- HEP Heat and Air
- Free Humidity Assessment

Free Humidity Assessment
Free Humidity Assessment | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Strawberry Plains
Living in Strawberry Plains means hot, sticky summers and fluctuating indoor comfortâuntil HEP steps in. Our local team offers a no-cost, whole-home humidity assessment that pinpoints the exact cause of muggy rooms, musty odors, and allergy-triggering mold. We pair that insight with expert heating and air conditioning knowledge, ensuring your HVAC system works in harmony with superior moisture control.
Once weâve mapped out your homeâs unique needs, our certified technicians deliver precision dehumidifier installation that immediately balances humidity levels, protects furnishings, and lowers energy bills. Ready for crisp, breathable air year-round? Schedule your free assessment today and feel the HEP difference the moment you walk through the door.
FAQs
What is a free humidity assessment and why is it important for my home in Strawberry Plains?
A free humidity assessment is a no-obligation visit from our certified HVAC technician to measure the amount of moisture in your indoor air, evaluate contributing factors (ventilation, insulation, duct leakage, appliance use), and identify any mold or comfort concerns. In Strawberry Plainsâ humid climate, keeping indoor relative humidity between 30-50 % prevents mold growth, protects wood furnishings, reduces allergens, and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. The assessment pinpoints whether a whole-home dehumidifier, simple airflow adjustments, or other corrections are needed before small problems turn into costly repairs.
How does excessive indoor humidity affect my heating and air conditioning system?
When humidity is high, your air conditioner has to run longer to remove moisture as well as heat. This extra run-time increases energy bills, shortens equipment life, and can still leave the home feeling clammy. High moisture also promotes biological growth inside ductwork and the evaporator coil, degrading indoor air quality and reducing airflow. By controlling humidity with a dedicated dehumidifier, your AC can cycle off sooner, temperature setpoints feel cooler, and maintenance issues such as coil cleaning and duct sanitizing become less frequent.
What can I expect during a professional humidity assessment visit?
1) Appointment confirmation with a two-hour arrival window. 2) On-site walk-through to discuss comfort concerns, musty odors, or condensation youâve noticed. 3) Placement of calibrated hygrometers in several rooms and inside the supply/return ducts to record real-time humidity and temperature. 4) Visual inspection of the attic, crawl space, and HVAC equipment for moisture intrusion or microbial growth. 5) Brief blower-door or pressure test if air leakage appears to be a driver. 6) A written report explaining findings, recommended humidity range, and solution options, including whole-home dehumidifier sizing, duct improvements, or ventilation tweaks. The entire visit typically takes 60â90 minutes, and there is no charge or obligation to purchase equipment.
How do whole-home dehumidifiers integrate with existing HVAC systems?
A whole-home dehumidifier is installed in parallel with your central ductwork, usually near the air handler or furnace. When indoor humidity rises above the setpoint, the unit draws moist air from the return plenum, removes water via a refrigeration coil, and delivers the dried air back into the supply plenum. Most models include a dedicated humidistat and can run independently of the air conditioner, so you can control moisture without over-cooling. For zoning systems, dampers ensure balanced airflow. Condensate is piped to a floor drain or condensate pump, and the unit is wired to your HVAC control board for seamless operation.
Are there energy or cost savings associated with installing a dehumidifier?
Yes. Lowering humidity makes the air feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat 2-3 °F without sacrificing comfortâsaving roughly 3 % on cooling costs per degree. Because the AC no longer needs to run extended cycles for moisture removal, compressor and blower wear are reduced, extending equipment life. A dehumidifier typically draws 4-6 amps versus an ACâs 15-20 amps, so moisture control shifts to a more efficient appliance. Many utility providers in Tennessee also offer rebates for ENERGY STARÂŽ certified dehumidifiers, and reduced likelihood of mold remediation or wood damage can save thousands over time.
Is the dehumidifier installation process disruptive, and how long does it take?
Most installations are completed in one day. Our technicians protect flooring and furniture with drop cloths, cut precise duct openings, and mount the dehumidifier on vibration-isolating pads or hangers. Electrical work involves adding a dedicated 120-V or 240-V circuit if one is not already available. Condensate piping and optional external pump are routed to an existing drain. After startup, we verify airflow, humidity control, and thermostat integration. You can stay in the home during the process, and there is minimal drywall or structural alteration. We leave the area clean, review the maintenance schedule, and register the warranty before departing.