drier air feels cooler at higher thermostat settings.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier integrate with a new HVAC system?
During installation we hard-duct the dehumidifier into your supply and return plenum so it draws moist air from the house, removes water, and delivers dry air back through the HVAC ducts. The unit operates independently of heating or cooling calls, has its own humidistat, and ties into the HVAC blower to circulate air evenly without adding significant static pressure.
What size or capacity dehumidifier and HVAC unit will I need?
We perform a Manual J load calculation to size your heat pump or furnace/air conditioner based on Gatlinburg design temperatures, insulation levels, and window orientation. For dehumidifiers we calculate the home’s cubic footage and typical moisture load, then recommend a 70–120-pint-per-day unit for most 1,500–3,500 sq ft homes. Correct sizing ensures maximum efficiency, balanced humidity (45–50 %), and longer equipment life.
Will a high-efficiency system and dehumidifier actually lower my utility bills?
Yes. Variable-speed, 16–20 SEER2 heat pumps or 97 % AFUE furnaces can cut heating/cooling costs up to 40 % compared with older 10-SEER units. Because the dehumidifier lets you set the thermostat 2-3 °F higher in summer without feeling warmer, you run the A/C less. Many Gatlinburg customers see combined electric savings of $250–$500 per year, and TVA or manufacturer rebates can shorten payback to 4–6 years.
How long does installation take and what should I expect?
A typical change-out with duct modifications and dehumidifier integration takes 1 ½–2 days. We protect floors, move furniture as needed, and test-fit all equipment before making sheet-metal changes. Your water removal line is routed to a safe drain or condensate pump. At completion we perform airflow balancing, refrigerant charge verification, and a final walkthrough to show you the thermostat and humidistat settings.
What maintenance is required after installation?
Change the HVAC filter every 1–3 months and the dehumidifier’s MERV-8 media every 6 months. Empty and rinse the dehumidifier’s internal filter screen annually. Schedule professional service each spring and fall for coil cleaning, refrigerant check, and humidistat calibration. We offer a Comfort Club plan that includes two tune-ups, priority scheduling, and extends your 10-year parts warranty to cover labor.