The problem arises when the customer does not know the quantity of water per day that they need removing from the air. So, because the size of the room usually correlates to the amount of water per day that needs removing it is a good idea to simply , consider the size of the area that needs dehumidifying. Most desiccant dehumidifiers state what size of area they are designed for. This correlation should not be the end of your thinking as of course many other factors should be considered such as: temperature and the current humidity level. |
One thing to bear in mind is that it is better to by a desiccant dehumidifier that is too big rather than too small. The dehumidifier that is too small will have to run for longer and will probably wear out quicker. Also having the undersized dehumidifier on all of the time will undoubtedly lead to much higher energy costs. By purchasing the slightly larger dehumidifier you will gain the advantages of: improved humidity, increased longevity of the machine, lower energy bills and of course more efficient dehumidification.
A very common mistake is to think that paying for several smaller units will be as efficient as buying one larger sized dehumidifier. This is simply not the case. Whilst you may save money initially on the outlay your units will simply have to run longer, increase energy usage and wear out sooner. Overall and in the long run you will save money by simply buying the desiccant dehumidifier that is correctly suited to your area.
Another costly mistake is to confuse the differing measurements of capacity. There are two different measures that can easily mislead you. The first is AHAM which is a measure of the dehumidifiers capabilities in dry conditions and the other is called saturation, this measure the desiccant dehumidifers capabilites in 100% humidity conditions. This is like comparing performances in a rainforest and a desert. The packaging often states how much water they can extract from the environment but they don’t always state under what conditions. This is where the confusion arises, make sure you read the small print and take into account the different measure when comparing dehumidifiers. | Don't be mis-led: What does your dessicant dehumidifier capacity measure really mean? |
Furthermore the manufacturer may fail to state how well the machine performs at different temperatures this is particularly important if you are planning a dehumidifier for a basement or crawl space where you know the temperature will be low. What you need to do is look for two measures, for example an AHAM of 75 degrees Fahrenheit at 60% humidity. This then will allow you to accurately compare dehumidifiers.
Another factor not to be overlooked when purchasing a desiccant dehumidifier is whether you wish to have ducting capabilities or not. Not all dehumidifiers have this facility but it is certainly worth looking for. Ducting allows you to:
Force air circulation from the far ends of crawl spaces.
Duct one room to allow aire to be blown into it from another room or the other way around.
Have ducts running through several rooms to allow air to flow through them all at the same time.
When considering how to get rid of the collected water there are three main ways and each model usually uses one of these different methods;
Condensate Pumps. These pumps can allow collected water to be pumped away to a suitable drain either inside or outside of the building. They don’t waste much energy as they only work when there is a need for them too then they switch themselves off.
Gravity drain, as the name suggests water through the force of gravity can be allowed to drain away to a convenient drainage facility however water tends to lack the flow to go great distances and can sit in any upward bends of the pipe.
Buckets/trays. As implied water simply collects in a bucket which then needs emptyingdaily, weekly or monthly depending on environmental factors and desiccant dehumidifier capacity. The emptying process can be awkward especially for the elderly, buckets with wheel may be available aswell.
Electrical Requirements:The majority of desiccant dehumidifiers run off 110-120 volts and do no need any special wiring. Larger industrial dehumidifiers require up to 220 volt s and special wiring that should be done by a professional.
It is worth noting that it is not possible to find a silent desiccant dehumidifier as dehumidifiers generally use a mortised fan which obviously has air passing through it however it is worth trying them out in the ship as some units are noisier than others so it is worth checking especially if it is going to be run in a bedroom.
More features to look out for include: remote controls, humidistat’s, multiple fan speeds, handles, castors, integrated timer, internal condensate pump, stylish finishes.
