Whole-home Dehumidifiers
Whole-home Dehumidifiers | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Knoxville
When East Tennessee humidity turns your Knoxville home into a sticky sauna, HEP’s whole-home dehumidifiers step in to restore crisp, comfortable air. Our NATE-certified technicians evaluate your HVAC system, pinpoint moisture trouble spots, and recommend the ideal unit to balance humidity without driving up energy bills. From musty crawlspaces to upstairs bedrooms, you’ll feel the difference as allergens drop, wood floors stay protected, and your AC doesn’t have to work overtime.
We make dehumidifier installation seamless—handling electrical, ductwork, and smart-control integration in a single visit, then hauling away the old equipment. You’ll get transparent pricing, a workmanship guarantee, and 24/7 local support backed by decades of Knoxville home-comfort experience. Breathe easier, protect your investment, and enjoy year-round comfort with HEP’s trusted air-quality team.
FAQs
Why do I need a whole-home dehumidifier in Knoxville?
East Tennessee’s warm, rainy climate often pushes indoor relative humidity well above the recommended 30-50 % range. When moisture stays trapped inside, it feeds mold growth, dust-mite populations, musty odors, warped woodwork, and a sticky, uncomfortable living environment. A whole-home dehumidifier automatically pulls excess water vapor out of all conditioned rooms, protecting your family’s health, preserving furnishings, and relieving the workload on your air conditioner so it can cool more efficiently.
How does a whole-home dehumidifier integrate with my existing HVAC system?
The unit is installed in-line with your home’s supply-return ductwork, usually near the furnace or air-handler. A dedicated return draws humid air into the dehumidifier, where it is cooled to condense moisture onto an internal coil. The dry, reheated air is then routed back into the supply plenum and distributed through your existing vents. The system operates under its own humidistat or can be tied to your smart thermostat, so it runs only when indoor humidity rises above your set point.
What size dehumidifier do I need for my home?
Sizing is based on square footage, typical infiltration rates, family lifestyle, and basement/crawl-space conditions. Most Knoxville homes fall between 70 and 120 pints-per-day of moisture removal, but a proper load calculation is essential. During our free in-home evaluation we measure relative humidity on each level, inspect duct design, and use ACCA Manual H guidelines to recommend a model that can keep RH below 50 % on the muggiest summer days without short-cycling.
What is the installation process and how long does it take?
1) Pre-installation inspection to verify electrical capacity, condensate drain routing, and duct access. 2) Placement of the dehumidifier on vibration-isolating pads beside your air handler or in the crawl space. 3) Cutting and sealing supply/return take-offs and attaching insulated flex duct. 4) Wiring a dedicated 115 V or 230 V circuit and low-voltage control cable. 5) Running a gravity line or condensate pump to a nearby floor drain or outdoor termination. 6) Commissioning, which includes calibrating the humidistat and verifying airflow. Most projects are completed in 4–6 hours with no drywall repair needed.
How much energy do whole-home dehumidifiers consume and will they increase my utility bills?
Modern whole-home units are ENERGY STAR® certified and typically draw 5–8 amps, about the same as a window A/C. However, by removing latent heat (moisture) they allow your central air conditioner to cycle less often and at a higher thermostat setting. Studies show net electricity use in humid climates like Knoxville often falls by 5–15 %, and you’ll save additional money by avoiding mold remediation and premature HVAC wear.
How do I maintain my dehumidifier after installation?
Maintenance is minimal: clean or replace the MERV-rated air filter every 6–12 months, rinse the condensate trap twice a year, and vacuum the exterior grille. During your annual HVAC tune-up we’ll also inspect the evaporator coil and confirm refrigerant pressures. Units carry 5-year sealed-system warranties, and with proper upkeep many last 12–15 years.