Lower Energy Bills

Lower Energy Bills | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Athens

When Athens heat meets Southern humidity, your air conditioner has to work overtime just to keep you comfortable. HEP’s expert dehumidifier installation gives your HVAC system a break by quietly drawing excess moisture from the air, leaving every room cooler, fresher, and far less inviting to mold or allergens. The result is a healthier indoor environment that actually feels several degrees cooler—without dialing down the thermostat.

Because your A/C no longer battles sticky air, it runs shorter, more efficient cycles, translating into noticeably lower energy bills all year long. Our licensed technicians size and integrate your new unit seamlessly with your existing heating and cooling equipment, then walk you through simple maintenance tips so the savings keep coming. Ready to breathe easier and spend less? Call HEP today and enjoy Athens comfort on a leaner energy budget.

FAQs

How does installing a whole-home dehumidifier lower my energy bills in Athens?

Athens is known for long, muggy summers in which relative humidity regularly climbs above 70 %. High moisture levels make indoor air feel warmer, so residents often set the thermostat lower just to stay comfortable. A whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture before the air reaches your living spaces. When the air is drier, most people are comfortable at a higher thermostat setting—typically 2-4 °F higher—which can cut cooling energy use by 10-15 %. Because the air conditioner no longer has to run as long to wring out humidity, you also reduce compressor run-time, extending the life of the system and trimming peak-demand electricity charges that are common in Georgia during summer afternoons.

Will a dehumidifier work with my existing HVAC system?

Yes. Whole-home dehumidifiers are designed to integrate with nearly any forced-air heating and cooling system, including heat pumps, gas furnaces with central AC coils, and variable-speed equipment. The installer ties the dehumidifier into the return plenum or uses a dedicated return so that humid air is routed through the dehumidifier before reaching the air handler. Conditioned, drier air is then supplied back into the ductwork. Modern units have on-board humidistats and can communicate with smart thermostats (e.g., Ecobee, Nest, Honeywell). This coordination prevents the AC and dehumidifier from running at cross-purposes and guarantees that the system only operates when indoor humidity exceeds your setpoint (usually 45-50 %).

What size dehumidifier do I need for my Athens home?

Sizing is based on two main factors: the home’s square footage and its latent moisture load (caused by climate, infiltration, and occupant activities). As a rule of thumb, most 1,800-2,400 ft² Athens homes need a 70-95 pint-per-day unit, while larger or draftier homes may require a 120-pint model. During a free estimate, our technician measures indoor RH levels, evaluates duct leakage, and performs a Manual J latent load calculation. Correct sizing is critical—an undersized unit will short-cycle and leave the home clammy, whereas an oversized unit wastes energy and can over-dry materials like hardwood floors.

How much does professional dehumidifier installation cost and are there incentives in Athens?

For most homes the installed price ranges from $1,800 to $3,000, depending on capacity, ductwork complexity, and whether a dedicated condensate pump or drain has to be added. Variable-speed, Wi-Fi-enabled models sit at the higher end of the range. Georgia Power currently offers up to $250 in rebates for adding qualifying whole-home dehumidification as part of an HVAC efficiency upgrade, and Athens-Clarke County residents may be eligible for low-interest financing through the ACC Sustainability Office. We handle all rebate paperwork and will point you toward any federal tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act’s 25C provisions.

What maintenance does a whole-home dehumidifier require?

Maintenance is straightforward and can coincide with your spring or fall HVAC tune-up. Core tasks include: • Replacing or washing the dehumidifier’s air filter every 3-6 months. • Verifying that the condensate drain line is clear of algae and debris. • Inspecting the refrigerant coil and blower wheel for dust buildup. • Checking the humidistat calibration and firmware updates on smart models. Most homeowners spend less than 10 minutes a month on upkeep, yet proper maintenance preserves efficiency and prevents musty odors or overflow issues.

How quickly will I notice comfort and energy-saving benefits after installation?

Improvements are almost immediate. The dehumidifier will start lowering RH within the first hour of operation, and most homes reach the target 45-50 % level within 24 hours. Residents typically report that rooms feel cooler, bedsheets feel fresher, and odors linked to mold or pets diminish in the first week. On the billing side, you should see a measurable drop on your next full electric bill—especially during the July-September peak period—as the air conditioner’s runtime falls. Our follow-up data logging shows an average 12 % reduction in cooling kilowatt-hours among Athens customers within the first season.