Summer Humidity
Summer Humidity | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Hixson
Steamy Hixson summers can turn your home into a sticky sauna, forcing your air-conditioner to work overtime while still leaving you feeling clammy. HEP’s trusted HVAC pros offer a smart fix: professional dehumidifier installation that quietly strips excess moisture from the air, guarding against mold, warped wood, and that persistent musty smell. With humidity under control, your cooling system runs more efficiently, utility bills drop, and every room suddenly feels crisp, clean, and breathable.
From the initial humidity assessment to selecting a unit sized for your square footage, our factory-trained technicians handle every step with the courtesy and transparency HEP customers have counted on for decades. We arrive on schedule, respect your home, and back our workmanship with rock-solid guarantees—so all you have to do is enjoy a healthier, more comfortable summer sanctuary in the Scenic City. Ready to reclaim your indoor climate? Let HEP bring balance back to your home today.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important during Hixson’s humid summers?
Hixson sits in the Tennessee River Valley, where outdoor relative humidity frequently climbs above 70 % from May through September. High indoor humidity makes your home feel warmer than the thermostat reading, encourages mold and dust-mite growth, and can damage wood flooring and furniture. A whole-home dehumidifier pulls excess moisture from the air before it circulates through your living spaces, keeping indoor RH in the ideal 45–55 % range for comfort, health, and building protection.
How does a dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
We install the dehumidifier in the return-air or supply-air plenum of your central HVAC ductwork. When the unit’s onboard humidistat senses high humidity, it automatically draws air from the ducts, removes moisture through a refrigeration coil, and sends the dried air back into the supply stream. Because it shares the same duct network, every conditioned room benefits, and you avoid the noise and clutter of multiple portable units. The dehumidifier has its own condensate drain line, so moisture is safely routed outdoors or to a floor drain.
What size dehumidifier does my home need?
Capacity is rated in pints of water removed per day. Most Hixson homes of 1,800–2,500 sq ft require a 70–95-pint unit, but factors such as the number of occupants, insulation quality, basement or crawl-space conditions, and how often doors/windows are opened all affect sizing. During a free in-home evaluation, our comfort specialist measures indoor RH levels, calculates air-changes-per-hour, and follows ACCA Manual D guidelines to recommend the correct capacity so the unit runs efficiently without short-cycling.
Will adding a dehumidifier lower my air-conditioning energy costs?
Yes. When indoor air is drier, it feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat 2–3 °F without sacrificing comfort. The AC then runs less often, cutting electricity usage by 5–15 % on average. A dehumidifier also reduces latent (moisture) load on the AC coil, helping your air conditioner reach set temperature faster and with less wear. Although the dehumidifier itself uses power, homeowners typically see a net savings and extended HVAC life span.
What is the installation process and how long does it take?
A standard installation takes about 4–6 hours. Our NATE-certified technicians will: 1. Inspect ductwork and choose an accessible mounting location. 2. Cut precise openings and connect the dehumidifier with sealed, insulated duct collars. 3. Install a dedicated condensate drain line with a trap and overflow safety switch. 4. Wire the unit to a 120 V or 240 V circuit and connect the integrated humidistat or smart-thermostat control. 5. Calibrate the system, verify proper airflow and RH setpoints, and show you how to use the controls. No major remodeling is required, and most homeowners can resume normal activities the same day.
How do I maintain the dehumidifier and what is its expected lifespan?
Maintenance is minimal. Replace or clean the unit’s MERV-rated air filter every 3–6 months, keep the condensate line clear, and have the refrigeration coil and fan inspected during your annual HVAC tune-up. With regular care, whole-home dehumidifiers from leading brands such as Aprilaire and Honeywell last 10–15 years. We offer optional maintenance plans that include filter delivery, drain-line flushing, and performance checks to preserve your warranty and ensure peak efficiency.