Existing HVAC System

Existing HVAC System | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Ten Mile

When summer steam and winter chill trade places over the waters of Watts Bar Lake, homeowners in Ten Mile rely on HEP’s seasoned HVAC team to keep every room crisp, cozy, and perfectly balanced. Our certified technicians specialize in seamless dehumidifier installation that works hand-in-hand with your existing heating and air conditioning equipment, quietly pulling excess moisture from the air while keeping energy costs in check. From crawl-space units to whole-home systems tied directly into your ductwork, we size, source, and install the right solution to protect your home from sticky floors, musty odors, and hidden mold.

Because comfort goes beyond temperature, we back every project with thorough load calculations, transparent pricing, and rock-solid warranties. Schedule a no-pressure visit, and we’ll inspect your current HVAC setup, measure indoor humidity, and walk you through upgrades that can extend equipment life, safeguard woodwork, and raise your indoor air-quality profile. With HEP, you get one trusted partner for heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical—so you can breathe easier all year long in Ten Mile.

FAQs

Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Ten Mile, TN?

Ten Mile sits near Watts Bar Lake and the Tennessee River, so summer humidity levels regularly exceed 60 – 70 %. High indoor humidity makes your air feel warmer, encourages mold growth, attracts dust mites and can warp wood floors and furniture. A whole-home dehumidifier tied into your HVAC system keeps relative humidity in the ideal 45 – 50 % range, improving comfort, protecting your belongings and helping the air conditioner run more efficiently.

Can a dehumidifier be added to my existing heating and air-conditioning system, or do I need new equipment?

In most cases we can integrate a dehumidifier with the HVAC equipment you already own. The unit is mounted in the return plenum or connected with a dedicated return and supply duct so dry air is distributed through the existing supply vents. As long as your air handler or furnace has sufficient static-pressure allowance and a free 15-amp circuit is available, you will not need to replace the HVAC system itself.

What signs tell me I should schedule a dehumidifier installation?

Common warning signs include persistent indoor humidity above 55 %, foggy windows, a musty or "damp basement" smell, visible mold on bathroom grout or AC vents, cupping hardwood floors, and allergy or asthma flare-ups when the air conditioner is running. If you notice any of these issues—even after changing filters and servicing the HVAC system—a dedicated dehumidifier is usually the most reliable long-term solution.

How long does the installation take and will my home be without heating or cooling?

A typical whole-home dehumidifier installation in Ten Mile takes 4–6 hours. We begin by sizing the unit (usually 70-130 pints per day), then mount it next to your air handler or in the crawl space, run short duct connections, install a condensate drain to a sump or exterior line, and wire the control to your thermostat or a standalone humidistat. Your HVAC system is shut off only during final duct tie-ins—usually less than 30 minutes—so comfort interruption is minimal.

Will running a dehumidifier increase my electric bill?

A dehumidifier does use additional electricity—roughly the same as a small window AC—but in humid climates it often lowers overall energy costs. By removing latent moisture, your air conditioner no longer has to over-cool the house to feel comfortable, so you can set the thermostat 2–3 °F higher. Most homeowners who keep the thermostat unchanged see a net increase of only $5–$10 per month during peak summer, while gaining better comfort and indoor air quality.

What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require after installation?

1) Replace or rinse the onboard MERV filter every 6–12 months. 2) Clear the condensate drain line at the start of each cooling season. 3) Vacuum the exterior grille and inspect the duct connections for air leaks annually. 4) Have our technician check refrigerant pressures, coils and blower motor during your regular spring or fall HVAC tune-up. With this minimal care, most quality dehumidifiers last 10–15 years in the Ten Mile climate.