Whole-home Dehumidifier

Whole-home Dehumidifier | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Reliance

When you call HEP for dehumidifier installation in Reliance, you’re choosing year-round comfort delivered by local experts who understand East Tennessee’s sticky summers and chilly, damp winters. Our whole-home systems pull excess moisture out of every room, stopping mold, mildew, and that musty smell before they ever start, while working seamlessly with your existing heating and air setup. The result is air that feels cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and healthier every single day.

From the first free assessment to the final walkthrough, our licensed technicians handle everything—sizing the unit, updating ductwork, calibrating humidity controls, and explaining maintenance tips so you get maximum efficiency and lower energy bills. Let HEP safeguard your family’s comfort and your home’s structure with a professionally crafted dehumidifier installation that keeps Reliance homes fresh, dry, and perfectly balanced season after season.

FAQs

What is a whole-home dehumidifier and how does it work with my heating and air-conditioning system?

A whole-home dehumidifier is a permanently installed appliance that pulls excess moisture from all the air circulated by your HVAC system. It is typically ducted into your existing supply and/or return ductwork, where a dedicated fan draws humid air across a cold evaporator coil. Moisture condenses on the coil and is drained away, while the dried air is reheated slightly and sent back through the ducts. Because the unit ties directly into your HVAC controls, it can run independently of heating or cooling to maintain your set humidity level year-round.

Why is dehumidification so important in Reliance?

Reliance experiences long stretches of warm, humid weather that can push indoor relative humidity above the recommended 30–50 %. High humidity promotes mold, dust-mite growth, wood warping, and that sticky, uncomfortable feeling even when the thermostat reads a comfortable temperature. By removing moisture, a whole-home dehumidifier protects your home’s structure and finishes, improves indoor air quality, and allows you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort, reducing cooling costs in our humid climate.

Can a whole-home dehumidifier be added to my existing HVAC system, or do I need new equipment?

In most cases, we can integrate a dehumidifier with your current forced-air furnace or heat-pump system. Our technicians install a dedicated return or supply bypass duct, wire the unit to your air handler, and connect it to a digital humidistat or your smart thermostat. You only need new equipment if your system lacks sufficient airflow or if the ductwork is inaccessible. During your free in-home assessment, we measure static pressure, airflow, and moisture load to size the dehumidifier correctly and confirm compatibility.

What is involved in the installation, and how long does it take?

A standard installation includes mounting the dehumidifier near your air handler (often in the basement, mechanical closet, or attic), cutting and connecting 6–8 in. insulated bypass ducts, adding a condensate drain to the nearest plumbing line or condensate pump, wiring the power supply, and integrating the control wiring with your thermostat or a dedicated humidistat. Most projects take 4–6 hours and are completed in a single visit. We test for leaks, calibrate the humidistat, and show you how to adjust settings before we leave.

How much maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?

Routine upkeep is simple: replace or clean the unit’s air filter every 6–12 months (or as indicated by the filter monitor), keep the condensate drain line clear, and have the coil and fan inspected annually during your HVAC tune-up. Unlike portable units, you’ll never have to empty water buckets—the system drains automatically. With proper maintenance, most whole-home dehumidifiers last 10–15 years.

Will a dehumidifier increase my energy usage, and can it help lower cooling costs?

A whole-home dehumidifier uses electricity—typically 3–6 kWh per day during peak summer months—but it can reduce your overall energy bill. By keeping humidity in check, you can raise the thermostat 2–3 °F and still feel comfortable, cutting air-conditioner runtime by up to 15 %. Lower humidity also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently by preventing evaporator-coil moisture overload. Many homeowners see a net energy savings, especially in Reliance’s humid climate.