Whole-home Dehumidifiers
Whole-home Dehumidifiers | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Kelso
Tucked between the Cowlitz and the Columbia, Kelso sees its fair share of damp Pacific Northwest days—and that moisture can creep inside, warping woodwork, fogging windows, and sending energy bills soaring as your HVAC fights the sticky air. HEP’s whole-home dehumidifiers integrate seamlessly with your existing heating and cooling system, drawing excess humidity out of every room so you can breathe easier, protect your home, and feel year-round comfort without constantly fiddling with the thermostat.
When you choose our dehumidifier installation service, you get licensed technicians who arrive on time, size the system precisely for your square footage, and back their work with clear, upfront pricing. From the first consultation to the final walkthrough, we keep you informed, tidy up every workspace, and leave you with a healthier, drier living environment that runs quietly in the background—no messy buckets or bulky plug-ins required. Schedule your appointment today and discover how effortless whole-home comfort can be with HEP.
FAQs
Why should I consider a whole-home dehumidifier in Kelso’s climate?
Although Kelso is not as humid as coastal areas, our cool, wet winters and mild, damp summers keep indoor relative humidity above the ideal 40-50 % range for much of the year. Excess moisture encourages mold, mildew, dust mites, wood-rot, and musty odors, while making your air conditioner work harder in summer. A whole-home dehumidifier removes moisture at the source (your supply ductwork), delivering balanced, healthy air to every room and protecting your home’s structure and contents year-round.
How is a whole-home dehumidifier installed with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Our technicians mount the dehumidifier in line with your return or supply ductwork—usually in the basement, crawl space, or mechanical room. A dedicated return pulls humid air into the unit; dry, conditioned air is then routed back into the supply plenum. The system has its own drain line to a floor drain or condensate pump, a low-voltage control cable to the thermostat or a separate wall control, and (when appropriate) an outdoor air inlet for fresh-air ventilation. The installation typically takes one day and does not require major alterations to your furnace or heat pump.
What size or capacity dehumidifier does my Kelso home need?
Whole-home units are sized by pints of moisture removed per day—common residential models range from 70 to 130 pints. We calculate the proper capacity by measuring the home’s square footage, ceiling height, infiltration rate, and average indoor humidity, while factoring in basement/crawl-space conditions and household occupancy. For example, a 2,200 ft² two-story home with a damp basement usually requires an 80-90-pint unit. Oversizing wastes energy, while undersizing leaves rooms clammy, so a professional load calculation is essential.
Will a whole-home dehumidifier lower my energy bills?
Yes. Drier air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat 2-3 °F in summer without sacrificing comfort, which can cut cooling costs by up to 10 %. Because latent (moisture) load is removed by the dehumidifier, your air conditioner cycles less often, reducing wear and extending equipment life. Modern ENERGY STAR® whole-home units draw about the same power as a 40-60 W light bulb per pint removed—far less than running the AC solely to dehumidify.
What routine maintenance is required after installation?
Maintenance is simple: (1) Clean or replace the unit’s MERV-rated air filter every 3-6 months; (2) Inspect and flush the condensate drain annually to prevent clogs; (3) Make sure the external fresh-air intake screen (if installed) is debris-free; and (4) Have the system checked during your annual HVAC tune-up. Most homeowners spend less than 10 minutes per quarter on upkeep.
How much does a whole-home dehumidifier cost in Kelso, and what warranty is included?
Installed prices generally range from $2,400 to $3,800, depending on capacity, duct modifications, and whether a dedicated digital controller is added. Washington State occasionally offers energy-efficiency rebates ($100-$300) for qualifying ENERGY STAR® units—ask us about current programs. Leading manufacturers provide 5-year parts and 5-year compressor warranties; when we install the unit, you also receive our 1-year labor warranty and optional extended coverage up to 10 years.