- HEP Heat and Air
- Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Floors
Hardwood Floors | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | New Tazewell
Imagine stepping onto beautifully preserved hardwood floors, breathing in crisp, comfortable air, and knowing the Tennessee humidity canât touch your home. HEPâs seasoned technicians in New Tazewell specialize in the delicate balance between HVAC performance and wood-floor wellness, pairing precision heating and cooling service with expert dehumidifier installation. By removing excess moisture before it seeps into planks or drifts through ductwork, we shield your investment from warping, mold, and musty odorsâwhile trimming energy costs and boosting year-round comfort.
From free on-site evaluations to tidy, same-day setups, we tailor every system to the unique climate challenges of our Cumberland Gap foothills. Youâll receive smart controls that sync with your existing HVAC, ongoing maintenance reminders, and the peace of mind that comes from HEPâs 24/7 local support. Ready to keep your floors flawless and your air fresh? Schedule your dehumidifier installation today and feel the difference each time you walk through the door.
FAQs
Why is humidity control so important for hardwood floors in New Tazewell?
East Tennesseeâs warm, wet summers and wide seasonal temperature swings make homes in New Tazewell prone to indoor humidity levels above 55 %. Excess moisture causes hardwood planks to swell, cup, or even develop mold beneath the finish. By keeping relative humidity between roughly 35 % and 50 %, a properly sized whole-home dehumidifier protects the integrity of the wood, reduces musty odors, and helps your heating and cooling equipment run more efficiently.
How do I know what size dehumidifier my house needs?
Sizing is based on three factors: (1) the homeâs square footage and ceiling height, (2) average infiltration and insulation levels, and (3) lifestyle factors such as how often you cook, shower, or run a humidifier. During a free in-home assessment our technician measures the moisture load with hygrometers, evaluates the HVAC ductwork, and references AHRI guidelines to recommend a dehumidifier rated in pints per day (usually 70â120 pints for most single-family homes in New Tazewell). Installing the right capacity unit prevents short-cycling, keeps humidity in the target range, and maximizes energy savings.
Will a whole-home dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. We typically tie the dehumidifier directly into your supply or return ductwork so it treats all conditioned air as it passes through your HVAC system. A dedicated condensate line removes collected water to a floor drain or condensate pump. Most modern units communicate with a smart thermostat or separate humidistat, allowing the dehumidifier to run independently of heating or cooling calls. If your ductwork is undersized or inaccessible, we can install a stand-alone unit with its own distribution grille.
Will running a dehumidifier raise my energy bills?
A dehumidifier does consume electricity, but in a humid climate its net effect is usually cost-neutral or even positive. Drier air feels cooler, so you can set the thermostat 1-2 °F higher in summer and cycle the air conditioner less. Lower humidity also eases the workload on your HVAC compressor and extends equipment life. ENERGY STARÂŽ-rated models we install draw as little as 4â6 amps and include ECM blowers, auto-shutoff sensors, and optional variable-speed operation to minimize power usage.
How long does installation take, and what should I expect on the day of service?
Most whole-home dehumidifier installations in New Tazewell are completed in one visit lasting 4â6 hours. Our crew will: 1) lay down protective drop cloths to safeguard your hardwood floors, 2) cut minimal access openings in existing ductwork, 3) set the unit in the attic, crawl space, or mechanical room, 4) install the condensate drain, exterior overflow shut-off, and electrical disconnect, 5) program your thermostat or humidistat, and 6) run a post-installation humidity test. Weâll review the ownerâs manual and leave the work area cleaner than we found it.
What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?
Routine care is simple. Replace or clean the unitâs air filter every 3â6 months, depending on dust levels. Flush the condensate line annually to prevent algae buildup. During your spring or fall HVAC tune-up weâll inspect the evaporator coil, blower wheel, and humidity sensor, verify refrigerant pressures, and recalibrate the humidistat. With proper maintenance, modern dehumidifiers last 8â12 years and often carry 5-year parts warranties.