Indoor Air Quality
Indoor Air Quality | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Rockwood
When summer humidity turns your Rockwood home into a sticky sauna, HEP’s indoor air quality heating and air conditioning team is ready to help you breathe easier. Our seasoned technicians evaluate every nook and cranny—from crawlspaces to attic ducts—to design a solution that quietly removes excess moisture, curbs mold growth, and keeps your HVAC system running at peak efficiency. The result is a crisp, comfortable living space where wood floors stay flat, fabrics feel fresh, and allergy symptoms take a back seat.
Choose HEP for your dehumidifier installation and gain the peace of mind that comes with industry-leading equipment, transparent up-front pricing, and a workmanship guarantee backed by decades of local experience. Call or click today, and discover why so many Rockwood homeowners trust HEP to keep their comfort perfectly balanced all year long.
FAQs
Why is a whole-home dehumidifier important for homes in Rockwood?
Rockwood’s Tennessee Valley location sees long, humid summers and shoulder seasons when moisture levels regularly exceed 60 % RH (relative humidity). Excess humidity makes your air feel warmer than the thermostat setting, encourages mold and dust-mite growth, and can warp wood floors and furnishings. A whole-home dehumidifier ties into your supply/return ductwork and automatically maintains 45-50 % RH throughout the house, protecting your health, comfort, and property far more effectively than portable room units.
How can I tell if my house needs a dehumidifier?
Common warning signs include musty odors, fogging windows, clammy air even when the A/C is running, visible mold spots on walls or vents, or family members experiencing allergy flare-ups indoors. You can also measure RH with an inexpensive hygrometer; readings that stay above 50 % for several hours a day indicate the need for moisture control. During our in-home evaluation we perform a load calculation and moisture audit to confirm whether a dedicated dehumidifier will solve the issue or if other envelope or HVAC improvements are advisable.
Will a dehumidifier work with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?
Yes. We install whole-home dehumidifiers in parallel with your existing HVAC air handler or furnace. The unit draws moist air from the return plenum, removes water, and sends the dried, slightly warmed air back into the supply side. Because it has its own fan and humidistat, it runs only when humidity is high, independent of your heating or cooling calls. Most systems integrate seamlessly with popular smart thermostats so you can monitor humidity from the same app you already use.
What size dehumidifier does my house need?
Sizing is based on square footage, typical occupancy, duct layout, and infiltration rate, not just climate zone. During our visit we apply ACCA Manual S guidelines and reference AHAM-rated pints-per-day removal capacities. In Rockwood, a 2,000 ft² tight, newer home usually needs a 70–90 ppd unit, while an older, leakier structure of the same size may require 95–120 ppd. Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing fails to control moisture, so professional load calculation is key.
What maintenance is required after installation?
Whole-home dehumidifiers are low-maintenance. You’ll need to: 1) replace or clean the internal MERV-rated filter every 6–12 months, 2) verify the condensate line or pump is clear, and 3) keep the grille areas free of dust. During our annual HVAC tune-up we inspect the coil, calibrate the humidistat, clean the drain pan, and check refrigerant pressures. Most manufacturers offer 5-year parts warranties and expect a 12–15 year service life with routine care.
Can a dehumidifier lower my energy bills?
Yes. By removing latent heat (moisture) from the air, a dehumidifier lets you raise the thermostat 2-3 °F while feeling just as cool, trimming A/C run time by up to 15 %. It also reduces the load on your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which can extend equipment life and cut service calls. Although the dehumidifier itself uses electricity, the net effect in Rockwood’s humidity-heavy climate is typically a 5–10 % reduction in annual cooling costs along with significant comfort and health benefits.