Whole-home Dehumidifiers
Whole-home Dehumidifiers | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Harriman
Living in Harriman means battling steamy summers, chilly winters, and everything in between. HEP’s whole-home dehumidifiers work hand-in-hand with our advanced heating and air conditioning systems to pull excess moisture from every corner of your house, eliminating that sticky feeling, preventing mold, and protecting your furnishings while maintaining perfect indoor temps.
Pairing these dehumidifiers with professional ventilation and air quality solutions keeps fresh, filtered air flowing year-round, cutting energy bills and allergy symptoms alike. Trust the hometown experts at HEP to fine-tune your comfort, boost HVAC efficiency, and let you breathe easier—no matter what Tennessee weather decides to do next.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Harriman?
Harriman’s humid, subtropical climate means indoor relative humidity can regularly exceed the recommended 30-50 % range, even when the air conditioner is running. Excess moisture promotes mold growth, dust-mite activity, musty odors, warped wood, and discomfort that makes the home feel hotter than it actually is. A whole-home dehumidifier automatically removes the surplus moisture from every conditioned room, protecting the building structure and furnishings while helping you feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting and lowering overall cooling costs.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier connect to my existing HVAC system?
The unit is installed in-line with your central heating and air-conditioning ductwork—usually on the supply side—so that it treats all the air delivered throughout the house. A dedicated return or pull from the main return duct routes humid air into the dehumidifier, where moisture is condensed on an internal coil and drained away through a condensate line. The dried, cooled air is then reheated slightly to a comfortable temperature and sent back into the supply plenum. The dehumidifier is controlled by its own humidistat or is tied into a smart thermostat/HVAC control panel so it operates only when indoor humidity rises above the setpoint.
Are whole-home dehumidifiers energy-efficient compared with portable units?
Yes. A quality whole-home model typically removes 90–130 pints of moisture per day while using only 600–900 watts—about the same as running a hair dryer for a couple of hours. Because it treats the entire house at once, you avoid running multiple portables that each draw 300–500 watts and require frequent emptying. By keeping humidity in check, your air conditioner doesn’t have to run as long or as cold to achieve comfort, which can cut cooling energy use by up to 15 % in our region.
In what ways does a whole-home dehumidifier improve indoor air quality?
Lower humidity levels inhibit biological contaminants such as mold spores, bacteria, and dust mites—common triggers for allergies and asthma. The constant circulation through the HVAC ductwork means these pollutants are captured by the system’s central air filter rather than accumulating in rooms. Additionally, drier air discourages the musty smells that indicate microbial growth, and it helps preserve hardwood floors, musical instruments, and electronics sensitive to moisture.
What regular maintenance does the dehumidifier require?
Maintenance is straightforward. (1) Inspect and clean or replace the unit’s air filter every 3–6 months, or more often if you have pets or significant dust. (2) Make sure the condensate drain line stays clear; a quick flush with a 50/50 vinegar solution every spring prevents algae buildup. (3) Have the coil and blower wheel inspected and cleaned during your annual HVAC service visit to maintain peak efficiency. Most high-quality whole-home dehumidifiers have a service life of 10–15 years when maintained properly.
How do you determine the right size, what does installation involve, and what costs should I expect in Harriman?
Sizing is based on the home’s square footage, typical indoor moisture load (number of occupants, cooking, bathing), and building tightness. A Manual J load calculation or manufacturer sizing chart is used to select a capacity—commonly 70, 95, or 130 pints/day. Installation usually takes 4–6 hours and includes mounting the unit near the air handler, adding ductwork connections, wiring the humidistat or smart-thermostat interface, and tying the drain into a condensate pump or gravity line. In Harriman, turnkey installation generally ranges from $2,200 to $3,800 depending on capacity and duct modifications. Local utility rebates for energy-efficient IAQ upgrades and our financing plans can spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.