Whole-house Dehumidifiers
Whole-house Dehumidifiers | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Philadelphia
When sticky Philly summers make every room feel like a greenhouse, HEP’s whole-house dehumidifiers quietly restore balance. Our seasoned HVAC pros tailor each system to your home’s layout, drawing excess moisture out of the air so your cooling equipment runs easier, wood floors stop swelling, and allergens lose their foothold. You’ll notice fresher indoor air, steadier temperatures, and lower energy bills—often from the very first day.
From Center City brownstones to Main Line estates, we handle every phase of dehumidifier installation with precision: load calculations, discreet ductwork integration, and fine-tuned calibration for year-round comfort. Backed by transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee, HEP lets you breathe easy long after the truck pulls away—because in Philadelphia, comfort shouldn’t depend on the weather.
FAQs
Why should I install a whole-house dehumidifier in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia’s humid summers and shoulder seasons often push indoor relative humidity well above the 50% comfort threshold. Excess moisture can trigger mold growth, aggravate allergies, cause musty odors, and make your air conditioner work harder. A properly sized whole-house dehumidifier removes moisture from every room, protecting woodwork and furnishings, improving indoor air quality, and letting you set the thermostat a few degrees higher without feeling sticky—often cutting cooling costs by 10–15%.
How is a whole-house dehumidifier installed and how does it integrate with my existing HVAC system?
During installation, the dehumidifier cabinet is mounted in line with your return or supply ductwork—usually in a basement, crawlspace, or mechanical closet. A dedicated drain line is run to a floor drain or condensate pump, and a low-voltage control wire ties the unit to a wall-mounted humidistat or your smart thermostat. When indoor humidity rises above the set point, the dehumidifier’s fan draws air through its coil, condenses and drains the water, then sends the dried air back into the duct system. Because it shares ductwork and a power supply with your forced-air furnace or heat pump, you get whole-home moisture control without extra room devices or noisy portable units.
What size whole-house dehumidifier does my Philadelphia home need?
Capacity is rated in pints of moisture removed per day. A typical 2,000–2,500 sq ft Philadelphia rowhome or twin usually requires a 70–90-pint unit, while larger single-family homes (3,000–4,000 sq ft) may need 95–120 pints. Exact sizing depends on square footage, number of occupants, basement dampness, infiltration rates, and lifestyle factors like cooking and shower frequency. Our technicians perform a Manual J humidity load calculation and inspect the envelope to select the smallest unit that can maintain 45–50% RH on a 74 °F, 75% outdoor design day.
Will a whole-house dehumidifier increase my energy bills?
Although the dehumidifier uses its own compressor and fan, most homeowners see a net neutral or even lower monthly bill. Drier air feels cooler, allowing you to raise the AC setpoint 2–3 °F. The air conditioner also runs shorter cycles because it no longer has to over-cool just to remove moisture. In ENERGY STAR® field studies, annual savings averaged $35–$60, more than offsetting the dehumidifier’s 150–300 kWh yearly consumption. Choosing a high-efficiency model (integrated energy factor ≥ 2.0) and setting humidity to 50% rather than 40% maximizes savings.
What maintenance does a whole-house dehumidifier require?
Routine care is straightforward and can be coordinated with seasonal HVAC tune-ups. Every 3–6 months: (1) replace or clean the unit’s MERV-rated air filter; (2) flush the condensate drain line with a vinegar solution to prevent algae; and (3) visually inspect the coil for dust buildup. Annually, a technician should check refrigerant pressure, clean the blower wheel, verify humidistat calibration, and confirm proper slope and trap on the drain. With regular maintenance, quality units last 10–15 years.
How much does professional installation cost in the Philadelphia area and what factors affect price?
Installed pricing typically ranges from $2,200 to $3,800. Key cost drivers include capacity (70-pint vs. 120-pint), efficiency rating, complexity of tying into existing ductwork, electrical upgrades (a dedicated 120 V or 240 V circuit may be required), and whether a condensate pump is needed. Homes with finished basements or tight mechanical rooms sometimes require additional sheet-metal transitions or flex duct, adding $200–$400. We provide free in-home assessments and itemized quotes, and many local utilities offer rebates of $100–$250 for ENERGY STAR® dehumidifiers.