Whole-home Humidity Control
Whole-home Humidity Control | Ventilation and Air Quality | Heating and Air Conditioning | Heiskell
When Heiskell homes breathe better, the people inside do too. HEP’s whole-home humidity control heating and air conditioning systems quietly remove excess moisture in summer, add just the right amount in winter, and keep temperatures steady all year long. By pairing smart thermostats with sealed, insulated ductwork and energy-efficient equipment, we create a comfortable environment that also helps lower utility bills and protect wood floors, musical instruments, and even your favorite family photos from damaging swings in humidity.
Our NATE-certified technicians design every solution around one goal: give you healthier air at every register. Powerful filtration captures dust and dander, UV lights neutralize bacteria, and precision fans circulate fresh outdoor air—delivering the perfect balance of ventilation and air quality without drafts or hot and cold spots. From free in-home assessments to 24/7 emergency service, HEP handles everything so you can simply relax and breathe easy.
FAQs
Why is humidity control especially important for homes in Heiskell, TN?
Our East Tennessee climate is hot and muggy from late spring through early fall, then fairly cold and dry in the winter. Excess summer humidity encourages mold, mildew, dust-mite growth, wood warping, and that sticky "can’t-cool-off" feeling. In winter, air that is too dry leads to static shocks, cracked hardwoods, and irritated sinuses. A whole-home humidity control system keeps relative humidity in the healthy 30-50 % range year-round, protecting your family’s comfort, health, and your home’s structure.
What indoor humidity level should I aim for, and how does your system maintain it all year?
Industry standards and the EPA recommend 30 – 50 % relative humidity (RH). Below 30 % feels dry; above 55 % increases mold risk. Our integrated controls constantly read RH at the return duct or a wall sensor, then signal the humidifier, dehumidifier, furnace, or air conditioner to add or remove moisture as needed. In summer, the dehumidifier can run independently or with the A/C blower for extra moisture removal. In winter, the humidifier injects water vapor into the warm supply air. Because the controller is tied to both temperature and humidity, it automatically adjusts to outdoor conditions without frequent user input.
How does a whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier outperform portable units and improve indoor air quality?
Portable units treat a single room and need daily refilling and cleaning. A whole-home system connects to your ductwork, delivering balanced moisture to every conditioned space. Benefits include: • Precise RH control within ±3 %. • Quieter operation—equipment is located at the air handler, not in your living area. • No standing water reservoirs, so there’s drastically less chance of bacterial growth. • Built-in MERV or HEPA filtration and UV options that capture pollen, dust, and spores as air circulates. • Automatic drainage, so no buckets to empty. • Lower long-term cost because one centrally located system replaces several room units.
Will adding humidity control hurt or help my HVAC system’s efficiency?
When humidity is managed correctly, efficiency almost always improves. Lower indoor RH in summer lets you raise the thermostat 2-3 °F and still feel cool, cutting A/C energy use by up to 7 % per degree. In winter, adding moisture makes 68 °F feel warmer, so you can dial back the furnace. The dehumidifier’s compressor and the humidifier’s steam element do draw power, but they’re sized to your square footage and run only as needed. Because we integrate controls, the equipment never fights itself—for example, the humidifier locks out when the A/C is on. Most homeowners see overall utility savings within the first season.
What ventilation solutions do you install, and how do they work with humidity control?
Tighter modern construction traps pollutants such as VOCs, pet dander, and cooking odors. We offer balanced ventilation systems—primarily Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) for our humid climate and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) for homes that stay drier. An ERV exhausts stale indoor air while bringing in an equal amount of filtered outdoor air; its core transfers both heat and moisture so incoming air is pre-conditioned, relieving your HVAC of extra load. The ventilator is wired into the same smart controller as the humidity equipment, so it won’t introduce excess moisture during peak summer humidity or dry the house out in winter.
How much maintenance is required, and what service does your company provide?
Whole-home humidity and ventilation gear is low maintenance but not maintenance-free. Typical tasks are: • Replace or wash the dehumidifier’s filter every 6–12 months. • Change the humidifier pad or canister annually. • Clean the ERV/HRV core and filters once a year. • Inspect and clear the condensate drain before cooling season. • Verify sensor calibration and software updates. During our annual Indoor Air Quality tune-up we handle all of the above, check duct static pressure, and confirm the controller’s set points. Service usually takes 60–90 minutes. We offer affordable Comfort Club plans that bundle HVAC and IAQ maintenance, give you priority scheduling, and extend manufacturer parts warranties up to 10 years.