Whole-home Dehumidifier

Whole-home Dehumidifier | Dehumidifier Installation | Heating and Air Conditioning | Washburn

Damp basements, musty odors, and sticky summer air don’t stand a chance against HEP’s whole-home dehumidifier solutions. Our licensed HVAC pros tailor each dehumidifier installation to Washburn’s unique climate, integrating it seamlessly with your existing heating and air conditioning system. The result? Balanced humidity that protects wood floors and drywall, curbs mold growth, and helps your AC run more efficiently—so you feel cooler without touching the thermostat.

From the first humidity reading to the final walkthrough, we handle every detail with the same hometown care Washburn families have trusted for decades. Enjoy quieter operation, lower energy bills, and air that simply feels fresher all year long. Ready to breathe easier? Schedule your dehumidifier installation with HEP today and reclaim total comfort in every room.

FAQs

Why should I consider a whole-home dehumidifier for my house in Washburn?

Washburn’s summer climate is often humid because of its proximity to Lake Superior, which can raise indoor moisture levels well above the recommended 30–50 % range. A whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture from every room at once, helping to prevent mold growth, protect wood furnishings, reduce dust-mite populations, and make the air feel cooler so your air conditioner runs less. Homeowners typically notice better indoor-air quality, fewer allergy symptoms, and lower energy bills after installation.

How does a whole-home dehumidifier integrate with my existing heating and air-conditioning system?

The unit is installed in the supply or return plenum of your central HVAC ductwork. As conditioned air passes through, the dehumidifier pulls out moisture and then returns the dried air to the ducts, distributing it throughout the home. The equipment has its own humidistat, so it only operates when indoor humidity rises above your set point. Because it uses the HVAC blower you already have, no additional room units or window outlets are required.

What size or capacity dehumidifier will my Washburn home need?

Sizing depends on two main factors: the square footage of conditioned space and the typical moisture load (number of occupants, lifestyle, basement or crawl-space conditions, etc.). Whole-home units are rated in pints per day; most Washburn homes require 70–120 pints/day, but larger lakefront or multi-story houses may need up to 155 pints/day. Our technician performs a detailed load calculation during the in-home assessment to recommend the right capacity so the system runs efficiently without short-cycling.

What is involved in the installation, and how long does it take?

A standard installation takes about 4–6 hours and includes: 1) mounting the dehumidifier on a stand or hanging it from joists, 2) cutting into the supply/return duct to connect the intake and discharge collars, 3) wiring the unit to a dedicated 120 V outlet or tying it into the furnace’s power, 4) running a PVC condensate drain to a floor drain or condensate pump, and 5) setting and testing the digital humidistat. Our licensed, bonded technicians follow Washburn and North Dakota/Wisconsin (depending on location) mechanical codes and leave the work area clean before they go.

How much maintenance will the system require?

Maintenance is simple. The internal MERV-rated filter should be inspected every 6 months and replaced annually (or sooner in homes with pets or heavy dust). The condensate drain line should be flushed once a year to prevent clogs, and the humidistat calibration checked during your routine HVAC tune-up. Most manufacturers offer 5-year parts warranties, and because the compressor and fan run fewer hours than a portable unit, life expectancy is typically 10–15 years.

What does installation cost and can it save me money?

Turn-key installation in the Washburn area usually ranges from $2,200 to $3,800, depending on capacity, duct modifications, and electrical work needed. Utility savings come from letting you raise your AC thermostat 2–3 °F while feeling just as comfortable; that alone can reduce cooling costs by 5–10 %. Preventing mold remediation, wood-floor warping, and window condensation can save thousands more over the life of the equipment. Many local utilities, including Xcel Energy and Otter Tail Power, offer rebates of $150–$300 for ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifiers—ask us to handle the paperwork for you.