Existing HVAC System

HEP Heat and AirExisting HVAC System

Existing HVAC System | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Lookout Mountain

When Lookout Mountain’s misty mornings turn into muggy afternoons, your home shouldn’t have to feel like a rainforest. The seasoned technicians at HEP know how to tame Tennessee humidity by seamlessly pairing your current HVAC equipment with a precision-engineered dehumidifier installation. We evaluate airflow, size the unit to your exact square footage, and integrate it with your existing heating and air conditioning controls so every room stays crisp, balanced, and comfortable—no guessing, no patchwork fixes.

From safeguarding hardwood floors to keeping allergens at bay, a whole-home dehumidifier lowers moisture levels that can warp wood, invite mold, and make you crank up the A/C more than you need to. HEP backs each service with upfront pricing, prompt arrival, and a satisfaction guarantee that’s as solid as Lookout Mountain’s sandstone ridges. Breathe drier, cleaner air all year long and let your HVAC system finally work smarter, not harder.

FAQs

Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Lookout Mountain?

Lookout Mountain’s elevation doesn’t eliminate the high relative humidity common to the Tennessee Valley, especially during the spring and summer. Excess indoor moisture fosters mold, mildew, dust-mites, and that clammy feeling even when the air-conditioner is running. A properly sized dehumidifier keeps indoor humidity in the ideal 40-50 % range, improving comfort, protecting wood floors and furniture, and helping your HVAC system cool more efficiently.

Can a dehumidifier be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system without major remodeling?

Yes. Most whole-home dehumidifiers are designed to tie directly into your current supply or return ductwork. Our technicians install a short section of duct, connect a condensate drain, and run a dedicated 120-volt electrical circuit if one is not already available. Because we use the infrastructure that’s already in place, the job rarely requires cutting into finished walls or ceilings, and the HVAC equipment you already own continues to operate unchanged.

How do you determine the correct size dehumidifier for my home?

Sizing is based on several factors: total square footage, ceiling height, the home’s air-tightness, the number of occupants, and typical moisture sources such as cooking, showers, or an indoor pool. During our on-site evaluation we use hygrometers to record current humidity levels and perform a quick load calculation. Whole-home units are rated in pints of moisture removed per day, and most Lookout Mountain residences fall in the 70- to 120-pint range. Proper sizing ensures the unit cycles long enough to remove moisture without wasting energy.

Will installing a dehumidifier raise my energy bills?

In many cases homeowners see little to no increase—and sometimes a decrease—in overall energy use. By wringing moisture out of the air, the dehumidifier allows your air-conditioner to run shorter, less frequent cycles while still achieving the same comfort level. Modern whole-home units draw about the same power as a small window A/C (2–6 amps) and are ENERGY STAR® certified. The added efficiency and reduced wear on your main HVAC system often offset the unit’s modest electrical consumption.

What happens on installation day and how long does it take?

A typical retrofit installation takes 3–5 hours. We start by shutting off power to the HVAC system, then: 1) set the dehumidifier in the mechanical room, crawl space, or attic; 2) cut into the ductwork and attach the supply/return connections; 3) install a condensate pump or tie the drain line into an existing gravity drain; 4) run and secure the electrical circuit; 5) integrate the dehumidifier’s control wiring with your existing thermostat or provide a dedicated humidistat; 6) test for proper airflow and verify the unit is pulling moisture. You’ll receive a quick tutorial on operating the controls before we leave.

What maintenance and warranty coverage should I expect?

Whole-home dehumidifiers are low-maintenance: replace or wash the air filter every 6–12 months (more often with pets), keep the condensate line clear, and have the coil and blower inspected during your annual HVAC tune-up. Most leading brands offer a 5-year parts warranty and a 1-year labor warranty, which we register on your behalf. Our company also offers an optional maintenance plan that covers the annual inspection, filter changes, and any warranty paperwork, giving you worry-free performance year after year.

HEP Heat and Air
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(423) 228-7742