Existing HVAC Equipment
Existing HVAC Equipment | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Pigeon Forge
When the Smoky Mountain mist settles over Pigeon Forge, it can sneak right into your home, turning cozy rooms into damp, muggy spaces. HEP’s seasoned HVAC team knows how humidity stresses your heating and cooling equipment, invites mold, and makes everything feel warmer than it really is. By pairing your existing system with a precision-matched dehumidifier installation, we create a balanced indoor climate that feels fresher, smells cleaner, and costs less to condition year-round.
Our licensed technicians evaluate your current furnace, heat pump, or central air unit, then integrate a high-performance dehumidifier that works in harmony with the equipment you already have. The result is quieter operation, longer system life, and true Appalachian comfort—no more sticky floors or fogged windows, just crisp, breathable air that lets you relax after a day at Dollywood or along the Parkway. Call HEP today and discover how effortless whole-home dryness can be.
FAQs
Why would I need a whole-home dehumidifier in Pigeon Forge if my air conditioner already removes moisture?
During the long, muggy summers in the Smoky Mountains, the air conditioner in your existing HVAC system removes some humidity but its primary job is cooling. High outdoor moisture levels often overwhelm the AC’s limited dehumidification capacity, leaving indoor air feeling sticky and uncomfortable, encouraging mold growth, and forcing the AC to run longer. A dedicated whole-home dehumidifier pulls additional pints of water from the air, keeps relative humidity in the ideal 45–55 % range, helps prevent musty odors and wood warping, and lets you raise the thermostat a few degrees while still feeling comfortable—often reducing overall cooling costs.
Can a dehumidifier be added to my current heating and air conditioning equipment without major renovations?
Yes. We install the dehumidifier in the return plenum or in a parallel bypass configuration, connect it to your existing ductwork, run a dedicated drain line to your condensate pump or floor drain, and add a 120- or 240-volt electrical circuit as needed. Because we use the ducts already in place, there is usually no need to open walls or ceilings. Most retrofits take four to eight hours and your HVAC system remains operational for most of that time.
How will a dehumidifier affect my monthly energy bills?
A properly sized whole-home dehumidifier typically costs 8–15 ¢ per hour to operate, but it lets you set the thermostat 2–4 °F higher and shortens air-conditioner run times. In many Pigeon Forge homes we see net energy savings of 5–10 % during peak summer months. Lower humidity also reduces strain on the compressor and blower motor, which can extend the life of your HVAC equipment and cut down on repair costs.
What capacity dehumidifier is right for my Pigeon Forge home?
Sizing depends on the home’s square footage, the number of occupants, the amount of air infiltration, and moisture sources such as crawlspaces or indoor spas. Most single-family homes in Sevier County require units rated between 70 and 120 pints per day. We perform an on-site load calculation, use ACCA Manual LLH guidelines, and measure indoor and outdoor dew-point levels to recommend the correct model so you avoid under- or over-sizing.
What maintenance will my new whole-home dehumidifier need?
Maintenance is simple. Replace or clean the dehumidifier’s MERV-8 or MERV-11 filter every 3–6 months, rinse the coil with a non-acidic cleaner once a year, and flush the drain line each spring to prevent clogs. During your annual HVAC tune-up, our technician will also check the blower wheel, humidistat calibration, and refrigerant charge (for refrigerant-based units). Most manufacturers warrant their units for 5 years when these routine tasks are documented.
How long does installation take and will it disrupt my daily routine?
A typical whole-home dehumidifier installation in Pigeon Forge takes one business day or less. We schedule a convenient arrival time, protect floors with drop cloths, and isolate our work area in the mechanical room, crawlspace, or attic. Your HVAC system may be shut off for 30–60 minutes while we tie into the ductwork, but the rest of your home remains comfortable and fully accessible. Before we leave, we walk you through the controls, register the warranty, and clean up all packaging and debris.